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Member News | Edition 4
Member Spotlight | Patrick Lawrence, First Step
The story of First Step began in 2000, at the height of fatal heroin overdoses in Melbourne. Philanthropists Peter and Lindy White, passionate about providing alternative support for people experiencing heroin addiction, saw a home detox model in Perth that used medication to assist recovery. Inspired, they purchased 42 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, to establish what would become First Step.
“Right from the beginning, it was a very flexible model,” says CEO Patrick Lawrence. “The detox was low cost—a couple of hundred dollars—and appointments for Opioid Replacement Treatment (ORT) were bulk billed. It’s always been the First Step model: low threshold, accessible care for anyone.”
Patrick came to First Step from an unlikely background—as a classical pianist. “I’d heard about this quirky little place detoxing people off heroin on mattresses on the floor,” he recalls. “They said they needed volunteers—no experience necessary. I remember saying to myself, if I don’t go today, I’ll never go. One week later, I was a Thursday regular, making beds, chicken sandwiches,
flyers—unskilled stuff.”
It was the start of a 21-year journey.
In 2004, First Step received a grant to run a structured volunteer program, Secondary Caring, and offered Patrick the role of Volunteer Coordinator. “That’s where I began to understand how complex addiction is—how it connects to trauma and co-occurring mental illness,” he says.
Over the years, First Step experimented with integrated care, but its most significant breakthrough came under Patrick’s leadership, winning a PHN-funded tender for mental health integrated complex care. The funding enabled the organisation to employ mental health nurses and care coordinators, supporting ORT patients with comprehensive, wraparound care.
Within the boardroom today, you have a doctor, care coordinator, lawyer, mental health nurse, admin person—all talking about one client at a time. It lets us honour true person-centred care, where the client tells us what they need. That’s how the magic happens—the care people want, from one team in one place.”
First Step operates a fully accredited community legal centre, First Step Legal, co-located on its premises. Established with philanthropic funding support in 2010, it stands as one of the very few community legal services within a health practice in Australia. “It was unique then, it is still unique today.”
Half of First Step's clients today are still seeking help for opioid use. “First Step is not strictly speaking in the AOD sector, or the mental health sector or general medicine; our goal is to meet co-occurring needs, it just happens that 90% of clients present with an AOD issue. We might be the only connection some people have with a health service.”
“It's very rare that we lose someone at First Step to self-harm, really rare. But when we do, we take consolation that they found this place, even if they died when they shouldn’t have; they found a place where they could go, where they felt love and trust, and that’s hugely important.”
This year marks First Step’s 25th Anniversary. With a beautiful new building at 18 Mitford Street, St Kilda and a range of events planned to celebrate staff, volunteers and partners who have supported more than 26,000 clients over this time, according to Patrick, "First Step’s impact won’t be complete until other organisations adopt primarily integrated models. That combination of medical, mental health and AOD care is still very rare.”
Member update | Turning Point
Turning Point celebrates 30 years and recognition as a Centre of Excellence
Turning Point recently celebrated 30 years of impact — three decades dedicated to transforming lives and systems through innovation in clinical services, research, and education.
Reflecting on the milestone, Executive Clinical Director Professor Dan Lubman acknowledged Professor Margaret Hamilton’s founding vision for a centre that integrates care, learning, and discovery.
“She envisioned a centre of excellence, bringing together clinical services, research, and education to transform both lives and systems… Their collective contribution is what we celebrate today.”
Eastern Health has also recognised Turning Point as its first Centre of Excellence, a status outlined in its 2023–2025 Strategic Plan. The designation acknowledges Turning Point’s outstanding reach, depth, and quality of care.
Congratulations to Turning Point on this remarkable achievement.
Turning Point's 30-year Celebration
TP's recognition as a Centre for Excellence
Founding director Prof Margaret Hamilton AO with Executive Clinical Director Prof Dan Lubman AM
Member Update | Thorne Harbour Health
Simon Ruth departs Thorne Harbour Health for Wayss, Kent Burgess stands in as Interim CEO
After 12 years at Thorne Harbour Health, Simon Ruth will be stepping down as CEO from November.
