No images? Click here
Edition 26 | March 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you to everyone who supported the 2025 VAADA Conference at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne on the 13th and 14th February. This includes our 600 delegates (1000 people over two days), our 5 keynote speakers, our 73 presenters, our 24 event sponsors and our volunteers. Together we showcased the vibrancy and strength of the alcohol and other drug sector in Victoria. For those of you who were able to attend, I hope you got a lot of value and joy from the event. I look forward to reviewing the feedback and learning what can be done even better next time.
I have been very concerned by recent commentary that continues to malign the life saving work of the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) in North Richmond. This includes bizarrely implying users of the health service are associated with racist graffiti in the area, while giving voice to stigmatising commentary from a departing CEO of a government agency. For too long the MSIR has been blamed for all social and amenity issues in North Richmond. The importance of the MSIR’s work in supporting and reducing harm amongst people who inject drugs should not be underestimated. Part of the solution to the service and amenity pressures in the North Richmond area is more safe injecting facilities in other locations that have high rates of intravenous drug use. VAADA stands with the MSIR and with all health measures that seek to reduce harm from illicit drug use in the Victorian community.
Finally, recommendations from Victorian Coroner Ingrid Giles following the tragic passing of Kathleen Arnold has shone a light on how the explosion in alcohol home delivery services since the pandemic is creating serious harm in the community. The gaps in regulation in this area is exacerbated by the absence of a coherent plan, given the expiry of the Victorian Alcohol Action Plan more than a decade ago. VAADA is calling for the development of a new Alcohol Action Plan to be prioritised as part of the new Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Strategy to address the increasing number of Victorians seeking help for problematic alcohol use and its continuing prevalence in incidents of family violence.
Chris Christoforou
Chief Executive Officer
Contents
- VAADA Conference | Photos, Recordings and Slides Available
- Intake Treatment Consultation with the AOD Sector
- Public Hearings for the Inquiry into the Personal Use of Cannabis Bill
- VAADABase Data Collaboration
- International Family Drug Support Day
- VAADA at the Complex Needs Conference 2025
- VAADA in the News
- Workforce Development Including Elevate!
- From Our Members
- Sector News
- Research, Reports and Submissions
- Events
- Jobs Board
VAADA Updates
Conference Photos, Recordings and Slides Now Live
What a conference - two insightful, inspiring, and action-packed days.
Words can't fully capture our gratitude to the sponsors, presenters, and delegates who made this event possible. Your support helped us shine a light on the incredible work of Victoria’s AOD sector and the critical conversations shaping its future.
This conference reinforced why we do what we do—because collaboration, evidence, and advocacy keeps our community safe, well and connected.
Consultations on the Adult AOD Intake System
VAADA has been commissioned to consult widely on the adult AOD treatment intake system in Victoria. This includes with lead agencies delivering the intake function, AOD treatment providers and people with a lived and living experience of seeking help for alcohol and drug use.
Since the inception of the current intake system in 2014, a range of persistent challenges hamper access to support for consumers and the ability of service providers to respond in a timely manner to demand.
VAADA was pleased to host AOD sector representatives at a consultation on the adult AOD intake system at our office in Abbotsford where participants shared ideas on options to change the current system to enhance pathways to AOD treatment for Victorians.
Recommendations are due to the Department of Health by early April.
Public Hearings for the Inquiry into the Personal Use of Cannabis Bill Now Available
Dr James Petty and Dave Taylor from VAADA recently presented evidence to the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee as part of its inquiry into the decriminalisation of adult cannabis use in Victoria.
Following the Inquiry, the Committee will publish a report with its recommendations before the Bill progresses to the Victorian Parliament for discussion and decision.
VAADABase Data Collaboration
VAADABase is now welcoming new AOD treatment agencies across Victoria to join our innovative data collaboration pilot in 2025. This sector-led initiative allows your organisation to securely contribute VADC data, access timely insights through data dashboards and receive de-identified sector-wide information—all the while strengthening our collective knowledge of service data across Victoria.
By joining you can:
- Support evidence-based decision-making
- Provide input into the dashboards’ future development
- Get access to ongoing learning opportunities
To express interest in joining or to learn more, submit an EOI Form here or contact Esther Toomey, Project Coordinator at VAADA. More information is available on our website.
International Family Drug Support Day
VAADA was pleased to sponsor International Family Drug Support Day on the 24th February 2025. The event was hosted at the Victorian Parliament to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and other drugs, including the benefits of supporting families.
VAADA's Gillian Clark spoke of the AOD sector’s role in supporting families and the need for VAADA, as the sector peak body, to act as an ally to AOD lived and living experience organisations by ensuring the voices of families, carers and supporters are heard.
Gillian also spoke of the opportunity to ensure families experiences are considered as part of planning for Victoria's 10 year AOD Strategy.
VAADA at the Complex Needs Conference 2025
VAADA is pleased to be participating as an exhibitor at the upcoming Complex Needs Conference 2025, an event focused on sharing ideas, forging partnerships and developing new approaches to supporting people with complex health and social needs.
