aadant-2026

July 2026: FASD in practice: what the evidence means for services in the NT

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:13:15 GMT

23 July 2026

Microsoft Teams

11:00 - 12:00 PM

Online

FASD in practice: what the evidence means for services in the NT

Elizabeth Elliott is Professor of Paediatrics, University of Sydney, Director, NSW FASD Assessment Service, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and Director, FASD Research Australia NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence. She developed the Australian Guide to FASD Diagnosis, leads FASD Hub and FASD Register, contributed to NHMRC/WHO guidelines on alcohol use in pregnancy, and played a key role in the National FASD Action Plan.

In this webinar, Elizabeth will provide information from Australia on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a complex condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure and outline governments' response. We will unpack FASD, how it presents and its impact across the lifespan, and explain why early identification and intervention are critical. Through highlighting the latest research shaping clinical practice and policy, we will offer insights into emerging approaches to care and the implications for services in the Northern Territory.

Registration link

Guidelines implementation toolkit now available

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 05:16:59 GMT

A toolkit to support organisations implement the Guidelines on the management of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment settings (3rd edition) into practice is now available.

Developed by researchers from the Matilda Centre at the University of Sydney in collaboration with key stakeholders, including AOD organisational leaders and workers, people with lived experience and loved ones, with funding from Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Guidelines implementation toolkit aims to assist organisational leaders to identify and address the following:

evidence-to-practice gaps in relation to Guidelines recommendations;
barriers to the implementation of Guidelines recommendations;
implementation strategies and tools to address identified barriers; and
processes for implementing and evaluating change.

What is the toolkit?

The Toolkit guides organisational leaders through a five-step implementation process for putting Guidelines recommendations into practice. Steps 1-4 inform the development and evaluation of an implementation work plan described in Step 5. Each step is accompanied by: i) guidance on how to complete the step; ii) an example of the step being completed in practice; and iii) implementation tools. The toolkit is designed to be flexible and adaptable to individual AOD treatment settings, and guidance and tools do not need to be used prescriptively. Instead, organisational leaders can use their experience, judgement and expertise to apply the toolkit within their local context.

Who is the toolkit for?

The toolkit has been developed for people working within AOD treatment settings who have the capacity to influence change, such as organisational leaders, service managers, clinic directors, quality assurance and improvement officers.

Launch- Homes Together Program (TSS)

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:45:39 GMT

Yilli Rreung Housing is pleased to announce the launch of our Homes Together – Tenant Sustainability Service (TSS) Program.

Please see below for more information about the program and the support they offer. For more information or to make a referral, please email TSS@yillihousing.com.au

Click here for the referral form. Please complete and return via email.

APSAD 2026

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:38:24 GMT

8-11 November 2026

Esplanade Hotel, Walyalup (Fremantle)

08:00 AM - 15:00 PM

Face to Face

Save the date - APSAD 2026!

Save the date for APSAD 2026, taking place from 8 to 11 November 2026 at the Esplanade Hotel in Walyalup (Fremantle), on Whadjuk Noongar country in Western Australia.

Abstracts will open in March 2026, along with scholarship applications and registrations, with the Super Early Bird deadline set for late March. Abstract submissions will close in May 2026, while Early Bird registration and accommodation bookings will close in September 2026.

Learn more

Australian Winter School 2026 – Risky Business: IYKYK

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:33:16 GMT

19-21 August 2026

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

08:00 AM - 15:00 PM

Face to Face

Australian Winter School 2026 – Risky Business: IYKYK

The Australian Winter School AOD Conference is a nationally recognised event with over 30 years of delivering high-quality learning on emerging issues in harm reduction and alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment.

Held over three days, the conference features pre-conference workshops, keynote speakers, breakout sessions and panels, supporting workers, clinicians and policy makers to strengthen skills, share knowledge and explore innovations in AOD practice, policy and research.

The 2026 theme, “Risky Business: IYKYK,” highlights the complex and evolving challenges across the AOD sector while showcasing new ideas, evidence-informed practice and collaboration

The conference is presented by the Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies. Pre-conference workshops on 19 August & Conference sessions 20–21 August

Website

AOD 101 & Brief Interventions Training

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:19 GMT

19-20 March 2026

Charles Darwin University

Full day

Face to Face

AOD 101 & Brief Interventions Training

AADANT, in partnership with 360Edge, is delivering a two-day training workshop designed to strengthen skills and confidence in supporting people affected by alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.

This training builds participants’ understanding of AOD use, harms, and the links to trauma and mental health, while developing practical skills to engage with people in a supportive and culturally safe way.

Participants will learn how to identify risks and harms, conduct culturally relevant screening, and deliver brief interventions aligned with the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) framework. The workshop also covers practical approaches to goal setting, harm reduction and referral pathways, supporting workers to confidently apply non-clinical strategies in community settings.

What the training covers

Understanding alcohol and other drug use, including prevalence, patterns and impacts
The relationship between substance use, trauma and mental health
Culturally relevant screening and engagement approaches
Delivering brief interventions in community and service settings
Practical strategies for goal setting and harm reduction
Referral pathways and supporting healthier behaviour change

Registration link

April 2026: Rainbow Affinity - LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:34:45 GMT

23 April 2026

Microsoft Teams

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Online

LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training for folk working in the AOD Sector

Jack (he/they) is a proud trans man, Social Worker and founder of Rainbow Affinity, which delivers professional development to help practitioners and organisations provide affirming and culturally safer services for LGBTIQ+SB communities. He has extensive experience across the mental health and AOD sectors, spanning counselling, training, advocacy and research. Jack received the LGBTIQA+ Worker Award at the 2024 Australian Winter School Conference (QNADA) and is currently contributing to a national research project with the University of Sydney, UNSW, La Trobe University and NADA exploring how trans people in Australia seek AOD support and how these experiences can be improved.