Shortly after joining the (then) Victorian AIDS Council in 2013 as the Director of Services, Simon was appointed CEO and went on to transition the organisation from leading the community response to HIV in Melbourne to supporting the broader health needs of LGBTIQ+ communities in Victoria, South Australia and beyond as Thorne Harbour Health.
While the recruitment process for the next CEO has already begun, former Director of Services (2014-2018) Kent Burgess will be returning to the organisation as Interim CEO as Simon Ruth undertakes the CEO role at Wayss - supporting people at risk of or experiencing family violence, housing insecurity or homelessness in Melbourne’s southeast.
Member Update | Windana
Windana has appointment Mel Thomson as the Chief Operating Officer
We're excited to share the appointment of Mel Thomson as Windana's ongoing Chief Operating Officer.
Since stepping into this critical role in June, Mel has led the Operations team with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. Mel's deep knowledge, experience and positive energy will ensure Windana is best placed to continue delivering the high-quality and impactful services we are known for, and advocating for positive change.
"I am truly excited to step into this role and to be a part of Windana's journey ahead," says Mel. "I am thankful for the opportunity to bring our values to life and am looking forward to supporting our fantastic teams," she said.
Member Update | cohealth
cohealth ceases GP services at Collingwood, Fitzroy and Kensington
Amid ongoing funding pressures across community health, cohealth — one of Australia’s largest providers — has announced it will close GP services at three of its clinics by year’s end, as reported by the ABC.
CEO Nicole Bartholomeusz said several compounding issues made it impossible to sustain services.
“We are funded for standard care, but we’re servicing extraordinary need”.
The Department of Health and North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network has met with cohealth to identify possible solutions to improve financial sustainability, including through maximising MBS [Medicare Benefits Schedule] billing.
This closure will see an increase in pressure on Emergency medical departments, who are already struggling with high volumes.
Member update | Odyssey Victoria
Mallee based Residential Rehab designs have been released
In conjunction with Sunraysia Community Health, Mildura Base Public Hospital and Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Odyssey Victoria will be partnering to operate a Mallee-based Residential Rehab. Designs for the new facility have been released.
The facility will make it easier for people across the Mallee to access treatment for alcohol and other drug use closer to home. The designs were shaped in consultation with health services, staff, consumers and the broader community to provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for those seeking treatment.
Member update | WRAD Health
Birthday Fundraising Dinner
WRAD Health is holding a birthday fundraising dinner to celebrate and support the future of local healthcare on Thursday 13 November 2025 in Warrnambool
On the night you’ll enjoy:
- A gourmet two-course meal
- A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival
- Live entertainment
- Raffles & auctions
- Some drinks provided
Tickets are $100 per person and every dollar raised goes directly back into improving healthcare services for South-West Victoria —
including bulk-billing GP, mental health, alcohol and other drug support, family & loved ones' support, youth outreach and more.
Book now by calling (03) 5564 5777 or call in to the office.
Member update | Holstep Health
Carer Gateway - Holstep Health launched the Inaugural Carer Industry Forum, where carers shared powerful stories with health leaders that gave a real understanding of their experiences and challenges.
- Together, they are taking steps to:
- Make support easier to access
- Help services work better together
- Improve support for carers
If you’re a carer, Carer Gateway provides free support and services, especially for you. Call 1800 422 737 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) or visit carergateway.gov.au to find out more.
Member update | ACSO
ACSO to Launch a New Client Management System
ACSO has commenced a project to retire its existing client management system, Penelope, and transition to Community Care by KPMG. The new system will introduce a purpose-built portal to streamline the management of treatment referrals following Forensic AOD Assessments. Service providers will benefit from individual dashboards, improved security with one-time passcodes, and enhanced visibility of referral progress. Resources and training will be available to support the transition, with the rollout anticipated in late November.
Events Calendar and Jobs Board
There are currently 64 events on the VAADA Events Calendar for October. VAADA members have exclusive access to post events.
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There are currently 9 jobs on the VAADA Jobs Board. VAADA members have exclusive access to advertise jobs.
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