Hamilton Centre

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Melbourne, VIC
Hamilton Centre

Statewide Centre for mental health and addiction in Victoria, Australia.

Working towards best practices in integrated care for people with co-occurring conditions through an innovative program of clinical, research, education and training streams.

23/04/2026

Anzac Day is an opportunity to honour the contributions of those who have served and acknowledge the challenges of people living with the impacts of trauma.

Trauma and addiction are closely linked, and it’s estimated that 15%-50% of people seeking treatment for a substance use disorder also live with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Integrated treatment approaches that combine evidence-based psychological interventions with trauma-informed care can significantly improve outcomes for those affected.

A recent Hamilton Centre research brief discusses the link between trauma and addiction, treatment strategies for co-occurring PTSD and substance use and an overview of PTSD and complex PTSD.

Check out the full brief here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/treatment-approaches-for-ptsd-and-addiction

👉 For those seeking support:

🔷 Open Arms – A national 24/7 counselling service for Australian veterans and their families. Call 1800 011 046
🔷 Alcohol and other drug support – Chat online at www.counsellingonline.org.au
🔷 Crisis support – Visit www.lifelinedirect.org.au or call 13 11 14

22/04/2026

💻 ONLINE workshop: Culturally safe practice for Aboriginal Peoples with co-occurring conditions

📅 Thursday, 21 May 2026
🕔 9am – 3pm AEST
🌐 Online
✔️ Cost: Free (Limited spots available – register now!)

Delivered by Clarisse Slater, a Yorta Yorta, Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri professional with 20 years of experience in the Aboriginal service sector, this training will support participants to strengthen their knowledge of wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective and build their confidence to deliver culturally safe care.

👉 What you'll learn:

🔹The impact of history on Aboriginal health
🔹Barriers to accessing care
🔹How to apply Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB)
🔹Key principles of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice

🔗 Sign up here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/2026/21-may-2026-online-culturally-safe-practice-for-aboriginal-peoples-with-co-occurring-conditions

16/04/2026

📢 Ballarat healthcare workers – we’ve got a workshop coming to you!

🔷 The role of pharmacotherapy in integrated care
📅 Thursday, 7 May 2026
🕔 9:30am – 4:00pm
📍 Ballarat Golf Club
👉 Cost: FREE (Limited spots available – register now!)

This session will explore the role of in integrated mental health and care, covering key considerations such as addressing barriers, initiating conversations and navigating care pathways.

If you work in the region, don’t miss out on this opportunity!

What you'll learn:
✔️ How to identify and address barriers to effective pharmacotherapy delivery
✔️ Practical skills to improve pharmacotherapy treatment outcomes
✔️ Emerging trends within pharmacotherapy treatment

🔗 Sign up today!
https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/2026/7-may-2026-in-person-the-role-of-pharmacotherapy-in-integrated-care-ballarat-

14/04/2026

📰 New research brief: Adult ADHD and substance use

In Australia, it's estimated that at least 800,000 people live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

So, what are the implications when ADHD co-occurs with substance use?

A 2022 systematic review found that substance use disorder (SUD) was the most common comorbidity among adults with ADHD, followed by mood disorders, anxiety and personality disorders.

Both problems are highly related. The likelihood of ADHD is higher in groups of people who have substance use disorders. We also know that the pathways to diagnosis and treatment can be more complex for people with both problems.

In our latest research brief, we explore the complexities of diagnosing and treating adult ADHD when it co-occurs with substance use. We also look at the risks of stimulant medications for people with SUD and share practical resources for clinicians.

🔗 Check out the full brief here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/adult-adhd-and-substance-use

Thanks to Orygen for their insightful review and contributions to this research brief.

To learn more about this topic, register for Point's Connect & Learn on June 23: All About Adult ADHD, presented by Dr Limor Theedar 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/connect-learn-all-about-adult-adhd-presented-by-dr-limor-theedar-tickets-1986359345273?aff=oddtdtcreator

13/04/2026

📍Workshop: Culturally safe practice for Aboriginal Peoples with co-occurring conditions

We’re excited to have Clarisse Slater, a Yorta Yorta, Kamilaroi, and Wiradjuri professional with 20 years of experience in the Aboriginal service sector, leading our next in-person workshop.

This full-day training is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective and build the confidence to deliver culturally safe care.

If you work in AOD or mental health in Victoria, don’t miss out – register today for this free workshop!

📚What you'll learn:
🔹The impact of history on Aboriginal health
🔹Barriers to accessing care
🔹How to apply Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB)
🔹Key principles of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice

Details:
🔹Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026
🔹Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm
🔹Location: Turning Point/Hamilton Centre, Richmond
🔹Cost: FREE (Limited spots available – register now!)

👉 Sign up today!
https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/2026/23-apr-2026-in-person-culturally-safe-practice-for-aboriginal-peoples-with-co-occurring-conditions

08/04/2026

This week marks three years since the establishment of the Hamilton Centre and its clinical network 🎉

Over this time, we’ve seen the reach and impact of our service continue to grow, with more than 4,500 referrals received across our clinical teams, several training sessions delivered to the mental health and AOD workforces, multiple research projects underway, and hundreds of Victorians now able to access integrated care for their co-occurring needs.

