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Member News | Edition 7
Member Spotlight | Cath Williams, ACSO
Cath first came to the AOD sector over 20 years ago when working for the Commonwealth Government managing AOD service contracts in Victoria. This included the NGO TGP grants program and the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative. Cath then moved to the State Government managing AOD treatment delivery and performance. Through this Cath found her passion for working with people experiencing disadvantage.
“AOD has always been just that, the ambulance at the bottom of the hill that all the other systems have failed, with AOD agencies picking up people at the worst times of their lives. I found my tribe, when I moved into the AOD sector.”
Cath joined the Department of Health just after the 2011 VAGO report that recommended significant change was needed for the AOD sector. The 2014 recommissioning of AOD treatment services was the end product of that.
“The objective was to try and coordinate care across the sector in a more integrated way. There were over 130 individual contracts with AOD treatment agencies pre-recommissioning. The hope was to streamline that, to ensure people had access to coordinated care in whichever part of Victoria they lived in. Not sure we really achieved that in the full sense.”
Concurrently, the VADC project was running to move services away from what was previously not an overly accurate information management system for capturing data about what was happening in the drug and alcohol treatment sector.
“If I had my time again you would set up the digital infrastructure first before trying to roll out a major reform which relied on agencies having integrated communication across catchments. That's partly where the reform fell down.”
Cath has been at ACSO for the last seven years. ACSO run a range of justice-related community support and reintegration programs, including Victorian statewide AOD intake, assessment, referral, and brokerage service (mandated) for forensic clients in contact, or at risk of contact, with the criminal justice system. In recent years, ACSO has expanded into New South Wales and Queensland, and now runs reintegration services statewide in Queensland.
ACSO was founded in 1984 by Stan McCormick, known as the Gentleman Bank Robber. “He was very polite when holding up banks.”
“When Stan left prison, he saw the dearth of services available for people exiting prison and the real need to provide on the ground supports. ACSO was set up as a drop-in centre where people coming out of prison could get support in finding housing and employment. These are the same challenges people coming out of prison face today.”
“How does someone work on their mental health issues or their AOD issues if they don't have stable housing. That’s why we see high recidivism rates, people churning in and out of prison.”
Cath reflects on the people who work at ACSO and how passionate and committed the organisation is to social justice and inclusion.
“The passion that I see in the staff every day is just amazing. They have such a passion for trying to help people make changes and better choices in their lives. We don't shy away from challenges or trying new things and we will never say no to working with a client. There's no one that we will ever turn away – we just need to make sure the work is resourced properly or adapted to undertake safely.”
“I think Stan would be very proud.”
Member Update | First Step
First Step Futures Forum
A Huge Success!
Last Wednesday, First Step hosted its Futures Forum, bringing together leaders from VACCHO, Orygen, and SHARC to share their hopes and long-term vision for Victoria’s alcohol and other drug and mental health sectors.
The Forum was well received and marked by a powerful sense of optimism.
VAADA was proud to support this important event and thanks First Step for the opportunity to be involved. We look forward to the forthcoming transcript and White Paper, which will provide valuable insights for the sector, government and media. We encourage members to follow First Step’s channels for further updates.
Member update | WRAD Health
WRAD Health CEO Mark Powell Transitions to New Role at Barwon Health
VAADA acknowledges Mark Powell’s announcement and his forthcoming transition from WRAD Health to a new role in dual diagnosis at Barwon Health.
We extend our appreciation to Mark for his leadership and ongoing commitment to the AOD sector. VAADA also recognises the strength, skill and dedication of the WRAD team and the important work they continue to deliver for the community across South West Victoria.
We wish Mark every success in his new role and offer our support to WRAD through this period of change.
Member update | Family Drug Support
You are invited to International Family Drug Support Day
International Family Drug Support Day aims to reduce stigma and discrimination regarding problematic drug use in families, and raise the importance of carers in drug policy discussions. When families are given education, awareness and tips on coping and keeping safe, the outcome for everyone is improved.
The theme for this year is “see the person, not the drug.”
You will hear from families about their lived experience, from experts in policy and harm reduction and enjoy a light lunch and connection.
