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Edition 27 | April 2025
Dear Colleagues,
With the Federal Election set for the 3rd May, it is an important time for us all to be participating in the democratic process by exercising our right to vote. For the alcohol and other drug sector, the Federal Election falls at a crucial time, with the Inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia lapsing following the dissolution of Parliament, while the current 10 year National Drug Strategy moves closer to its conclusion in 2026. VAADA has sought to ensure that AOD issues remain on the agenda of Federal candidates by inviting a broad cross-section of the political spectrum to share their vision for the next National Drug Strategy at a Candidates Forum on the 3rd of April. We thank Ged Kearney, Tara Burnett, Fiona Patten and Jordan Dittloff for their willingness to speak with our members and supporters on their vision to address the challenges and impacts of alcohol and other drug use across the Australian community.
VAADA continues to shine a light on the strong correlation between alcohol and other drugs and intersecting systems of care. Our recently published paper Mental Health Presentations in the AOD Sector, confirms long held anecdotal evidence that people presenting for alcohol and drug treatment in Victoria do so with very high levels of mental illness and psychological distress. While reform of Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system continues to recommend that outcomes for people living with co-occurring mental illness and substance use be improved, significant limitations continue to prevail at the service and systems level to appropriately achieve the integration of AOD and mental health supports. VAADA’s findings include that an astonishing amount of unfunded work is done by the AOD sector in supporting people in mental health crisis, which is conservatively estimated at 200,000 hours per year. With the draft Victorian AOD Strategy continuing to prioritise the integration of care and systems, I remain hopeful that the vision of the Royal Commission can still be achieved.
The report of the Legislative Assembly Legal and Social Issues Committee Inquiry into capturing data on people using family violence in Victoria has brought into sharp focus why I have been genuinely aggrieved by the loss of family violence AOD sector capacity funding this financial year. VAADA is acknowledged multiple times in the final report, both through its written submission and oral evidence. On page 128, we emphasise the importance of multi‑sector collaboration and family violence information sharing (to) help meet the needs of people who use family violence (and) to promote behaviour change and manage risk. At a time when the Victorian Government has committed through National Cabinet to prioritise action on alcohol as part of enhanced family violence prevention approaches, it is unacceptable for the Victorian AOD peak to be defunded. We will continue to work with the Victorian Government on resolving this matter in the interests of our sector and the Victorian women and children who continue face risks to safety as a result of the high prevalence of family violence that involves alcohol and other drugs.
Chris Christoforou
Chief Executive Officer
Contents
- VAADA Updates | Integrated care report | Save the date for the SPC! | Win a ticket to the ADF conference
- Family Violence | Legal and Social Issues Committee - report findings
- Workforce Development | See the latest on Elevate!
- From our Members
- Sector News
- Research, Reports and Submissions
- Sector Events
- Employment Opportunities
VAADA Updates
VAADA is pleased to release its latest report: Mental Health Presentations in the AOD Sector
This report, drawing on data provided by the Victorian alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector and correlated against data from the Victorian Agency for Health Information, confirms long held anecdotal evidence, that people presenting for alcohol and drug treatment in Victoria do so with very high levels of mental illness and psychological distress.
Despite this, significant limitations continue to prevail at the service delivery and systems level to appropriately achieve the integration of AOD and mental health supports as recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
VAADA thanks agencies, clinicians and service users who gave their time to inform the findings of this report.
VAADA Supports Cannabis Law Reform for Victoria
VAADA welcomes the Legal and Social Issues Committee report following its Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023.
The report confirms the feedback and expert views on the Bill that was initially proposed by Legalise Cannabis Victoria in 2023.
The recommendations call for a modest change to the legal landscape as it relates to the personal use of cannabis, in line with an increasingly pragmatic and evidence-based approaches towards decriminalising cannabis use around the world.
We are excited to announce the upcoming Victorian AOD Service Providers Conference
SAVE THE DATE
Friday June 20 2025
More information on this years' Service Providers Conference will be provided shortly.
Stay informed by subscribing to our ENEWS for the latest updates.
An EBA for the AOD sector?
Historically, the AOD sector has been poorly remunerated. Poor remuneration makes the AOD sector less attractive as an employer and increases the risk of staff leaving in favour of better-paying jobs.