“It’s fantastic to see the increasing number of Victorian healthcare workers accessing our service, but even more encouraging is hearing about its impact on the ground. Behind each referral is a person, and it’s very heartwarming to hear that our services make a real difference," Hamilton Centre Manager Irina Hart says.

"We welcome and value feedback – it’s what drives our team to keep improving and finding better ways to support the workforce and to improve clients’ outcomes," she adds.

🌐 We’re grateful to hear directly from those engaging with our services. Check out some of the testimonials here 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/about/testimonials

“This positive feedback reflects the commitment of our central team and clinical network. With the support of our partners, we’re continuing to strengthen the delivery of integrated care for Victorians,” Irina says.

As we mark this milestone, we thank our clinical network and partners for their support along the way and look forward to what’s to come.

17/03/2026

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP | Culturally safe practice for Aboriginal Peoples with co-occurring conditions

If you work in AOD or mental health in Victoria, join our FREE workshop to explore integrated approaches that help ensure Aboriginal Peoples experience culturally safe care while also addressing their mental health and addiction concerns.

What you'll learn:
🔹The impact of history on Aboriginal health
🔹Barriers to accessing care
🔹How to apply Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB)
🔹Key principles of culturally safe, trauma-informed practice

Details:
📅 Thursday, 23 April 2026
🕔 9.30am – 4pm
📍 Turning Point/Hamilton Centre, Richmond
Cost: FREE (Limited spots – register now!)

Sign up today 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/2026/23-apr-2026-in-person-culturally-safe-practice-for-aboriginal-peoples-with-co-occurring-conditions

11/03/2026

Last week, our clinical partners at Austin Health and Goulburn Valley Health reached an incredible milestone: over 1,000 referrals!

Since 2023, the Hamilton Centre clinical network has been working tirelessly to enhance integrated AOD and mental health care across both metro and regional Victoria.

Watching this number grow is a powerful reminder that more people are finally receiving the care they need and deserve.

Senior Clinician Allison Page shared her excitement about the impact this progress is having on the ground:

“It’s been a true team effort to get to this stage, and we’re excited to see how our work is transforming the experience of AOD and mental health care in our community. We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”

A huge thank you to the entire team for your dedication, hard work, and for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of Victorians!

🔗 Learn more about our clinical partners: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/about/clinical-partners

🔗 How to make a referral: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/making-referrals-and-faqs

10/03/2026

🌐 How can services better support young people? How does stigma shape the way youth and families experience mental health and AOD care? And what happens when lived experience moves from the margins into service design?

In this episode, Annie Williams is joined by Nathan Abaloz, Youth Peer Advocate at Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), and Donna Ortiz, parent advocate and member of the YSAS Family Reference Group.

They explore how youth voice and family perspectives are shaping more responsive mental health and AOD services, and what it takes to embed genuine partnership with young people and families.

🎙️Listen now: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts/podcast-episodes/ep-11-youth-focused-mental-health-and-aod-care-lived-experience-and-family-voices

04/03/2026

If you missed last week’s webinar on integrated care for young people, the recording and supporting resources are now available on our website 👉https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/webinars/webinar-integrated-care-for-young-people-2

Featuring expert clinical and research perspectives, this webinar explores characteristics of youth presenting with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions across different settings.

It also highlights approaches to integrated care and examines developmental factors that influence how these issues emerge, affect and progress in young people.

Watch now!

23/02/2026

👉 This Friday 27 Feb at 2pm! 💻 Pharmacotherapy: A Key Opportunity for Integrated Care

We’re looking forward to Hamilton Centre Senior Pharmacist/ Eastern Health Acting Clinical Lead Alice Frank’s presentation at the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Summer Series this week.

Drawing on findings from the Hamilton Centre Opioid Pharmacotherapy Survey, her presentation will explore the bidirectional relationship between mental health and substance use and the implications for treatment and outcomes.

🔗 Register your spot: https://vccmhw.vic.gov.au/events/Pharmacotherapy--A-Key-Opportunity-for-Integrated-Care.html

19/02/2026

🌐 Webinar: Integrated care for young people
📅 Wednesday, 25 February 2026
🕔 12pm - 1pm AEDT
👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/webinar-integrated-care-for-young-people-tickets-1979939802247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Presenter: Dr Enrico Cementon

Dr Enrico is a consultant psychiatrist with Parkville Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS) and Honorary Principal Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. He was previously the Victorian Director of Addiction Psychiatry training for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Enrico is active in maximizing the dual diagnosis capability of colleagues in different service sectors to better manage the needs of young people, patients and families. He commenced this important work in 2000 with the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative and provided a witness statement for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System in 2020. His passion and commitment for dual diagnosis capability continue to this day. He trains students and medical and allied health staff in addiction and dual diagnosis issues on a regular basis.

Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/webinar-integrated-care-for-young-people-tickets-1979939802247?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mental Health Victoria
Orygen
Parkville Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing Service

Address

110 Church Street
Melbourne, VIC
3121

Telephone

+611800517383

Website

http://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/

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