VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

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.

24/02/2026

VAADA is pleased to support International Family Drug Support Day, honouring the amazing role played by families and carers in supporting loved ones who experience substance use issues.

At an event at the Victorian Parliament today, VAADA’s Gillian Clark and Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia)'s Nadia Gavin joined other speakers in passionately describing the critical role of families and carers in providing compassionate care, as part of this year’s theme "See the person, not the drug".

Thank you to Family Drug Support (FDS) for inviting VAADA to be part of this important day and to Aiv Puglielli MP for sponsoring and hosting the event. You can donate to FDS to ensure they are resourced to provide support pathways for families struggling with the alcohol and drug dependence issues of a loved one.

💜 Donate to FDS Here: https://www.fds.org.au/component/jdonation/donation-to-the-family-drug-support-australia

23/02/2026

💥 VAADA IS HIRING 💥

We are seeking a Workforce Development Lead to manage the delivery of workforce development activities that support practice capability for professionals employed in the Victorian AOD sector.

This role is responsible for procuring professional development training, developing a range of sector training solutions, while also delivering workforce forums, seminars, training programs and other professional development activities. The Workforce Development Lead contributes to policy submissions, manages training partner relationships and is responsible for managing workforce contracts.

The role is well suited to a learning and development expert who is passionate about the capability and strength of the Victorian AOD workforce.

For further information, a copy of the position description and details on how to apply click here 👉 https://www.vaada.org.au/we-are-hiring-workforce-development-lead/

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

23/02/2026

📣 Call for Participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program (DAP) Public Consultation 📣

The Australian Government is seeking feedback from the AOD sector to improve the Drug and Alcohol Program (DAP) and refine its objectives. This reform will help enhance prevention, treatment, and research initiatives.

🔹 About DAP:
DAP is a major government-funded health initiative that supports AOD services across Australia. It funds local Primary Health Networks (PHNs), state services, and peak bodies. With $727 million allocated for 2026-2029, the program will undergo reforms, focusing on updating key performance indicators (KPIs) while keeping core services unchanged.

🔹 Why Your Input Matters:
We want to hear from AOD service providers, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure the reforms improve the AOD system for everyone.

🔹 How to Participate:
Visit the Consultation Hub to share your feedback during Stage 1. Stay updated for more info!

👉 More Information: https://consultations.health.gov.au/atodb/drug-and-alcohol-program-consultations/

22/02/2026

⚠️ DRUG ADVISORY - TOXIC ALKALOID POPPIES ⚠️

A significant quantity of toxic alkaloid poppy plant ‘heads’ grown for the pharmaceutical industry has been stolen from a property in Victoria.

Alkaloid poppies produce unpredictable, potentially life-threatening effects such as seizures, agitation and high body temperature.

These poppies are very different from traditional o***m poppies and contain dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine, with risk of life-threatening toxicity. Naloxone will not reverse thebaine toxicity.

Be cautious of any dried, powdered, or liquid poppy flower products. This includes dried flower heads (without petals), ground poppy-plant material, or liquid preparations derived from poppy plants.

‼️ Consuming these products may lead to life-threatening toxicity.

⚠️ Learn more about this advisory:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Drug-Advisory-Alkaloid-poppy-diversion-February-2026.pdf

👉 If you experience toxic drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, call Triple Zero (000).
👉 Contact Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia) DanceWize team for anonymous support and education from peers (info@dancewize.org.au)
👉 If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drug use, call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or visit https://www.directline.org.au/

19/02/2026

This month we’re shining a light on the incredible work happening across the VAADA membership.

✨ Cath Williams (ACSO) shares reflections on reform, justice reintegration and finding her “tribe” in the AOD sector.
✨ First Step’s Futures Forum brings optimism and bold thinking for the future.
✨ Leadership updates from WRAD Health and Thorne Harbour Health.
✨ New funding for Project Sunrise supporting African communities.
✨ International Family Drug Support Day at Parliament House (24 Feb).
✨ HACSU Women’s Forum (3 March).
✨ Service updates from Western Health and more.

Plus — 53 sector events and 25 jobs are currently listed on our exclusive member boards.

We’re proud to support and amplify the work of our members across Victoria and beyond.
👉 Read the full Member ENEWS here: https://ow.ly/2I2i50YhV5K

🖋️ Subscribe to ENEWS for sector updates and more: https://ow.ly/691c50YhV5L

19/02/2026

In 2025, more than 480 Victorian AOD workers shared their experiences in VAADA’s AOD Workforce Survey.

The results highlight a skilled, capable and diverse workforce, including strong lived and living experience representation. They also remind us of the pressures many workers continue to face, particularly around wellbeing, supervision, recruitment and retention.

Understanding the workforce is essential to strengthening it.

📊 View the infographic:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/INF_Workforce-Survey-Snapshot_FINAL_18022026.pdf
📥 Download the full report:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/REP_FINAL-VAADA-2025-AOD-WFS-Report-V3_web.pdf

We’ll be sharing short Workforce Snapshot Briefs over the coming months, exploring the data in more detail.

18/02/2026

⚠️Drug Watch: HIGH Dose M**A pill- 'Blue Moncler⚠️

👇 Read more from the Victorian Pill Testing Service below 👇

16/02/2026

We’re sharing an important drug alert from the Victorian Pill Testing Service.

A terracotta “Chupa Chup” pill has been found to contain N,N-Dimethylpentylone (Dipentylone) and M**A. Mixing stimulants significantly increases the risk of harm, including serotonin toxicity and overheating.

Please share within your networks to support harm reduction and community awareness.

If you’re concerned about unexpected effects, call 000.
Full notification via the Victorian Pill Testing Service: https://ow.ly/CLYU50YgPRb

13/02/2026