Member News | Edition 1

Introducing... Member Spotlight

Andrea’s path to public health, began in an unexpected way.  In 2000, preparing to volunteer at the Sydney Olympics, her father - worried  she might head to Cuba and join the revolution - organised a volunteering opportunity in Hyderabad India instead. “There was a big global push to expand HIV treatment in developing countries. HIV was spreading across India. It was a very different picture to Australia which had largely prevented HIV in people who used drugs”.

Andrea loved working with vulnerable communities in India. This saw her eventually take roles at the University of Melbourne and Burnet Institute, running harm reduction and HIV prevention work across the Asia-Pacific region, including  as the Executive Officer of the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne in 2014. Andrea also served as Chief Operating Officer at the Doherty Institute during the COVID pandemic, which she describes as “an exhausting but pretty incredible time”.

Today she’s at Innerspace in Collingwood, cohealth’s long-running health service for people who use drugs. “It’s been operating for 20 years” she explains, “and is built on a model of engagement through drop in and needle and syringe programs, while having wrap around health services available. Some people have been using the service for years, others have just arrived”.

What makes it special? “The people”, Andrea says.

“The staff accept everyone, without any judgement, they truly meet someone where they are at, provide the services they are asking for at that point in time, no pressure to stop using drugs or see a GP, unless they are there for that purpose. Whether someone wants a cup of tea or just grab some needles and syringes. The staff have got an incredible amount of experience with our clients, and are trusted by them. That’s the secret sauce.”

Innerspace is also an accredited GP clinic, training GPs and registrars in addiction medicine. From this training ground GPs are able to go into different services, including cohealth services at 614 Bourke St, the Public Intoxication Response Service and Health Works, Footscray.

Andrea explains that cohealth are doing a lot more outreach and engagement outside of their facilities these days “Some clients are not even getting to the front door - so we have to take the services to where they are. Harm reduction has always been about meeting someone where they are. Outreach is about physically meeting people where they are and then slowly engaging them to come into the system, to come into clinics where they can get a different kind of care.”

Despite the fortune of a good public health system, there is a funding gap within the medicare model of about 30-40%, which cohealth does not pass on to clients”. “This is not sustainable” Andrea says.

Andrea reflects on how Australia should be proud of its harm reduction approach to drug use and continue to show strong leadership in this area. At the International AIDS Conference in 2014, there was a lot of political support,  Federally and at State and Local Government levels.  “We do amazing work and are globally known for our inclusive communities.  At all levels, we need to cherish, and live up to this reputation”. 

Outside, Innerspace’s Friday Choir is entertaining the passerby’s on Johnston Street with solo and group performances. “I spend a lot of time in meetings, a lot of time looking at spreadsheets, and I need to hit the streets every now and then to remind myself what I’m doing and why I’m doing it”, Andrea says.

Welcome to Our Newest Member

Neami National strengthens VAADA’s member network with its comprehensive approach to mental health and wellbeing services across Australia

VAADA is proud to announce Neami National as a newest organisational member. With over 30 years of experience, NEAMI National is one of Australia’s leading community-based organisations, dedicated to supporting people living with mental health challenges.

Neami National offers a wide range of services, including housing support, mental health and wellbeing programs, and social inclusion initiatives. They work in collaboration with communities, health services, and other organisations to ensure people facing mental health and wellbeing issues receive the support they need to thrive. 

Member update from Youth Support and Advocacy Service

Shaping the Future of Youth AOD Services

The 2025 Youth AOD Census will help build a more inclusive and effective system for young people in Victoria.

The Youth AOD Census returns on 21 July 2025 to gather vital insights into the needs of young people accessing Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services across Victoria. Frontline workers will complete a short, secure online survey, with two weeks for submissions. This important initiative supports the Victorian Government’s upcoming 10-year AOD Strategy.

La Trobe University will work with YSAS to produce a co-branded report drawing on current evidence and 2025 data.

For details or to get involved, contact Karina Belloti on 0407 389 034 or via email.

Member update from Western Health

Centralised Access to Western Health Drug Health Services 

A streamlined referral process and broad range of programs support individuals across all ages and stages of recovery.

Western Health Drug Health Services has merged its intake functions across Adolescent Community Programs, Westside Lodge, and Adult/Specialist Services.

There is now one contact point for all residential referrals:
Email: WHDHS@wh.org.au
Phone: 8345 6682 (and ask to speak with an Intake Clinician).

They offer specialist AOD treatment for youth, adults, women, and people with co-occurring mental health needs.

As well as community AOD programs, they also offer Addiction Medicine Services and harm reduction based care to the community and within the Western Health hospital in-patient network. Their 4-bed Adolescent Residential Withdrawal Service supports young people (12–25) with safe withdrawal, time out, and life skills support.

Member update from cohealth

cohealth Launches 10-Year Strategy and Announces IOAD 2025 Events

A new strategic vision and upcoming community events highlight cohealth’s commitment to health equity and overdose awareness.

cohealth has launched its 2025–2035 Strategy, outlining a bold vision for healthier communities where everyone can access quality care. The strategy focuses on demonstrating the value of the cohealth model, building sustainability, and scaling impact to improve health and social outcomes over the next decade.

As part of its community engagement, cohealth will host two events for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 28, 2025:

• Vigil & Remembrance: A public vigil will begin at 5:45 pm in the Drill Hall garden (corner of Therry and Victoria Streets, Melbourne).
• Art Show: An exhibition will follow at 6:00 pm in the Drill Hall, featuring works by people with lived and living experience.

