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Member News | Edition 3
Member Spotlight | Life Member Sam Biondo
Sam trained as a social worker after deciding while on teacher training placement, that young people didn’t need teachers, they needed social workers.
“I did a social work placement at Fitzroy Legal Service in 1979, and started to see and think about how the criminal justice system was creating problems for a whole generation of people that were in contact with it.”
Sam would spend the next 26 years at Fitzroy Legal Service, initially as a volunteer but then as a paid community development officer, including establishing the drug outreach law service.
“In the late 1990s there was a significant heroin glut in the inner city of Melbourne. It was having a massive impact in the local area with lawyers doing an ever-increasing amount of work representing people caught up in the justice system.”
The Yarra Drug and Health Forum was set up as a response to this issue, bringing together hospitals, police, ambulance, community workers, local government and legal services, to try and find solutions.
“The forum started to raise issues and chip away at some of the challenges on the Housing Estates like people dying in stairwells, needles being disposed in washing machines, shooting galleries that were being formed in the nooks and crannies of the buildings and in lane ways. From this we started seeing a rolling wave of action.”
It was through chairing the Yarra Drug & Health Forum that Sam was invited to sit on the VAADA Board by then Executive Officer, Carol Bennett in 2004. While on parental leave in 2007, Sam was asked by VAADA Board Chair Jenny Blakey to step into the role of Interim Executive Officer, which was eventually formalised as a permanent position.
Sam felt there were real gaps in articulating the shortfalls in our AOD system.
“Pharmaceuticals were killing a lot of people. Heroin was killing a lot of people. Alcohol was killing more than anything else. I wanted to heighten the focus on each of these areas. This is when we started to refocus VAADA more towards AOD policy and advocacy”.
We ask Sam, given clear evidence about the harms, not just in terms of the number of fatal overdoses, but chronic disease, and the social issues that can follow from addiction, why change in AOD policy has been so incremental over his time?
“Governments are fearful of community backlash. AOD is one of those issues that's seen as self-induced failure. There’s a whole heap of stigma against people who use substances and governments are scared to take up the arguments because if something goes wrong, they’ll get blamed. And I understand things do go wrong. But part of the explanation has to be about the absolute complexity of what we're dealing with. Many of our punters come from terrible circumstances, terrible trauma. We don't have a pragmatic approach to drug policy in Australia.”
“VAADA can make a difference simply by talking about the things that matter with a broad range of people. The level of ignorance and lack of knowledge in the general community about AOD is significant. We need to learn how to spread our message to the broader population so they can become enlightened about the things that can change lives”.
Sam served as VAADA Executive Officer for 17 years and retired in 2023. Today he is focused on travelling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, going to the gym every day and keeping the years of advocacy and intellectual stimulation alive through the University of the Third Age.
Welcome to Our Newest Member
VAADA is proud to announce that Ballarat Community Health are our newest Organisational Member
Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has a strong commitment to creating healthy communities, BCH delivers accessible, affordable, and high-quality health and wellbeing services across six locations in Ballarat and the wider western Victoria region, including outreach across the Central Highlands.
Guided by values of respect, integrity, courage, and resilience, BCH focuses on health promotion, illness prevention, and addressing health inequities.
We look forward to working alongside BCH as they continue to advocate for equitable, inclusive, and impactful health outcomes across regional Victoria.
Member update from Nexus
Help Shape New MH and AOD Resources – Survey & Focus Groups
Nexus is developing tools to support frontline workers engaging with people experiencing mental health and AOD issues. As part of the Victorian Department of Health’s Our Workforce, Our Future initiative, they’re creating resources aligned with Capability Framework 6: “Understanding and responding to substance use and addiction.”
You’re invited to complete a short survey to share your practice insights. You can opt in to go in the draw to win a luxury two-night stay at Lanson Place, Melbourne, including breakfast and dinner for two.
Nexus is also hosting online focus groups on 7, 13 and 18 November 2025 to further explore effective, real-world practices.
Take the survey or register for a focus group to contribute your voice to this important work.
Member update from Bendigo Community Health Services
Bendigo's Eaglehawk Site Officially Reopens
Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) officially launched its newly refurbished Eaglehawk site on September 12, celebrating a proud history and a bright future. Premier Jacinta Allan, who opened the site alongside BCHS Board Director Michel Carney, reflected on her long-standing ties to BCHS and the $8.4 million redevelopment investment.
