VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

29/03/2026

Following on from our previous post, here are a few highlights from the second half of the AOD Service Providers Forum in Shepparton.

Natalie O’Halloran (The Salvation Army Australia) led table discussions, using case examples to explore how GHB related risk presents, and guided conversations around management approaches. It was interesting to hear everybody's insights into client care.

The day saw a pivot for our last session, when we turned the audience to think about themselves, rather than the communities they work with. Jen Thompson invited the audience to reflect on the importance of body and nervous system literacy, trauma stewardship, and collective care. This was an important reminder of how we sustain ourselves and each other in AOD work.

Thank you to our exhibitors, Goulburn Valley Health, Gateway Health, and Relationships Australia Victoria for their contributions on the day. We also extend a big thanks to Sonya Leigh (Caraniche) for her excellent MCing, and to Aunty Nikki James for her generous Welcome to Country and sharing knowledge of the Yorta Yorta Nation.

Finally, a big thank you to Murray PHN for sponsoring the event and supporting the coming together of AOD workers across the Goulburn Valley region.

27/03/2026

On Wednesday, VAADA and Murray PHN along with local and regional partners hosted the AOD Service Providers Forum in Shepparton, bringing together AOD workers from across the Goulburn Valley region.

This year, local services highlighted a strong interest in learning more about GHB, which shaped a focus for the day.

The morning featured a range of speakers, beginning with Scott Drummond (VAADA), who shared insights from the Rural and Regional Snapshot of the 2025 Workforce Survey. You can explore the snapshot here 👉https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DOC_Rural-and-Regional-Snapshot_FINAL_11032026.pdf

We also held a panel discussion on navigating risk in AOD practice, with valuable perspectives from Natalie O’Halloran (The Salvation Army Australia), Sally Robson (Goulburn Valley Health), and Carolyn Winbanks (Primary Care Connect).

A standout session came from Liam Neale, Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia), who shared a lived experience perspective on GHB. Liam offered practical insights and harm reduction strategies to support AOD clinicians working with clients who use GHB.

📌Stay tuned, more highlights from the second half of the day to come.

26/03/2026

In 2025, VAADA conducted its second Victorian AOD Workforce Survey, with more than 480 workers sharing their insights and experiences. The full report is available here 👉 https://ow.ly/wt8j50YvF1f

Today, we’re releasing the first in our 2025 Snapshot series: Rural & Regional Workforce 👉 https://ow.ly/7i3Y50YvF1g

This Snapshot takes a closer look at the realities of working in rural and regional Victoria, from workforce sustainability to service pressures and opportunities. The data speaks clearly to both the strengths and the structural challenges experienced by the regional workforce.

We encourage you to read the Snapshot and consider what the findings mean for rural workforce planning and investment.

🔎 More Snapshots will be released in the coming months.

19/03/2026

Today is World Oral Health Day 🦷

VAADA's Scott Drummond joined Katy Theodore, Advocacy Lead, Australian Dental Association (Victorian Branch), and Tony McBride Victorian Oral Health Alliance Spokesperson and Chair of Your Community Health at the the World Oral Health Day Victorian Parliament Breakfast.

Oral health is an important — and often overlooked — issue for people accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment. It can impact everything from physical health to confidence and recovery.

VAADA was proud to co-sponsor this Thursday’s Parliamentary Breakfast, bringing together AOD, dental and community health sectors to highlight the need for more connected, holistic care.

Better outcomes happen when we work together to support the whole person.

17/03/2026

Last week VAADA attended the Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health (ARRCH) Future Ready 2026 Conference. One of the standout hightlights was seeing Lisa Walklate, Senior Leader AOD Wellbeing Services from Bendigo Community Health Services win the inaugral "Living the Values" Award. The award acknowledges the personal attributes that underpin Lisa and her team’s successes – her integrity, philosophy and deep commitment to community health.

Congratulations, Lisa! It's a well-deserved recognition of you and your team's incredible work.
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Omnia Health, Ballarat Community Health, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Grampians Community Health, Bellarine Community Health, Primary Care Connect, Northern District Community Health, Sunraysia Community Health Services

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12/03/2026

⚠️ The latest Drug Notification from the Victorian Pill Testing Service. He**in detected in a sample expected to contain ketamine. Stay safe, share this post.