Taking place on 26-27 March 2025 at The Grand Hyatt Melbourne, the conference is being organised by the Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) and ermha365, and funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. The conference will explore important topics such as bridging gaps in service provision, enhancing mental health and housing outcomes, overcoming stigma, and fostering stronger community connections.
As an organisation committed to improving outcomes for people affected by substance use and related complexities, VAADA is excited to engage with attendees at our exhibitor table. If you are attending the conference, be sure to visit us to learn more about VAADA’s advocacy efforts and how we can work together to create positive change.
VAADA in the News
VAADA Continues its Strong Media Engagement
VAADA has been active in the media over the past month.
This includes facilitating the voices of Conference keynote speakers through a range of media outlets including The Age, ABC 774 Mornings, Drive, 3AW Drive and 3CR among others. The content varied from black market dynamics relating to illicit tobacco, novel psychoactive substances and international drug policy.
Victorian Coroner Ingrid Giles handed down findings recommending changes to rapid late night delivery of alcohol and the need for an Alcohol Action Plan to address increasing harms in the Victorian community. This resulted in extensive media coverage supported by VAADA.
VAADA also provided comment on ABC Radio National relating to the limitations in Victoria’s pharmacotherapy system, highlighting the key challenges emanating from long term neglect, workforce limitations and stigma.
Follow us on socials to stay up to date
Workforce Development
Now Open for Enrolment:
Youth Brief Intervention
Date: Wednesday 25 June
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Location: Online
This session will cover how workers can provide effective brief intervention support to young people unwilling to engage in more traditional, clinical or intensive AOD support. The workshop will also cover other experiential and novel ways to work with young people when traditional approaches aren’t fit for purpose.
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:
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care
Our free Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care e-learning offers you the flexibility to gain essential skills at your own pace. Learn how to understand, support, and empower those affected by trauma with practical tools you can apply immediately.
Forensic Foundations
The Forensic Foundations E-learn is designed for new Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) sector staff to provide foundational knowledge to support the provision of AOD treatment of forensic clients. This one-hour e-learn will assist you in navigating the forensic AOD system and processes.
Hamilton Centre are offering a number of in-person and online workshops relating to pharmacotherapy in integrated care and coordinating care. This program is made up of 12 modules, covering topics relevant to different areas of your role and industry. The first five modules are:
- Introduction to Co-occurring Conditions
- Therapeutic Relationships
- Opioid Pharmacotherapy
- Foundations of AOD knowledge
- Opioid Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention
More topics will be released throughout the year.
From Our Members
First Step's Official Opening
On the17th of February First Step officially opened their new St Kilda home to the public.
With an amazing range of speakers, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future of providing holistic care for people living with substance use issues and mental distress, we are excited for the next 25 years in First Step's story.
Lived and Living Experience Forum
Hosted by SHARC and the Department of Health Victoria in collaboration with Tandem, VMIAC, Harm Reduction Victoria (HRVic), CMHL and Mental Health Victoria, this year’s forum is themed ‘Distinct Disciplines, Collectively Leading Change’.
This event will celebrate the incredible achievements across the LLEW sectors while fostering meaningful connections and engaging in critical discussions about our shared future and leading the vision for the workforce. Together they will reflect on how far we’ve come in establishing LLE as a recognised discipline and workforce – especially amidst a landscape of reform and complexity – and how we can collectively lead change in solidarity.
Spots are limited.
Recruiting Participants for Research
If you are an AOD practitioner working with people impacted by substance use and/or dependence in Victoria, Monash University want to hear from you!
The project will provide insights into clinician perspectives, improve treatment services, and enhance health service delivery for individuals with substance use disorders in Victoria.
This project will address gaps in understanding AOD clinicians' experiences with implementing the Victorian AOD treatment principles. It will explore how clinicians apply the Brain Disease Model of addiction, identify its challenges, and assess its impact on clinical practice and client outcomes. The findings will help improve treatment approaches and inform policies supporting effective AOD service delivery.
Uniting Vic.Tas CEO Bronwyn Pike AM to depart after six years in the role
Bronwyn Pike AM has decided not to renew her contract as Uniting CEO.
The former Victorian Health Minister became Uniting's inaugural Board Chair in 2016. She moved into the CEO’s role in November 2019. Bronwyn will finish at Uniting on 30 June 2025.
We thank Bronwyn for her extraordinary leadership in the community.
Odyssey Victoria Hope Centre Gippsland ( Lucknow)
Odyssey Victoria Hope Centre adult residential rehabilitation program provides live-in treatment for individuals and couples. Operating as a therapeutic community, the values-based program provides a structured environment where up to 45 residents and 25 staff work together to help people make changes and choices on their pathway to recovery.
They would like to invite professionals working in the Drug and Alcohol sector, Mental Health sector, all related community health services, and peer support networks along to their Open Day on the 27th of March 2025, 10am-12pm.
