VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

20/11/2025

We’re proud to share VAADA’s 2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of progress, collaboration and sector leadership.

Highlights include:
💊 Major harm reduction advances, including the launch of the Victorian Pill Testing Service and strengthened early warning systems
🌏 Collaborative projects on Nation-leading work on preparedness for potent synthetic opioids
📑 Building workforce capability through the AOD Leadership Accelerator, supporting 30 emerging leaders
🌟 Our biggest VAADA Conference yet, bringing together 1100+ delegates across two days
📺 57 publications, campaigns and events, plus 152 media features driving visibility and advocacy across the AOD sector

Thank you to our members, partners and the AOD workforce for your ongoing support. We invite you to explore the full report and reflect on what we’ve achieved together.

Go to the 2025 Annual Report page 👉 https://www.vaada.org.au/vaada-annual-report-2025/

17/11/2025

VAADA has joined partners including Fitzroy Legal Service, Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia), the_first_step_program, Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria, Youthlaw, Self Help Addiction Resource Centre - SHARC, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service - VALS, Uniting Vic.Tas

and others, has signed a joint letter calling for cannabis law reform in Victoria.

Cannabis use is a public health issue — not a criminal one.

📄 Read the joint letter: https://ow.ly/oFSQ50XrxoP

16/11/2025

💊Pill Testing Sites Announced! See Below👇

The Victorian Pill Testing Service will be available at major events this summer providing free, confidential drug checking to help reduce harm and keep festival goers safe.

Catch the mobile pill testing service at:

• Spilt Milk – Ballarat - 6 Dec 2025
• Dangerous Goods Entertainment 6XXL – 24 Jan 2026
• Pitch Music & Arts – 6-10 March 2026

For those who are attending other festivals, the fixed site is open all season with expanded hours at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

Make more informed choices and make pill testing your first stop. Find out more: https://go.vic.gov.au/4qZTo5y

16/11/2025

🎉 We’re a SIMNA Awards Finalist! 🎉
VAADA is honoured to be recognised as a 2025 SIMNA Awards finalist, celebrating excellence and innovation in social impact measurement across Australia.

This recognition reflects the dedicated work of our team and the collective effort of AOD agencies, lived experience workers, practitioners, and sector partners who contribute to building a stronger, fairer, and more responsive AOD system.

Congratulations to all finalists—and a big thank you to SIMNA and their judging panel for shining a light on organisations committed to meaningful, evidence-based social impact.

🔗 Learn more about the finalists: https://ow.ly/7Pqb50Xrxag

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