Hamilton Centre

09/10/2025

🌐 As a multicultural nation, Australia welcomes thousands of migrants and refugees every year. Many arrive fleeing conflict, public health emergencies or seeking better opportunities for themselves and their loved ones.

This year’s theme highlights the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of people affected by humanitarian crises.

Mental health support in these situations isn’t just helpful. It can save lives, support healing and empower people to recover and rebuild as part of strong and connected communities. To make this possible, it’s essential that healthcare workers are equipped to offer compassionate and culturally responsive care.

Hamilton Centre Manager Irina Hart recently attended a Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) workshop on engaging with diverse communities in mental health settings. Reflecting on the session, she shared:

“The workshop is such a great reminder about the importance of meaningful engagement with diverse communities for anyone working in mental health, especially when supporting people affected by both trauma and addiction. It helped us to reflect on our practice and make sure we’re not only aware of cultural context, but actively working with it to provide care that’s respectful, inclusive and effective.”

The Matilda Centre's Comorbidity Guidelines also provide valuable insights into delivering integrated care to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

👉 Find out more here: https://comorbidityguidelines.org.au/part-c-specific-population-groups/people-from-culturally-and-linguistically-diverse-backgrounds

We’re also excited to have Katrin Oliver and Lisa Jarvie attending the VTMH Forum 2025 on Practice and Research Innovations Towards Culturally Responsive Systems, and look forward to integrating their insights into our work at the Hamilton Centre.

👉 More about the forum: https://vtmh.org.au/events/vtmh-forum-2025-practice-and-research-innovations-towards-culturally-responsive-systems/

World Health Organization (WHO)

07/10/2025

🎧 Need something insightful to listen to? Episode 2 of our podcast is packed with valuable discussions on integrated care.

In this episode, our clinical partners from Austin Health and Goulburn Valley Health – Professor Edward Ogden PSM and Allison Page – share their insights on what it takes to deliver effective integrated care.

They reflect on the power of relationship-building, the importance of understanding the needs of both consumers and services, and the critical role of collaboration – especially in rural and regional settings.

The conversation also explores:
✔️ Addressing stigma and unconscious bias in the healthcare system
✔️ The need for better education and training in mental health and substance use care
✔️ The unique challenges of working outside metro areas

Listen here 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts/podcast-episodes/ep-2-building-relationships-addressing-stigma-in-healthcare

06/10/2025

📢 Applications closing soon: 2026 Scholarships for the Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours ⏰

Are you working in the AOD or Mental Health and Wellbeing sector in Victoria? This is your chance to deepen your knowledge and skills with support from the Hamilton Centre.

Scholarship details:
🔹Valued at $10,000 each
🔹Fully online course
🔹Delivered in partnership with Monash University
🔹Course runs February – November 2026
🔹Applications close Sunday, 26 October 2025

Eligibility criteria:
✔️ Currently working in an AOD or MHWB agency funded by the Victorian Department of Health
✔️ Minimum two years’ experience in the AOD or MHWB sector
✔️ Commitment to completing the course in 2026 and covering any additional fees

Learn more and apply here 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/scholarships/hamilton-centre-scholarships-for-2026

01/10/2025

This year, we proudly stand with to support BPD Awareness Week.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that impacts thousands of Australians.

Our partners at Spectrum have developed a range of resources designed to inform, educate and inspire. By using these assets, you can help break down stigma, build connections and amplify the message that recovery is not only possible – it’s happening.

Find out more here 👉
https://www.spectrumbpd.com.au/information-resources/bpd-awareness-week-2025

Let’s unite to reduce stigma around BPD and foster a culture of understanding and compassion.

To check out the events happening this week, visit 👉 https://www.spectrumbpd.com.au/education-training/free-workshop-bpd-awareness-week


Eastern Health

29/09/2025

Today, Hamilton Centre Eastern Health Senior Pharmacist Alice Frank is presenting at the in Wangaratta!

It’s great to see more events supporting service providers across regional Victoria, and we're thrilled to have Alice representing us at this important opportunity.

In her session, Alice will discuss integrated care for co-occurring mental health and AOD issues, as well as the Hamilton Centre's efforts to support workforces in both metro and regional Victoria.

If you’re attending the event today, be sure to stop by and say hello – Alice would love to chat and share more about the support available!

VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association

24/09/2025

The link between alcohol and mental health issues is complex, which is why an integrated approach to treatment is so important.

In this video for Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education - FARE's Be Nice to Brain project, Hamilton Centre Clinical Director A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri discusses the connection between alcohol use and .

Watch the clip 👉 https://youtu.be/Ur0bnbtsnRU?si=PCPJVniV0-ze5DcI

To learn more about the campaign, visit: https://benicetobrain.org.au/about/

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

23/09/2025

Want to learn more about integrated mental health and addiction care?

🎧 Check out our for insights from specialists in the field!

If you missed the first episode, tune in now to hear from Hamilton Centre Clinical Director A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri, Turning Point Executive Clinical Director Prof Dan Lubman and Hamilton Centre Clinical Quality Improvement Lead Lisa Jarvie.

