Hamilton Centre

21/08/2025

If you missed our recent webinar with Mental Health Professionals' Network, you can now watch the full recording here 👉 https://mhpn.org.au/webinar/integrated-care-in-action-a-model-for-mental-health-and-addiction-support/

In this session, our expert panel explores how integrated interdisciplinary care can enhance outcomes for AOD presentations involving complex co-occurring challenges. They also share practical strategies to overcome barriers and strengthen collaboration across disciplines.

To stay informed about future webinars and training opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter 🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/newsletter

19/08/2025

🔷 Only a few seats left!

Join us in-person on Thursday 28 August for a full-day workshop exploring the role of in integrated mental health and care.

📍 Richmond, VIC
🕤 9:30am – 4:00pm
👥 Available to Victorian mental health and AOD workers

Whether you're a clinician, support worker or service manager, this workshop will equip you with practical tools and insights to support safe, effective and compassionate care.

What you'll learn:
🔹The role of pharmacotherapy in integrated care models
🔹Strategies to identify and overcome barriers in service delivery
🔹Skills to improve treatment outcomes
🔹Updates on emerging trends and best practices.. and much more

Limited places available – register now to secure your spot 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/28-aug-2025-in-person-the-role-of-pharmacotherapy-in-integrated-care

14/08/2025

Following the launch of two online modules on stigma earlier this week, we’re now sharing the Hamilton Centre’s latest research brief on this important topic.

Healthcare providers are not immune to stigmatising attitudes, and practices and policies that limit access to quality care, also known as structural stigma, are often embedded in the formal and informal rules of services.

This brief explores how stigma presents in mental health and AOD settings, the challenges and opportunities in addressing the ‘double stigma’ experienced by people with co-occurring conditions, and practical resources to support healthcare providers.

📄 Read the brief: 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

To explore the new online modules, visit:

🔹 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

🔹 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

11/08/2025

People with both and concerns often face “double stigma” – the extra challenge of negative stereotypes attached to each condition.

This can make it even harder to access the care they need.

Understanding and addressing is key to building compassionate, inclusive healthcare that leads to improved engagement and recovery outcomes.

We’ve just launched two online modules that explore the components and types of stigma, how it’s connected to addiction and mental illness and strategies for addressing it in practice.

Available now to the Victorian mental health and AOD workforces.

Learn more 👇

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
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

05/08/2025

🎓Looking to expand your career in the addiction field? This opportunity is for you!

The Hamilton Centre is offering valued at approximately $10,000 each for workers in the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs ( ) and Mental Health and Wellbeing ( ) sectors to undertake the Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours.

This online course, running from February to November 2026 and delivered in partnership with Monash University, offers a unique opportunity to enhance your expertise in addressing addictive behaviours and substance use disorders.

What you'll gain:
✔️ Explore models and theories
✔️ Develop advanced skills in screening, assessment, and intervention
✔️ Strengthen communication and client engagement strategies

Eligibility requirements:
✔️ Work within an AOD or MHWB agency funded by the Victorian Department of Health
✔️ At least two years of experience in the AOD or MHWB sector
✔️ Commitment to complete the course and cover any additional fees

For more details and to apply, visit 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/scholarships/hamilton-centre-scholarships-for-2026

Applications close on Sunday, 26 October 2025. Don’t miss your chance to advance your career and make a meaningful impact in your field!

For more scholarship opportunities, visit Turning Point's website 👉 https://www.turningpoint.org.au/education/programs/higher-education/department-of-health-vic-scholarships

24/07/2025

It’s been a busy time for our Education and Training team, who delivered another last week and are preparing for two more in the coming months.

Last week’s session in Mildura focused on in integrated care, sparking a productive and engaging discussion.

One participant highlighted how valuable it was to learn more about pharmacotherapy medications and treatments, while another attendee said the highlight was hearing from Hamilton Centre Peer Educator Lee Ann – truly one of the most impactful parts of the training.

It’s great to see Hamilton Centre workshops continuing to support healthcare professionals in delivering for people with mental health and substance use challenges.

Want to join us for the upcoming sessions? Register here 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events

17/07/2025

🎧 Check out our podcast series!

