VAADA’s submission to Infrastructure Vic calls for urgent AOD infrastructure investment: AOD beds in all public hospitals, $30M Capital Grants Program, Strengthen AOD digital systems, Expand harm reduction services & Plan for synthetic opioid threats. 👉 vaada.org.au/submission-to-…

🙌Great to see the Vic Government announce a new CBD health clinic for people experiencing homelessness, mental ill-health and substance dependence. A welcome step toward accessible, wraparound care. #AOD #PublicHealth #VicPol 🔗 premier.vic.gov.au/new-cbd-health…

🚨 DRUG ALERT 🚨 Two people in Melbourne were recently exposed to metonitazene after using a white-brown powder sold as ketamine. Blood testing showed evidence of heroin and it is possible that this substance could be sold as heroin. Read more 👉 health.vic.gov.au/drug-alerts/wh…

VAADA appeared in the Herald Sun after the release of our Submission to Infrastructure Victoria vaada.org.au/submission-to-… calling for urgent investment in alcohol and other drug (AOD) infrastructure to meet rising health and social needs across the state. heraldsun.com.au/leader/mildura…

In October 2024, Victoria became the final Australian jurisdiction to criminalise non-fatal strangulation. Approx 165 charges have been laid each month under the new legislation. Early intervention is critical. Hear more from VAADA’s Meg Bagnall. 🎧ow.ly/b9OO50VSgpi

VAADA is concerned the 2025/26 State Budget fails to address long wait times for AOD treatment. VAADA CEO Chris Christoforou says it’s “impossible to reduce growing wait times without increasing service capacity.” Read the VAADA Press Release: ow.ly/mkcs50VVp3Q

👏 Big news for Vic’s #LivedExperience workforce! The Allan Labor Govt has launched The Collective — a new consortium of Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC), @HRV_Aus, Tandem, VMIAC & the Carer Lived Experience Workforce Network to boost training & support. ow.ly/2FcT50W1g6E

Five people in two separate incidents across Melbourne are known to have been exposed to O-PCE, a dissociative/hallucingoen that is commonly mis-sold as "extra strong ketamine" Read More 👉 health.vic.gov.au/drug-alerts/o-… #drugalert

VAADA Submission to the Fair Work Commission on the SCHADS Award Review. We welcome the recognition that community services work—largely carried out by women—has been historically undervalued. We also raise key concerns for the AOD sector. Read submission: vaada.org.au/wp-content/upl…

The Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council are hosting an online webinar on best practices for AOD Services in Media Engagement and Lived and Living Experience Storytelling. Book now! 👉 Learn more: ow.ly/RtNW50W8LXM 📑 Download the guide here: aadc.org.au

🙌 Great visit today at Your Community Health, Wulempuri Barring and met with YCH's A/CEO Liz Chondros, Cate Grindley, Executive Director Primary & Integrated Care and Bee Brown, Harm Reduction Coordinator. Thanks for having us!

🎉 The Victorian Government has announced the Victorian Pill Testing Service fixed site at 95 Brunswick St, Fitzroy! This service will detect dangerous substances like fentanyl. Congrats to Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS), The Loop Australia & Harm Reduction Vic ℹ health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-dr…

🙌Kicking off at the Victorian AOD Service Providers Conference! This year's theme is "From Policy to People: Centring Communities in Our Response" #VICAODSPC25

It's a full house at the Service Providers Conference this year! Marie Mitchell, Director of Community Justice Program at @thevalsmob, says over-policing of First Nations people continues despite ongoing advocacy, and changes to bail will usher in further harms.

Ngwala Willumbong's De-Joel Upkett says there hasn't been much progression in how we work and so there is a need to challenge the status quo. "The needs of our people are complex and varying, so our services need to be open and ever-changing"

Melissa Donovan from @valsmob, Danny Jeffcote, cohealth, and Daniel Yakopo, @Ngwala spoke about the public intox response (PIR), "PIR is not just a service, it's a bridge" with 70 - 80% of community who engaged in the service have consented to long-term supports

Last Friday was a full house at the 2025 Vic AOD SPC. We heard a heartfelt panel on public intoxication reform and alcohol policy, conversations on justice, self-determination, LLE, and innovative treatment approaches. Thank you to everyone who took part in the days success!

We acknowledge the tragic passing of Noeline Dalzell, a proud Aboriginal woman. Our Family Violence Project Worker, Meg Bagnall, responded to the Coroner’s findings with a powerful letter. 🔗 📄 Read it here: ow.ly/5AVv50Wo5Yg

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service are hosting a Snap Rally to support the Bail Saves Lives campaign on Wednesday 30th July on the steps of Parliament. See below for more details and how to join them.

🚨 583 Victorians died from fatal overdose in 2024 — the highest on record. Services can’t keep up. Wait times are months. People are giving up. We need urgent action, not more policing. 📄 tinyurl.com/4skxkbay