They dive into:

✔️ The importance of integrated care in mental health and addiction treatment
✔️ The Hamilton Centre’s role in supporting and upskilling the AOD and mental health workforces
✔️ Challenges faced by workers in the sector
✔️ The critical role of data collection and evaluation in driving improvement

Listen here 👉
https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts/podcast-episodes/podcast-episode-1

17/09/2025

📚 Catch up on the latest research briefs from the Hamilton Centre!

Our recent briefs explore key issues in integrated care for co-occurring conditions and culturally safe practice. Here's a quick overview:

🔹 Opioid pharmacotherapy in integrated care
🔍 Explores the benefits of combining opioid pharmacotherapy with mental health services for a more effective treatment.
🔗https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/opioid-pharmacotherapy-in-integrated-care

🔹 Treatment approaches for PTSD and addiction
🔍 Examines the link between trauma and addiction with a focus on integrated treatment for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders. Includes evidence-based interventions and an overview of PTSD and complex PTSD.
🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/treatment-approaches-for-ptsd-and-addiction

🔹 Supporting First Nations populations with co-occurring needs
🔍 Highlights research on the prevalence and impact of co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions among First Nations people in Australia. Emphasises the need for culturally safe, integrated and strengths-based care.
🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/supporting-first-nations-populations-with-co-occurring-needs

🔹 Stigma towards co-occurring disorders
🔍 Discusses how stigma shows up in mental health and AOD settings, the impact of ‘double stigma’ and practical ways healthcare providers can respond using evidence-based tools.
🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/stigma-towards-co-occurring-disorders-challenges-and-opportunities-in-mental-health-and-alcohol-and-other-drug-aod-settings

17/09/2025

It’s estimated that one in eight Australians are – people who invest time, energy and support, often in an unpaid role.

Carers offer unique insights into the needs of those they support, and by valuing this knowledge, healthcare providers can deliver more effective, holistic care.

Arafmi Ltd's Working with Carers, Family and Kin Guide helps healthcare workers improve collaboration with carers through four key steps.

🌱 Check out the guide here: https://workingwithcarers.com.au/

Hamilton Centre Manager Irina Hart highlights the importance of engaging with carers to achieve better health outcomes:

"As a carer for a family member experiencing mental health concerns and a former clinician, I’m thrilled to see such a useful tool available. Carers are often overlooked, and their contributions are not always acknowledged. This resource offers clear advice and practical tips for practitioners on how to meaningfully engage with carers, as well as ways to navigate sensitive conversations around privacy and confidentiality, consent, language and support options.”

Another valuable resource is St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (Nexus) Carers Can Ask (CCA), which offers support to carers of people with both mental health and substance use conditions. This tool provides essential information to help carers navigate their role and access the guidance and services available.

👉 Learn more here: https://www.svhm.org.au/our-services/departments-and-services/n/nexus/carers-can-ask

15/09/2025

Scholarship applications close soon!

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career in the addiction field.

🎓 Scholarships (valued at $10,000 each) are available for the Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours, delivered fully online in partnership with Monash University (Feb–Nov 2026).

🗓️ Applications close Sunday, 26 October 2025.

Eligibility:
✔️ Currently working in a Victorian Department of Health–funded AOD or MHWB agency
✔️ Minimum two years’ experience in the sector
✔️ Committed to completing the course in 2026 and covering any remaining costs

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/scholarships/hamilton-centre-scholarships-for-2026

09/09/2025

🟡 As Su***de Prevention Australia reminds us, World Su***de Prevention Day is a time to reflect, connect and recommit to preventing su***de and spreading hope.

Early access to mental health and addiction treatment can save lives, yet stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to people seeking help.

Today, we're sharing some of our latest resources on stigma in mental health and addiction care, and we invite you to explore and reflect on this important topic:

📘 Research brief – Stigma towards co-occurring disorders
🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/stigma-towards-co-occurring-disorders-challenges-and-opportunities-in-mental-health-and-alcohol-and-other-drug-aod-settings

🎓 Online module 6 – Understanding stigma in mental health and addiction care
🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/modules/module-6-understanding-stigma-in-mental-health-and-addiction-care

🎓 Online module 7 – Addressing stigma in mental health and addiction care
🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/modules/module-7-addressing-stigma-in-mental-health-and-addiction-care

📖 Framing Addiction and Dependence: building support and reducing stigma – A messaging guide by Turning Point
🔗https://turning-point-website-prod.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/drupal-s3fs/s3fs-public/2025-08/Framing%20Addiction%20and%20Dependence%20-%20FINAL%20(1).pdf

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs urgent support:

📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14
📞 Su***de Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

Learn more about World Su***de Prevention Day and national efforts led by Su***de Prevention Australia: https://www.su***depreventionaust.org/

***dePrevention

03/09/2025

More pharmacotherapy workshops coming up – secure your spot now!

📍 In-person: Wednesday, 19 Nov 2025 | 9:30am – 4:00pm
💻 Online: Thursday, 27 Nov 2025 | 9:00am – 3:00pm

What you’ll learn:
✔️ The role of pharmacotherapy in integrated care
✔️ How to identify and overcome barriers to effective delivery
✔️ Practical skills to improve treatment outcomes
✔️ Emerging trends and developments in pharmacotherapy..and much more!

👉 For more info and to register, visit: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events