VAADA, alongside the Health and Community Service Union (HACSU) and the Australian Services Union (ASU) are hosting an online forum on Monday, 7 April 2025 to discuss the potential to establish an AOD Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA).
Join us to learn more about EBAs, supported bargaining and the potential for an EBA to improve wages and conditions for Victorian AOD workers. This information session is an opportunity for the sector to ask questions and discuss concerns as we consider the pathways and possibilities of an AOD EBA.
Regional Workforce Development Forum - Shepparton
On Tuesday 1st April, VAADA, in collaboration with local services and supported by Murray PHN, hosted an Alcohol and Other Drugs Service Providers Forum in Shepparton. The event attracted 55 attendees from organisations across the region.
The forum featured a presentation by Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann, who discussed the rise of novel psychoactive substances in Australia and the challenges for drug surveillance and public health. We also heard from Timothy Ridgeway, ADHD Coach and AOD Clinician, who facilitated an engaging workshop on supporting clients with ADHD.
With ample networking opportunities throughout the day, participants were able to connect with colleagues, learn from experts, and contribute valuable insights to the discussions. We are looking forward to our next regional forum in Mildura on June 11th this year.
Win a Free Ticket to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) Prevention in Place Conference 2025!
VAADA is pleased to offer one lucky winner a free two-day ticket to the Prevention in Place Conference 2025, taking place on May 6-7 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This year’s conference, hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, focuses on using place-based approaches to tackle disadvantage and improve wellbeing.
Want to attend? Tell us in 25 words or less what you will gain from attending the conference.
Open Letter
VAADA joined the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and 91 other organisations including ACCOs, community services, peak bodies and the legal sector in an open letter ‘Bail Saves Lives: Poccum’s Law is the Way Forward’, against bail reforms in
Victoria.
VAADA strongly condemn the knee-jerk bail law changes that were approved by Parliament. Evidence tells us this will lead to the continuing overincarceration and criminalisation of Aboriginal communities and other communities, including people who are criminalised because of their substance use.
Granting bail saves lives. It is shameful that following the tragic passing of Veronica Nelson our elected officials have made a hasty u-turn, ignoring the evidence and recommendations from the Coroner and the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Meet VAADA's Newest Staff Member | Sarah O'Donnell
Sarah O'Donnell is the newest member of the VAADA team. Sarah is responsible for providing executive support to the CEO and governance support to the Board of Directors.
Originally from the UK, Sarah studied English Literature at Liverpool John Moores University. She has a diverse administrative background spanning the corporate and for purpose sector. Welcome to VAADA Sarah!
Family Violence
Legal and Social Issues Committee | Inquiry into capturing data on people who use family violence in Victoria
Final Report Published
The final report contains 71 findings and 61 recommendations that focus on how the Victorian Government can achieve a more holistic understanding of people using family violence. This includes considering improvements to current data collection, linkage and sharing and what else is needed to build knowledge about the perpetration of family violence.
The Legal and Social Issues Committee report makes multiple findings and recommendations about the intersection of alcohol and other drugs and family violence noting the co-occurrence of substance use and family violence and calling for improved cross-sector collaboration. This includes:
- Aligning AOD and Family Violence databases to reduce silos.
- Embedding family violence risk screening within AOD assessment tools
- Ensuring the AOD Strategy aligns with the family violence reform framework.
- Continued MARAM, FVISS, and CISS implementation in AOD settings to enhance identification and response capacity.
Workforce Development
Elevate Training Now Open for Enrolment :
Youth Brief Intervention
Date: Wednesday 25 June
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Location: Online
Learn how to provide effective brief intervention to support young people and explore creative and tailored ways to meet the needs of young people experiencing AOD issues.
Learning Objectives:
- What are and when can we use AOD Brief Interventions with young people.
- Experiential and novel approaches to supporting young people experiencing AOD issue.
- Exploring creative and tailored ways to meet the needs of young people experiencing AOD issues
Check out these free e-learnings offered on Elevate:
Intersectional Practice
(Doing Difference Differently)
This course will help AOD workers understand what intersectionality is and isn’t, the concept of power and harnessing power, and help you apply an intersectional framework to your AOD practice.