There will be a tour of the facility and program, a morning tea and a Q&A with staff and residents.
ResetLife: Helping people live free of AOD harm
Referrals open, no waitlist! ResetLife is a day rehabilitation program for people aged 11-25 in Moorabbin and Frankston, and for people 18+ in Cranbourne. The program includes four months of groups (early recovery, relapse prevention, social support) and individual sessions, followed by 36 weeks of Continuing Care. ResetLife offers peer support, is free and participants can start now.
“At the start compared to how I am now is a completely different mindset and life” - Participant.
Details: ResetLife Youth, ResetLife Adult.
Email below for a referral (with participants consent) or call 03 9532 0811.
Retirement of Tony Trimingham OAM
On the 20th of February Tony Trimingham OAM, officially retired from the role of CEO of Family Drug Support (FDS).
Tony will continue at FDS in a different role, as the Patron and Founder. Cigdem Watson, will be the Acting CEO while the Board initiates a recruitment process to fill the very ‘big shoes’ left by Tony.
Merri Health and Banyule Community Health have merged and are now Holstep Health.
Between them they have 100 years of experience in supporting the health and wellbeing of local communities. Holstep Health now offer over 120 services to people in the north, north-west and north-east of metropolitan Melbourne, as well as statewide services with Carer Gateway and Gambler’s Help.
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
Victoria’s draft 30-year infrastructure strategy 2025-2055
Infrastructure Victoria’s latest work has been released earlier this week. Victoria's 30-year infrastructure strategy provides a practical roadmap for the next 5 to 30 years. It informs Victorian Government planning for sectors including transport, housing, energy, health, education, water and the environment.
Infrastructure Victoria are now conducting stakeholder and public engagement activities to invite feedback on the draft strategy. If you would like to share your views on the draft strategy you can make a submission via the Engage Victoria website.
To learn more you can join a webinar to discuss the recommendations including additional investment in AOD treatment and community health facilities on Wednesday 12 March 2025, 10am-11am.
Nominations for the 2025 Victorian Training Awards are now open
The 2025 Victorian Training Awards is an opportunity to be recognised for contributions to Victoria’s nation-leading vocational education and skills landscape, whether you are an apprentice, a trainee, student, teacher, employer, TAFE or other training provider.
Becoming a finalists or winner means you'll receive:
- invitation to attend the welcome reception and the awards gala, in September 2025, where you'll receive your certificate
- if you win in your category, you will also receive $5,000 in prize money, a trophy, and the chance to represent your category at the national awards
- great networking opportunities, professional development, and the chance to mentor—and be mentored by—the best of the best in Victoria’s TAFE and training sector.
Secretary's Update
On March 3rd, Jenny Atta commenced her role as Secretary of the Department of Health. Reflecting on this new chapter, Jenny emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating:
"At the heart of any system reform is the need to foster strong partnerships between the sector and the department. I deeply respect the experience, perspectives, and solutions that the sector brings, and I value the opportunity for shared problem-solving as we tackle our greatest challenges."
We warmly welcome Jenny to the sector and look forward to the contributions and progress that will be made under her leadership.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals – 2025 Campaign
A new campaign is underway to promote Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals.
The Help is Here campaign aims to drive localised awareness and uptake of Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals and raise awareness across a number of communities, including multicultural communities, First Nations peoples and senior Victorians.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are a free service for Victorians aged 26 and over, offering free, professional and confidential support close to home.
Jesuit Social Services’ Justice Project
Jesuit Social Services are excited to share their new Justice Project. The project will consolidate Jesuit Social Services’ programs, research and advocacy around criminal justice, and seek new opportunities to improve individual and community outcomes. They will combine the evidence of what works with the practice wisdom of their staff and the lived experience of their program participants, giving them a unique understanding of effective ways to reduce crime and harm on the community.
Research, Reports and Submissions
Unmet treatment need: The size of the gap for alcohol and other drugs in Australia.
Assessing unmet demand for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment requires accurately counting those in treatment and determining those in need of treatment. Using updated epidemiological and treatment data, this study sought to provide an updated estimate of the unmet demand for AOD treatment in Australia.
New releases from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Australia.
This report consolidates recent information on the availability and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Australia, and related impacts, harms and treatment. This report is regularly updated with data from a range of sources.
The use of nicotine pouches among people in Australia who regularly consume illicit substances, 2024.
Read more...
Patterns of re-using own needles among a sample of people who regularly injects illicit drugs in Australia, 2008-2024.
Read more...
Methylphenidate and (lis)dexamfetamine toxicity-related deaths of adults, Australia, 2000–24: analysis of NCIS data.
Read more...
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre has released a new publication summarising the key findings from a book titled Learning from 50 years of Aboriginal Alcohol Programs: Beating the Grog in Australia by Peter d’Abbs and Nicole Hewlett.
Events
VAADA Events Calendar
There are currently 24 events on VAADA's Events Calendar for March
Employment Opportunities
VAADA Jobs Board
There are currently 26 listings on VAADA's Job Board.