To submit artwork or express interest in speaking or assisting at the vigil, please contact cohealth.

cohealth exhibiting at the most recent VAADA Conference 2025

Member update from Turning Point

Apply Now for the Collaborative AOD Leadership Network Program

A unique leadership opportunity for AOD professionals to develop skills, network, and drive change

The Collaborative AOD Leadership Network (CAN), established by the Department of Health in 2014, offers leadership training, a Community of Practice (CoP), and networking opportunities for AOD professionals. The program includes bi-monthly sessions and online CoP meetings with professional coaches and trainers. Designed for both emerging and experienced leaders, CAN helps build leadership capability and drive cultural and practice change across AOD services. 

Who can apply?
Applicants must work in Department of Health funded AOD organisations in Victoria and show a strong commitment to leadership and improvement.

How to apply:
Register by 2 pm, Friday 8 August 2025 to receive the application form. Applications close 15 August, with interviews in early September. The program starts 25 November 2025 in Richmond.

Member update from Holstep Health

Holstep Health Launch and 50 Year Celebration

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Care and a New Chapter for Holstep Health

June 16th, 2025, was the official launch of Holstep Health, where they reflected on 50 years of community care legacies of Banyule Community Health and Merri Health, and celebrated the future as Holstep Health. They are proud to carry forward the legacy and are excited to continue the journey together.

From the heartfelt lived experience stories to the voices of their community choir, the afternoon was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within their communities.

Scott Drummond, Head of Policy and Practice at VAADA with Tassia Michaleas, CEO at Holstep Health

Member update from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation

New Resource on Lived and Living Experience in Healthcare and AOD Sectors

A collaboration between the ADF, SHARC and Harm Reduction Victoria highlights the importance of LLE in shaping effective health and social care

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has launched a new resource on lived and living experience (LLE) in healthcare and AOD sectors, developed in partnership with SHARC and Harm Reduction Victoria, and supported by the Victorian Government.

There is growing support for meaningful LLE involvement across all levels of health and social supports – including policy, research, education, leadership, and service delivery.

The resource outlines what LLE is, roles for people with lived and living experience in Australia, and how their expertise can improve outcomes. It also highlights key considerations for involving LLE in your work.

Member update from Thorn Harbour Health

New Train-the-Trainer Program Enhances LGBTIQ+ Support in Mental Health and AOD Services

THH partners with the Department of Health Victoria to provide fully funded training and mentorship for inclusive care

Thorne Harbour Health, in partnership with the Department of Health Victoria, is launching a fully funded Train-the-Trainer program to strengthen LGBTIQ+ support in mental health and AOD services. The two-day training, held onsite in Abbotsford, will equip professionals to deliver LGBTIQ+ Cultural Competency training.

Ideal for Rainbow Diversity Champions and Learning & Development staff, graduates can request co-facilitation of tailored training at their organisation. Additional benefits include access to secondary consultations and online Lunch-n-Learn sessions.

Sessions run in August 2025. Visit the link for details or to register.

Member update from Windana

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

Windana’s Innovate RAP Launches a New Chapter for Reconciliation Amplifying First Nations Knowledge and Voices

Windana have just launched their Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan under stunning blue skies at the Maryknoll site on Bunurong land, the day was a joyous occasion, beginning with a moving Acknowledgement of Country and Cleansing Ceremony by Uncle Lionel Lauch. Uncle Lionel concluded his speech with some profound words – “We all have two ears and one mouth. We need to listen more to First Nations communities.” Following these words, staff, clients and community partners participated in talks and activities centred around their commitment to reconciliation.

Windana exhibiting at the most recent VAADA Conference 2025

Member update from Access Health and Community

AccessHC and Inspiro Merge to Strengthen Community Health Services

The newly united organisation combines experience, reach, and a shared commitment to client-centred care across Melbourne and the Yarra Ranges

We are pleased to share that Access Health and Community (AccessHC) and Inspiro have officially merged, effective 1 May 2025. Together, they are forming a stronger organisation with the scale and expertise to deliver even greater impact for the communities they serve. 

They are now turning their attention to the future. Planning is underway for the next stage of integration, and they will continue to evolve thoughtfully and with community input. 

Member update from SHARC

SHARC Celebrates Heather Pickard’s King’s Birthday Honour and Opens Waitlist for RSS Youth Program

SHARC acknowledges Heather Pickard's leadership and announces availability for the RSS Youth Program

The Self-Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) congratulates Heather Pickard for her inclusion in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List, recognising her remarkable leadership in nursing, midwifery, and healthcare. Heather's dedication spans over 30 years, including her pioneering work in self-help and mutual support for those with stigmatised health issues.

SHARC’s Residential Support Services (RSS) Youth Program is now accepting referrals for young people aged 16-25 seeking recovery-focused housing and support. The program offers a peer-support model alongside case management and a structured 5-day-a-week program. It’s free of charge, with participants contributing a portion of their Centrelink income for housing. For more details or to refer, call (03) 9573 1759.

Member update from Fitzroy Legal Service

Join the YDHF Annual General Meeting

Strengthening partnerships and continuing the mission

The Yarra Drug and Health Forum (YDHF) warmly invite you to attend their Annual General Meeting on Monday 11 August at 12 noon in the Reading Room at Fitzroy Town Hall (201 Napier Street, Fitzroy). John Ryan, CEO of the Penington Institute, will be there as a guest speaker.

As of 1 July, YDHF is now auspiced by Fitzroy Legal Service. They look forward to the opportunities this new partnership will bring.

Events Calendar and Jobs Board

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