The site, originally opened in the 1970s, now boasts modern, purpose-built facilities thanks to community consultation and thoughtful design. BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson emphasised the centre as a place "built for the future" and deeply rooted in community identity. The event featured a Welcome to Country, live music, and community tours, honouring decades of local health advocacy and the ongoing commitment to accessible, quality care in Eaglehawk.
Member update from Odyssey Victoria
Odyssey Victoria Joins ABC Melbourne Breakfast Broadcast for International Overdose Awareness Day
Odyssey Victoria featured on Sharnelle Vella and Bob Murphy's breakfast radio program on 774 as part of International Overdose Awareness Day which was on Sunday 31st August.
Odyssey's CEO Dr Stefan Gruenert was interviewed, as was one of their clinicians, Kristel, who is also a graduate of the residential rehab program.
Member update from Windana
Windana Leadership Update
Windana want to share with their valued stakeholders that Kent Burgess is no longer employed as Windana’s Chief Executive Officer.
The Board’s priority is to ensure services continues as usual, that their people are supported, and that Windana’s organisational leadership remains strong and values aligned.
They are grateful to Windana Director Marita Scott, who will serve as Interim CEO from 16 September to 5 October, and to Bronwyn Pike AM, who will serve as Interim CEO from 6 October to 12 December. They are pleased to have their guidance through this transition while they recruit for a new CEO.
Member update from Turning Point
New Message Guide Aims to Reduce Stigma Around Addiction
Turning Point has released Framing Addiction and Dependence: building support and reducing stigma. A research‑based toolkit and message guide aimed at helping communicators, policymakers, clinicians and advocates to shift public attitudes around addiction and dependence.
Drawing on input from over 2,400 Australians and people with lived experience, the guide identifies how best to frame messages to reduce stigma and increase support for systemic responses, like access to treatment, early intervention, and harm reduction.
Member update from WRAD Health
WRAD Celebrates 40 Years Supporting South-West Victoria
WRAD Health is marking 40 years of delivering vital alcohol, other drug (AOD) and mental health services across south-west Victoria. The service was recently acknowledged by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and MP Jacinta Ermacora during a visit to the Warrnambool centre.
WRAD provides counselling, withdrawal support, pharmacotherapy, family programs, peer work, training and education, and leads the Great South Coast AOD Treatment Consortium. It is also advancing plans for The Lookout, a proposed 30-bed residential rehab service, with support from Eastern Maar Traditional Owners and local ACCHOs.
In May, the Allan Labor Government invested $100,000 in a feasibility study for the project, part of its broader commitment to strengthening regional AOD services in line with the Mental Health Royal Commission.
Member update from North Richmond Community Health
North Richmond MSIR Strengthens Community Focus While Saving Lives
The North Richmond Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) continues to demonstrate its value, with over 10,000 overdoses safely managed and no deaths onsite since opening. Clients report improved access to housing, healthcare, and recovery pathways — including MJ, who spoke publicly on International Overdose Awareness Day about how the service has supported her healing journey.
In a recent article by The Age, North Richmond Community Health CEO Simone Heald acknowledged early challenges in community engagement and is prioritising stronger local partnerships. Recent upgrades to the site, increased behavioural expectations for clients, and new mental health supports are part of this renewed focus.
With ongoing high demand, advocates continue to call for additional services across Melbourne to better support people who use drugs and the communities they live in.
Member update from Holstep Health
Introducing Holstep Health's Strategic Directions 2025-2028
Holstep Health is proud to launch their Strategic Directions 2025–2028, shaped by insights from over 130 community members, partners, and staff. This roadmap sets out a bold vision for achieving community-led, meaningful impact that empowers individuals and addresses health inequities.
The strategy focuses on five key areas: supporting thriving individuals and families through holistic care; building stronger, connected communities; investing in a skilled and supported workforce; growing as a purpose-driven organisation through innovation and quality; and strengthening the sector through partnerships, advocacy, and lived experience.
Events Calendar and Jobs Board
There are currently 61 events on the VAADA Events Calendar for August. VAADA members have exclusive access to post events.
Add events today!
There are currently 19 jobs on the VAADA Jobs Board. VAADA members have exclusive access to advertise jobs.
Add jobs today!
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