We know how busy life can get for service providers, carers and families. That’s why our podcast is designed to be a convenient resource for anyone wanting to learn more about integrated care for co-occurring mental health and substance use or addiction issues.

Here’s what you’ll find:

✔️ Insightful conversations with sector leaders and lived experience workers
✔️ Information on support services for AOD and mental health workers
✔️ Guidance on navigating complex cases and systemic challenges

Explore our library here 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts

Our latest episode highlights Professor Margaret Hamilton AO, the inspiration behind the Centre’s name. With over 50 years of experience in the drug and alcohol field, Prof Margaret shares powerful stories, uncovers systemic gaps and offers practical advice for clinicians and workers facing these challenges.

Listen to her episode 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts/podcast-episodes/ep-9-two-years-of-the-hamilton-centre-advancing-integrated-mental-health-and-addiction-care

15/07/2025

💻 Have you registered for our webinar with Mental Health Professionals' Network?

Don’t miss this chance to learn more about integrated care in practice!

📅 30 July 2025
🕦 7:00pm – 8:15pm AEST

In this session, our panel will discuss how integrated interdisciplinary care can improve outcomes for AOD presentations with complex co-occurring challenges and share practical strategies to overcome barriers and strengthen collaboration.

Find out more and register 👉 https://mhpn.org.au/webinar/integrated-care-in-action-a-model-for-mental-health-and-addiction-support/

14/07/2025

Join Turning Point’s Talking Point webinar on the 7th of August to explore the link between trauma and opioid use 📰

Did you know that up to 90% of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) have trauma exposure, and 41% experience PTSD? Yet, less than 12% of those with both OUD and PTSD receive treatment for both conditions.

Dr Tanya C. Saraiya, Assistant Professor and Director of the PATH Lab at the Medical University of South Carolina, will discuss her research on addressing underlying trauma in opioid use and share findings from a new integrated therapy for OUD and PTSD.

Register here🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/addressing-underlying-trauma-in-opioid-use-presented-by-dr-tanya-saraiya-tickets-1392101325539

Eventbrite - Turning Point presents Addressing Underlying Trauma in Opioid Use, presented by Dr Tanya Saraiya - Thursday, 7 August 2025 - Find event and ticket information.

09/07/2025

If you work in AOD services with clients who have experienced trauma, your insights could help improve wellbeing supports across the sector. More info below 👇

Do you work in Alcohol and Other Drug ( ) services with clients who have experienced trauma?

Researchers at Turning Point and Monash University are exploring how workplace culture, relationships and supervision shape experiences of vicarious trauma and growth.

By sharing your experiences, you can help us improve wellbeing supports across the sector.

Participation involves a confidential interview (approx. 60 mins) via your choice of phone or Zoom.

✔️ Ethics approved.

👉 To learn more, email: Flo1@student.monash.edu.au

08/07/2025

Register now for our upcoming workshops!

Tailored for the Victorian mental health and AOD workforces, these training sessions focus on the role of pharmacotherapy in integrated mental health and addiction care.

📍In-person: Thursday, 28 Aug 2025 – 9:30am to 4pm
💻 Online: Thursday, 11 Sep 2025 – 9am to 3pm

Gain practical insights into managing risks, enhancing safety and collaborating with healthcare professionals to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care.

Secure your spot 🔗 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events

06/07/2025

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates a future built on the strength of young First Nations leaders, the vision of communities and the legacy of their ancestors.

Building a brighter future for the next generation means taking responsibility today – working to remove the barriers that previous generations have faced for too long.

Substance use and mental health issues continue to be major contributors to poor health outcomes among people. While data is still limited, current research shows these challenges have a disproportionate impact on First Nations communities compared to the general population.

In our latest research brief, we take a closer look at the current evidence, the underlying factors and the need for culturally safe, integrated and strengths-based approaches to care.

At the Hamilton Centre, we’re committed to supporting fair and equal access to health and wellbeing. We honour Indigenous voices, culture and resilience during NAIDOC Week and every day.

Read the full brief 👉 https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/supporting-first-nations-populations-with-co-occurring-needs