VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

13/02/2026

13/02/2026

‼️General Drug Notification from the Victorian Pill Testing Service👇

13/02/2026

On Wednesday, 200 people gathered at the St Kilda Town Hall to hear four diverse leaders discuss their hopes and dreams for the future:

Sheree Lowe ( Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc)
Pat McGorry ( Orygen )
Paul Edbrooke MP (Victorian Government News Paul Edbrooke MP)
Clare Davies (Self Help Addiction Resource Centre - SHARC)

Rev Tim Costello was MC.

The question, in light of First Step having just turned 25, was "What do our sectors need to thrive for the next 25 years?"

Sheree got the ball rolling:

“Twenty-five years is a generation, and I guess from my perspective, I along with other First Peoples at Victoria have a very ambitious vision.”

“The hope for treaty is a shared future for all . . . Victoria holds the oldest living cultures on Earth. A truth that belongs to all Victorians and a legacy to uphold."

"The pride in Victoria is today shared by many cultures, each adding to the richness of its story. One of Victoria's greatest strengths is its courage to face the truth, to listen with open hearts and to move forward with honesty . . . This is a place of ideas and energy - a state alive with culture, creativity and difference, where people come not just to live, but to belong."

"So to me, the next 25 years is about putting the right things in place to create that change [including recommendations 33.4 - children and families - and 33.1 - healing centres - from the Royal Commission Into Victoria's Mental Health System, link below] - not just close the gaps, but for our people to be happy, healthy, healed and prospering."

"In 25 years, I hope [my grandchildren's] trauma is minimised, - where they can walk in two worlds and . . . be safe."

"Healing is unique and different for everyone. It's holistic and connection is essential. Culture and cultural practice is integral to healing safely and there is no end point to that journey."

It was quite something.

References:
Closing the Gap: https://www.niaa.gov.au/our-work/closing-gap
Royal Commission report: https://www.niaa.gov.au/our-work/closing-gap
Yoorook Justice Commission: https://www.yoorrook.org.au/

Partners:
City Of Port Phillip
Mental Health Victoria
VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

11/02/2026

📢 Advance Tender Notice – AOD Support Services for Court Programs

Court Services Victoria has shared an Advance Tender Notice for upcoming AOD support services across several Magistrates’ Court programs (including CISP, ARC and Drug Court).

This tender is an important opportunity for AOD providers to support people with complex needs in Victoria’s therapeutic court programs.

🌐 More details here: https://ow.ly/r0H350YcCB3
Register by COB 26 February 2026.

We'll continue sharing updates as they become available.

10/02/2026

⚠ Drug Alert: Tramadol sold as M**A caps!

💊 Tramadol is a synthetic opioid, which is a depressant/painkiller
💊 It is not like M**A, which is a stimulant/empathogen
👉Combining Tramadol with drugs that affect serotonin can cause serotonin toxicity. These are:
🔹 M**A
🔹 Methamphetamine
🔹 Cathinones like mephedrone
🔹 Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, TCAs)

Combining Tramadol with other depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression and overdose.

See the Victorian Pill Testing Service post below for detailed info on the effect of serotonin toxicity 👇

**A

09/02/2026

VAADA would like to acknowledge the update from WRAD Health about Mark Powell’s transition into a dual diagnosis role at Barwon Health.

Mark has shown steady leadership and a genuine commitment to the WRAD community during his time as CEO. We’re heartened to see him continue contributing to the AOD and mental health sectors — strengthening an area as important as dual diagnosis care.

We also want to recognise the WRAD team for their compassion, resilience and dedication. Change can be challenging, and the meaningful work your organisation does for local communities remains deeply valued.

VAADA wishes Mark all the very best as he steps into this next chapter and extends our warm support to the WRAD team as they navigate this transition together.

Hashtags:

Thanks Mark Powell
Mark has announced that he will be finishing up at WRAD Health on Friday March 20 to take up a new role in dual diagnosis with Barwon Health.
Mark became interim CEO on July 1, 2023 and was formally appointed to the role at the start of 2024.
He says that after a change in personal circumstances and a great deal of thought, he believes this is the right move at this time.
“It has been a genuine privilege to work alongside such a committed, skilled and compassionate group of people. Together you have built and continue to build a well-respected service that truly strives to meet the needs of our community. I’m proud of what has been achieved and even more confident about what you will continue to grow and deliver into the future.”

06/02/2026

💡 The VAADA Monthly Newsletter (Edition 36) is out now!

Stay connected with key updates from Victoria’s peak AOD body, including:
— Board & leadership updates as VAADA prepares for the year ahead
— AOD Leadership Accelerator Program rolling out in 2026
— A webinar exploring insights from our 2025 AOD Workforce Survey
— Sector advocacy including support for cohealth GP services, staff farewells, Elevate training & more

👉 Read the full newsletter and get the latest from across the sector:

There was relief before Christmas when the Australian Government announced continued funding for current Commonwealth drug and alcohol programs (DAP) which were due to expire by June 30. The Department of Health, Disability & Ageing has confirmed that all currently funded AOD grants are being extend...

04/02/2026

📣 New VAADA ENEWS Out Now!
VAADA has submitted a system-level response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the relationship between Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence and Su***de, highlighting how substance use, service gaps and violence intersect — and what needs to change to keep people safer.
💡 We explore evidence, lived experience, and practical solutions for earlier risk identification, stronger workforce capability, and improved service responses.

👉 Read the full submission: https://ow.ly/ZTmK50Y8Az2

🔔 Stay informed: Subscribe to VAADA’s ENEWS for the latest sector insights, policy & advocacy updates: https://www.vaada.org.au/enews-subscription/

01/02/2026

📣 Final days to register!

First Step's Futures Forum is nearly here.

Don’t miss this live, in-the-round conversation about what’s possible, and necessary, in the next 25 years of mental health care, AOD, justice and community.

Free public forum – register now to attend:
👉 https://events.humanitix.com/first-step-futures-forum

📅 Date: Wed 11 February 2026
⏲️ Time: 3:00–5:00pm
📍 Venue: St Kilda Town Hall

The First Step Program
Mental Health Victoria

30/01/2026

⚠Drug Alert: Large doses of M**A found in Hello Kitty and Pop Smoke M**A pills. See below 👇

29/01/2026

� VAADA welcomes the Coroners Court of Victoria’s call for stronger drug harm-reduction guidance for music festival and event organisers.

It goes without saying that the vital work of Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia) including their DanceWize program and the Victorian Pill Testing Service play a crucial role in preventing fatal overdose. These services provide credible information, non-judgmental support and on-site harm-reduction advice that helps prevent avoidable harms and saves lives.

�Read the Media Release: https://ow.ly/PJM850Y5aoq

27/01/2026

Congratulations for Chad Hughes, on his appointment as CEO of Thorne Harbour Health. We look forward to continued collaboration across the community health sector.