05/03/2026

An Aboriginal Advisory Committee has been established by the VAADA Board to support two-way learning across the organisation. VAADA’s commitment to this work is reflected through its Pledge of Support for Treaty 👇, which aims to improve cultural safety across the AOD sector and enable pathways to AOD support for First Peoples that are self-determined.

The VAADA Aboriginal Advisory Committee is Co-Chaired by VAADA Board Member Craig Holloway Holloway and respected Elder Aunty Suzanne Nelson, with membership including internal and external stakeholders who oversee and advise on the development and implementation of VAADA’s Aboriginal Engagement Plan.

Members of the Committee include Brendan Witt (Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation), Melissa Donovan (Victorian Aboriginal Health Service -VAHS), Toni Mason (Goulburn Valley Health), Nicola Perry-Peters & Sheree Lowe (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc), Daniel Wilson (Odyssey Victoria) and De-Joel Upkeet (Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation) along with VAADA staff Chris Christoforou and Gillian Clark.

We are grateful for the generosity and wisdom of our Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Read VAADA's Support for Treaty Pledge 👉 https://ow.ly/IuKO50YpsQ8

05/03/2026

VAADA Monthly Newsletter | March Edition Just Released!

Our latest Monthly Newsletter is now live, showcasing what's been happening at VAADA, updates in the family violence and workforce spaces plus articles from Victoria’s broader AOD sector.

🔹 VAADA is Hiring! 2 roles available... Workforce Development Lead and Digital Communications Officer - HURRY BOTH ROLES CLOSING VERY SOON.
🔹 View key findings from the VAADA 2025 Workforce Survey
🔹 VAADA is relaunching it's CEO and Managers Network in April
🔹 Open letter to protect LLE oversight in Victoria's Mental Health System
🔹 VAADA was proud to support International Family Support Day
🔹 VAADA says farewell to Anushka Ananth
🔸 Join us for the Specialist Family Violence Showcase in April
🔹 Elevate Updates and more details on the 2026 AOD Leadership Accelerator Program
🔹 Plus 9 updates or news articles from the sector

👉 Read the full March Newsletter here: https://ow.ly/ztXM50YprZ5

🖋️ Subscribe to ENEWS for sector updates and more: https://ow.ly/Hpia50YprZ6

02/03/2026

Climate change is already deepening health and social inequalities, including for people who use alcohol and other drugs. From heatwaves and disasters to disrupted services and drug markets, the impacts are complex and growing. AoD services have a critical role in supporting adaptation and protecting communities.

Read the blog post by Professor Sarah MacLean and colleagues..

Climate change is intensifying health and social inequalities, hitting people who use alcohol and other drugs (AoD) particularly hard. In this blog, the authors discuss how AoD services face growing demand amid extreme weather, disrupted supply chains, and stretched resources.

26/02/2026

We loved hearing this thoughtful interview shared for International Family Drug Support Day.

Family voices are a vital part of our AOD system, and “Ann’s” story is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and hope families bring to the journey. Thank you to Family Drug Support for continuing to champion compassionate, person-centred support across Victoria.

Conversations about what matters to you, as we tour regional Victoria and southern NSW.

26/02/2026

Do you want to build your skills on FASD-informed practice in the AOD sector? Join the The Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council's webinar tomorrow from 1pm-2pm.

🖱️ Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yxd-gVSdR36LL8ba4iVH_Q #/registration

More details and below 👇

Have a spare 60 minutes tomorrow?

Join us online for a skill building workshop on FASD-informed practice in the AOD sector.

You'll learn more about what FASD is, how it presents in AOD services and accessing screening & support resources

Register: https://aadc.org.au/events/

26/02/2026

💥 VAADA IS HIRING 💥

We are seeking a Digital Communications and Events Officer to support VAADA engage with its audiences through a range of activities and communications channels.

The position produces content and promotes activities through VAADA’s websites and social media channels, via electronic mail and supports the administration of stakeholder lists through VAADA’s CRM. The position is also hands on with event logistics supporting to organise and deliver conferences, forums, workshops, network meetings and training programs.

The role is well suited to someone who enjoys engaging with diverse audiences and has an interest in building both the capability of the AOD sector and profile of VAADA.

For further information, a copy of the position description and details on how to apply click here 👉https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PD_Events-and-Communication-Officer.pdf

People with lived and living experience of the AOD system are strongly encouraged to apply.