We have a number of self-paced learnings that is aimed at enhancing your knowledge and skills in working with co-occurring AOD and mental health presentations.
An Introduction to Understanding Eating Disorders
Autism, substance use and addiction
Working with people with ADHD and SUD
From Our Members
Kent Burgess announced as Windana’s new CEO
Robyn Batten AM, Windana Board Chair announced that Kent Burgess has been appointed as the new CEO of Windana, joining the organisation on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
“The Windana Board and I are thrilled to have Kent join the Windana team in this critical leadership role,” Robyn said. “Kent brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience within the community health, alcohol and drug, mental health, HIV and LGBTIQ+ health sectors.”
Di Nally will continue as Windana’s Acting CEO until Tuesday 6 May 2025.
Official Launch of Access Health and Community Richmond
On Wednesday 26 March Access Health and Community officially moved into their new facility at 21-31 Goodwood Street, Richmond.
Congratulations, we are looking forward to visiting the new space!
Drug Checking Report from Hardmission Festival 2025
On 8th February 2025, the Victorian Drug Checking Service operated at Hardmission music festival in Werribee, Victoria.
- They analysed 80 samples.
- They has health and harm reduction conversations with 103 people.
- 55 respondents consented to them sharing aggregate demographic information.
- In 79% of samples, they detected only the drug that was expected.
- In 12% of samples the expected drug was not known.
- In 1% of samples their was a mix of the expected and unexpected drug.
- In 8% of samples their was an unexpected drug only.
Model of Care for Victorian Workers: AOD Sector Feedback Forum
Odyssey Victoria, 360Edge, the Victorian Workers Health and Wellbeing Foundation (VWHWF), and Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) have been funded by the Victorian Department of Health to develop Models of Care to support Victorian Workers through Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and gambling residential rehabilitation, outpatient support, and outreach programs.
The Victorian AOD sector is invited to attend an online forum on the 22 April 2025, to learn about the development of the draft Models of Care and to provide feedback on critical elements to help ensure they are fit for purpose.
Date: Tuesday 22nd April
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Online
New Pharmacotherapy Grants Program
The Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt has announced the roll out of the new pharmacotherapy grants program to make addiction treatment more accessible. Until now, pharmacotherapy services have largely been provided by GPs, nurse practitioners and state-funded clinics across Victoria – making these new grants for community health services a critical tool in filling service gaps by providing these services where they are needed most.
Congratulations to the 15 community health services across Victoria that have been announced as recipients, including VAADA Members: Barwon Health, Bendigo Community Health Services, DPV Health, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Peninsula Health, Western Health, Your Community Health.
This initiative will help up to 1,500 more Victorians access the treatment they need, part of a larger $95 million plan to reduce drug harm.
Email us to add an article to the "From our Members" section
(To find out if your organisation is a VAADA Member click here)
Sector News
DRUG ALERT Heroin Sold as Cocaine or Methamphetamine
The Victorian Department of Health (DH) has issued a Drug Advisory on Heroin sold as cocaine or methamphetamine.
Two people have recently required emergency care because they experienced heroin overdose after using what they thought was cocaine or methamphetamine. Specialised blood tests showed evidence of heroin as well as the intended drugs. This means heroin may be mixed into cocaine or methamphetamine (‘adulteration’) or mis-sold as these drugs (‘substitution’).
Know the signs of opioid overdose and carry naloxone
If you experience toxic drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).
Yoorrook Justice Commission Walk for Truth
Yoorrook Justice Commission invites you to be part of the Walk for Truth from Portland to Parliament.
Everyone is invited to join when Yoorrook Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett, Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, walks from Portland, where colonisation began, to Parliament, where we can transform the future.
Starting on Sunday 25 May on Gunditjmara Country at Portland, the Walk will finish at Parliament House on Wednesday 18 June.
This powerful journey aims to bring everyone together to walk toward truth, celebrate the strength and resistance of Aboriginal people, and be proud to have the oldest living culture in the world as ours.
Comorbidity Guidelines Community of Practice is almost complete
The Matilda Centre’s online Community of Practice for professionals in Australia who work with people experiencing co-occurring AOD use and mental health conditions will soon be available.
Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders including practitioners, people with lived experience, service managers and researchers with funding from Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Community of Practice will provide a platform for those who are employed, affiliated or work with people who use AOD to make connections, access evidence-based resources and engage and collaborate with other professionals to enhance their practice.
Contact the team for more information.
To be notified when the Community of Practice is live, please register your interest below.
New Lived and Living Experience Discipline Frameworks
Five lived and living experience workforce (LLEW) discipline frameworks were launched this month at the Distinct Disciplines - Collectively Leading Change LLEW forum on 20 March 2025.
The frameworks articulate the knowledge, skills and scope of practice of each LLEW discipline: alcohol and other drugs (AOD), AOD family/carer, harm reduction, mental health consumer and mental health family/carer. They will guide training and development for the LLEW, increase understanding of LLEW roles and assist non-LLEW staff within mental health and AOD organisations to better understand, support and work alongside LLEW.
Access the frameworks and learn more by registering for an information session on Wednesday 30 April 2:30-4:00pm.
Free Nurse Phone Support for AOD Clients
The South East Care Pathway (SECP) is a free nurse phone support service that can complement your care with clients who are stable and living at home but need additional support to manage alcohol or substance use.
Services include:
- Daily phone check-ins to monitor wellbeing
- Administration of the alcohol withdrawal scale by phone
- Assistance connecting to rehabilitation services
- Support during the waiting period for inpatient rehabilitation
- Appointment reminders, co-ordination and follow-up.
This service operates 7 days a week (9am-5pm) with no waitlist.
Contact information:
- Ph: (03) 9119 1025
- Email here
- www.sacc.org.au/carepathways
Quick referral process: Clinicians can complete a 2-minute online form.
DPMP Values Survey is LIVE
The Drug Policy Modelling Program with the Matilda Centre are looking for people who work in AOD (in any capacity) to complete a survey on values and policy preferences. You can find more details about it here.
It is an anonymous online survey that takes 15 minutes to complete. The researchers hope the findings will strengthen the appreciation of the values held by people who work across the AOD sector, identify policy preferences that could be used to support advocacy work, and fill a crucial gap in knowledge about the relationship between values and policy preferences.
This does not constitute our organisational endorsement of the research.
Research, Reports and Submissions
Alcohol treatment in Australia: Client characteristics and patterns of service use, 2013–14 to 2022–23
Clients accessing alcohol and other drug treatment services often receive multiple episodes of treatment over a number of years. This report describes the characteristics and patterns of service use for 3 client cohorts between 2013–14 and 2022–23 where alcohol was a principal drug of concern (either alcohol only or alcohol and another principal drug of concern).
Barriers to accessing prescription cannabis among two samples of people who regularly use drugs, nationally, 2024.
Read more...
Trends in the availability and types of drugs sold on the internet via cryptomarkets, February 2024 -
January 2025.
Read more...
Responding to reports of nitazene toxicity in Australia.
Read more...
Events
VAADA Events Calendar
There are currently 33 events on VAADA's Events Calendar for March
2025 MARC Symposium
The Monash Addiction Research Centre (MARC) has announced that registrations are now open for their 2025 MARC Symposium.
The one-day event will bring together world leading addiction researchers from across Monash University and the sector to discuss and address harms relating to alcohol, other drugs and gambling in the context of three key themes:
- Meeting the Needs of Key Populations
- Reducing Opioid Harm
- A Brave New World: New Trends and New Technologies
Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025
Location: The Pavilion, Monash University (Caulfield campus) Level 8, building H, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield North, VIC 3145
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $150.00
Download the program here
National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) Symposium 2025
You are invited to the NCETAs Annual Symposium:
Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Time: 10am (ACST) either
In-Person: Seminar Room 1, Health & Medical Research Building, Flinders University
Online: Zoom details provided after registration
The first half of the day will focus on workforce development and the second half will showcase key areas of our Alcohol, Tobacco, E-Cigarette and Other Drug (ATEOD) research including some keynote speakers.
A draft program will be circulated soon.
Employment Opportunities
VAADA Jobs Board
There are currently 17 listings on VAADA's Job Board.
