Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA)

🙌 In April 2024, the Victorian Government announced its commitment to develop a new AOD Strategy. This move comes amid growing recognition that the AOD sector needs both foundational change and innovation to better support individuals affected by substance use. 🤝 Achieving the best outcomes requires collaboration across all levels of government and between sectors, with a focus on system integration. ✍ VAADA conducted two forums to capture the voices of the AOD sector on what’s needed for the future and created a collaborated paper that explores shared values, concerns and potential solutions to inform the development of an AOD Strategy for Victoria. 👉 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gSAM2eMC

VAADA is hosting the AOD Service Providers Forum in Bendigo today, proudly supported by the Murray PHN. Thanks to the organising committee for their hard work! Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative, ACSO Australia, Bendigo Community Health Services, Bendigo YSAS, The Salvation Army Australia

The Coroners Court of Victoria Annual Report for 2023 - 2024 has revealed that there were 601 fatal overdoses in Victoria during the 2023 - 2024 timeframe. That is almost 20% higher than the past financial year. This is horrific data and we stand with the many Victorians who have lost loved ones to overdose. Read the report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGpns4qf

🎉 VAADA congratulates Dr Paul MacCartney, who has been appointed Victoria's first Chief Addiction Medicine Advisor. Paul will play a key role in AOD policies and the development of Victoria's AOD strategy. We look forward to working with Paul on building a better system for Victorians.

👏 We're thrilled to be one of the recipients of the Skills Solutions Partnership grant. VAADA partnered with RMIT University to develop the AOD Leadership Accelerator Program, designed to empower new and emerging leaders in the AOD sector. 👉See DJSIR's press release: https://lnkd.in/gj8w2Eyg 👉 Check out more info on the AOD Leadership Accelerator Program here: https://lnkd.in/gtXrpHBM #aod #djsir #rmit #aodjobs #aodleadership

👏 Milestone in Harm Reduction for Victoria! 👏 We're proud to celebrate the passing of legislation that allows pill testing services—marking a new chapter in public health and harm reduction. A heartfelt thanks to advocates, partners and members who stood behind this initiative. Together, we’ve made significant strides toward safer, more informed communities. 📖 Read the Victorian Government's media release: https://lnkd.in/gntyfB7s #PillTesting #HarmReduction #Advocacy

📢 VAADA CONFERENCE NEWS ❗ Abstract Submissions Extended | Now Closing Friday 8 November 2024! 🌈 We are pleased to announce that the deadline for Abstract Submissions has been extended to November 8, 2024. This extension provides additional time for you to share your ideas on our theme... From Challenges to Solutions: Responding to a Changing World. 👩💻 We encourage all interested participants to take advantage of this opportunity and submit your work to be a part of our upcoming conference. ✨ We are really looking forward to receiving and reading your abstracts! 👉 Submit your Abstract here: https://lnkd.in/gnCcbbEH

🚨 VAADA CONFERENCE 2025 UPDATE 🚨 ⏰ Have you submitted your abstract yet? There's just ONE WEEK left! Submissions close on October 31st. We’re thrilled with the fantastic submissions we’ve received so far — this conference is shaping up to be our best one yet! Ready to submit? 👉 https://lnkd.in/gnCcbbEH 🎟️ Don’t miss out on early bird tickets! Secure yours today. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gKP4dZur We can't wait to see you there! #VAADA #VAADAConference2025 #AOD

🎉 CONFERENCE NEWS 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce Keynote Speaker Dr James Martin. Dr James Martin is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Director of the Bachelor of Criminology at Deakin University. James is a leading researcher in the field of black markets, cybercrime, and the dark web trade in illicit drugs. James has published numerous books and research articles on these topics in some of the world's most prestigious publications, including the British Medical Journal, Criminology & Criminal Justice, and the British Journal of Criminology. James has also led and participated in large-scale research projects funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Institute of Criminology. James is a founding member of the Cryptomarkets Research Hub, an inter-disciplinary research networks focused on the dark web illicit drugs trade with more than 100 members located around the world. Stay tuned for more speaker announcements in the coming weeks. More info 👉 https://lnkd.in/g_CHnT-q #VAADA #VAADAConference2025

📣 Community Health Service Pharmacotherapy Grants The Victorian Government is making sure Victorians seeking medical treatment for opioid dependence can access this in their community, thanks to a new grant program for community health services. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt has opened the $8.4 million Community Health Service Pharmacotherapy Grants which will make this life-changing treatment available in more locations across the state. The grants program will support state-funded community health services to deliver pharmacotherapy services across areas of high-demand or looming service gaps, which will provide access for up to 1,500 more Victorians. For further information about the grants, including eligibility and application processes, please visit: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gfuXUt8Z #AOD #HarmReduction