VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

14/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16y4ch1oNL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

14/11/2025

💙 Every life matters.

The MSIR in North Richmond is dedicated to compassionate care for people who are at risk — on our streets, in our homes, in our community.

It’s reduced overdose deaths, supported public health, and opened doors to other help.
VAADA says: This is a health service. Let’s treat it as such.

📖 Read our statement: https://ow.ly/2ICi50Xrs1Y

Please share to show your support for dignity, care and hope.

13/11/2025

Every Victorian deserves access to the support they need.

VAADA’s 2026 State Budget Submission highlights 10 urgent priorities to build a sustainable, accessible and person-centred AOD system for Victoria.

From addressing long waitlists to continuing key harm reduction programs like the Public Intoxication Response and Pill Testing Service, and supporting culturally safe, First Nations-led care—the submission calls for investment in people, systems and services that save lives.

Learn more and download the full submission: https://ow.ly/vnyl50XqhkE
If this story has raised issues for you or someone you know, support is available at the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

10/11/2025

Last chance to register. See details below 👇

Three of Victoria’s leading peak bodies are joining forces to strengthen support for children, families, and communities.

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Mental Health Victoria and VAADA have launched Partner Peaks - a new collaboration that connects the child and family, mental health, and AOD sectors.

Together, we’ll deliver joint workforce initiatives, webinars, and policy projects that promote wellbeing and reduce harm.
Find out more 👉 https://ow.ly/KlQB50Xi8pY

31/10/2025

Following the release of the findings of VAADA's Sector Demand Survey, A/CEO Scott Drummond spoke to ABC Drive host Ali Moore.

🔊Listen to the interview here: https://ow.ly/8K0250XkHrN

31/10/2025

Essential reading for anyone working with young people and families in Victoria. Thank you, Youth Support + Advocacy Service, for highlighting the complexity and resilience of young people in AOD treatment. 💙

The 2025 Victorian Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Census has revealed that Victorian Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Services can make an extremely valuable contribution to preventing youth crime and improving community safety.

30/10/2025

🖤💛❤️ A historic day for First Peoples 🖤💛❤️

Parliament has passed legislation to progress Treaty — recognising the sovereignty of First Peoples and creating a clearer path for self-determination.

Treaty means Aboriginal communities having the authority to make decisions that shape their social, cultural, and health outcomes — strengthening families, healing Country, and supporting community-led responses.

This moment honours truth-telling and places First Peoples’ voices where they have always belonged — at the centre.
Read the press release: https://ow.ly/1k8z50XkHbz

Victoria has made history as the first state or territory in Australia to negotiate a Treaty with First Peoples, following the passage of the Statewide Treaty Bill through Parliament today.This landmark legislation paves the way for a new relationship between First Peoples and the Victorian Governme...

29/10/2025

🚨 More Victorians Waiting for Alcohol and Drug Treatment

The 2025 VAADA Sector Demand Survey shows 4,550 Victorians were on waitlists for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment on any day in September — the second-highest figure since 2020. Alarming too, 415 young people were waiting for youth-specific treatment.

“The Survey shows a 90% increase in the number of people waiting for AOD treatment since 2020,” said Scott Drummond, Acting CEO of VAADA. We need a system that meets the needs of Victorians seeking help.

VAADA welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to a new AOD Strategy and looks forward to supporting reforms that ensure timely, effective treatment for all.

🔗 Read Press Release: https://www.vaada.org.au/press-release-no-right-door/
🔗 See Infographic: www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Infographic_No-right-door_October2025.pdf

28/10/2025

From 1 January 2026 Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and Nexus Primary Health will be known as Omnia Community Health. Learn more here: https://www.omniacommunityhealth.org.au/

Welcome to Omnia Community Health From 1 January 2026, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) and Nexus Primary Health (Nexus) will come together under a new name – Omnia Community Health. This marks an exciting new chapter, bringing together the expertise, services and support of Nexus and SCC...

28/10/2025

🔴Do you work in the alcohol and drug sector?

🟠Would you like to build more confidence in providing affirming and culturally safer services for LGBTIQ+SB folk?

🟡Rainbow Affinity is hosting a 4-hour online LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training workshop tailored to the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector workforce!

💥 Date: Friday 21 November 2025
💥 Time: 8.30 am - 12.30 pm
💥Cost: $250
💥 Location: Online event

⚫️The most significant barrier to AOD and mental health treatment and support for LGBTIQ+SB people is the provision of culturally safe and affirming services.

🟢Jack (he/they) is a Social Worker blending his professional experience working within the drug and alcohol sector, with his lived experience as a gay man with a transgender experience. Jack also has lived experience of AOD and AOD treatment access.

🟣 Jack’s practice spans counselling, training, advocacy and research. He was recently recognised with the LGBTIQA+ Worker Award at the 2024 Australian Winter School Conference hosted by QNADA, and is currently involved in a research project in collaboration with folk from The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, La Trobe University, and Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (NADA) that explores how trans people in Australia seek support for AOD use and how these experiences can be improved.
🟤 Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/lgbtiq-sb-affirmative-practice-training-for-the-aod-sector

⚫ For more information contact Jack at jack@rainbowaffinity.com.au

Half-Day online LGBTIQ+SB Affirming Practice Training workshop for individuals working in the alcohol and other drug sector across Australia.

27/10/2025

Three of Victoria’s leading peak bodies are joining forces to strengthen support for children, families, and communities.

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Mental Health Victoria and VAADA have launched Partner Peaks - a new collaboration that connects the child and family, mental health, and AOD sectors.

Together, we’ll deliver joint workforce initiatives, webinars, and policy projects that promote wellbeing and reduce harm.
Find out more 👉 https://ow.ly/KlQB50Xi8pY

23/10/2025

International Drug Users Day 2025!
North Richmond Community Health
Friday 31 October | 1:30–4:00 PM
Community Rooms 060, 23 Lennox Street, Richmond

Presented by Self Help Addiction Resource Centre - SHARC and Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia), this event features guest speakers, naloxone training, food, and a special screening of Taking Back What’s Ours – Australia & New Zealand.

Let’s recognise and celebrate the strength, advocacy, and voices of people who use drugs.


👉More info: https://ow.ly/bJAn50Xhg9X