📅 When: 24 February 2026
⌚ Time: 11:00am - 1:30pm
📍 Where: Committee Room (LCCRR), Parliament House, Spring St, Melbourne
VAADA is proud to support International Family Drug Support Day.
Member Update | Thorne Harbour Health
Thorne Harbour Health Welcomes New CEO
Congratulations to Chad Hughes for his appointment as CEO of Thorne Harbour Health.
Chad has more than 25 years’ experience in global and community health, and has worked internationally to deliver public health programs focused on HIV, drug and alcohol harm reduction, and LGBTIQA+ health.
We look forward to working with Chad.
Member Update | Western Health
Western Health Drug Health Services Relocation Update
Western Health Drug Health Services will relocate all Footscray based outpatient and residential services from Eleanor Street to the new Footscray Hospital at 89 Ballarat Road from 19 February. The purpose-built facility will offer a modern environment for clients and staff, including 16 residential withdrawal beds, addiction medicine clinics, counselling, and care and recovery services.
The central phone number (03 8345 6682) and staff email addresses will remain unchanged.
Looking ahead, additional services will be established at the Saltwater Clinic from April 2026, expanding community-based AOD and mental health support. Services at 49 Nicholson Street will continue to operate as usual.
Member update | Project Sunrise
New Funding Announced for Project Sunrise to Support African Communities
The Victorian Government has announced new funding to strengthen early intervention mental health support for young Victorians. As part of this investment, additional resources will be used for at‑risk youth services including support for Project Sunrise.
Project Sunrise is a specialist, culturally appropriate, and tailored alcohol and other drug initiative supporting young Victorians aged 12–34 from African communities along with their families.
Project Sunrise is a consortia of Odyssey Victoria, African Australian Welfare Bureau, the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre and Youth Support and Advocacy Services.
Member update | Jesuit Social Services
Jesuit Social Services Release Their 2026-27 Victorian Pre-Budget Submission
Jesuit Social Services are pleased to share their 2026–27 Victorian Pre-Budget Submission. Drawing on almost 50 years of experience supporting people experiencing disadvantage, the submission highlights the importance of investing in evidence-based prevention and early intervention to break cycles of harm and reduce long-term social and economic costs.
The recommendations focus on addressing the drivers of youth offending, working with men and boys to prevent violence, strengthening supports for people with complex needs, housing insecurity and climate vulnerability. Recognising current fiscal pressures, the submission prioritises scaling up proven programs that deliver strong community outcomes.
Member update | HACSU
Get Ready for the 2026 HACSU Women's Forum
Join HACSU in celebrating International Women's Day at the annual HACSU Women's Forum. This free event is an opportunity for the women of HACSU to come together, learn about their history, look towards their future, and gain new skills in organising.
This year's theme is Balance the Scales and will include workshops, campaigning updates, and presentations.
📅 When: Tuesday 3 March
⌚ Time: 9:00am for a 9:30am start
📍 Where: Rydges Hotel, 186 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Member update | Neami National
Neami National Release Their 2026-27 Pre Budget Submission
VAADA is pleased to share the 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission from Neami National. The submission highlights ongoing pressures on Australia’s mental health system, driven by chronic underinvestment in community-based psychosocial supports.
Neami’s submission calls for a shift from short-term, crisis-focused funding to long-term, preventative investment informed by lived experience and service evidence. It outlines practical reforms to improve outcomes, strengthen the workforce, and deliver sustainable, community-based support.
Member update | Your Community Health
New Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Opened in Northcote
The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Northcote supports people of all ages with urgent, but not life-threatening health concerns. It offers free, high-quality care for a wide range of minor but urgent injuries and illnesses. Pathology and imaging services are located close by if needed.
Everyone is welcome, with or without a Medicare card. Care is bulk billed, so there is no cost for your visit, but some services – such as pathology – may have fees.
Opening days and hours:
Open 8am-10pm 7 days per week, including public holidays.
The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic Northcote is located at:
42 Separation Street Northcote VIC 3070
(entrance via the back of the building on Balgonie Place)
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