Research tells us that LGBTIQ+SB people in Australia use alcohol and other drugs at higher rates and often begin use at younger ages compared to the general population. Despite the LGBTIQ+SB community being recognised as a priority population in national AOD strategies, LGBTIQ+SB people continue to face significant barriers to accessing culturally competent and affirming support when they are looking to make changes to their AOD use.

In fact, the biggest barrier for LGBTIQ+SB people seeking support for their alcohol and other drug use has found to be the lack of an affirmative provider. Addressing this gap in knowledge is crucial for improving treatment uptake among LGBTIQ+SB populations and reducing the health burden linked to impactful substance use within this group.

This webinar will touch on some of the key concepts I typically cover during my training including what is affirmative practice, and why is it important, the prevalence of substance use in the LGBTIQ+SB community (contemporary research and data), and a few practical ways to provide culturally safer and more affirming services to the LGBTIQ+SB community who are seeking support for their AOD use.

Registration link

March 2026: Food for Recovery: The Role of Nutrition in Addiction and Mental Health

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:29:14 GMT

17 March 2026

Microsoft Teams

11:30 - 12:00 PM

Online

Food for Recovery: The Role of Nutrition in Addiction and Mental Health

Kate Borland is a Public Health Nutritionist with over 22 years’ experience working in addiction recovery and mental health. She specialises in nutrition-based approaches to detoxification, emotional regulation and long-term recovery, delivering practical, evidence-informed programs across hospital, residential, non-residential, detox and justice settings. Kate also brings lived experience to her work and has been alcohol-free for 28 years. This combination of professional expertise and personal insight shapes her compassionate, practical and non-judgemental approach, helping people in recovery build sustainable foundations for wellbeing.

In this webinar, Kate will explore the powerful role nutrition plays in addiction recovery and mental health, with a strong focus on practical application for frontline services. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and program delivery, Kate will unpack how substance use impacts the body’s nutritional status, brain chemistry, mood, cravings and emotional regulation.

The session will cover:

How alcohol and other drugs affect nutrition, mental health and recovery outcomes
Common nutritional deficiencies seen in detox and early recovery
The link between nutrition, cravings, anxiety, depression and emotional regulation
Practical, low-cost nutrition strategies that can be used in AOD and community settings
How workers can support clients to use food as a tool for healing and stability

This session is designed for AOD, mental health, SEWB, youth and community-facing workers and will provide practical insights that can be applied immediately in day-to-day practice.

Registration link

AADANT Conference 2026

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:53:19 GMT

3-4 JUNE 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin

All day event

Face to face

AADANT Conference 2026

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies Northern Territory (AADANT) 2026 Conference theme is, On Country, In Community: The Way We Work . This theme will explore how people, place and practice intersect to shape the future of alcohol and other drug (AOD) service delivery in the NT.

The 2026 conference will bring together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, peer workers and community leaders to share innovation, strengthen collaboration and discuss real-world solutions grounded in the needs of NT communities.

The conference will have a strong focus on access, equity and evidence and aims to highlight diverse voices and experiences from across urban, regional and remote settings, acknowledging that meaningful AOD outcomes require culturally responsive, community-informed and system-aware approaches.

The call for abstracts are open and will close on Monday 16 February 2026.

To register and to submit an abstract, please click this information link .

February 2026: genU Training - Supporting U to Support Others

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 03:55:17 GMT

18 February 2026

Microsoft Teams

12:00 – 12:30 PM

Online

genU Training - Supporting U to Support Others

genU Training is a nationally recognised, not-for-profit RTO with strong expertise in alcohol and other drugs, mental health, disability and community services. As part of a community services provider, genU is values-driven and focused on building workforce capability to support people with complex needs.

This session will showcase how genU Training supports workforce development in the NT, with a focus on training pathways relevant to the AOD sector and clinical staff. It will highlight flexible learning options suited to remote and frontline work, including accredited qualifications, micro-credentials and professional development opportunities that support skill-building, retention and career progression.

The session will be presented by Katherine Saheed, Business Development & Strategic Growth Manager, and will focus on practical, job-ready training that strengthens culturally responsive and integrated practice across the AOD workforce.

Registration link

Training: Working Together for Safer, Stronger Housing Pathways

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:50:37 GMT

About the Training

Working Together for Safer, Stronger Housing Pathways has been developed through consultation across housing, homelessness, mental health and AOD sectors. It reflects the voices of frontline workers, service leaders and people with lived experience, ensuring the training is grounded in real challenges and practical solutions that support stronger cross-sector collaboration and better outcomes for clients.

Housing and Homelessness Sector Training

This training has been designed specifically for housing and homelessness workers supporting people with complex mental health and alcohol and other drug needs.

Participants will strengthen their confidence and skills to respond in practical, culturally safe and trauma-informed ways, while reducing tenancy risks and supporting safer housing outcomes.

The training supports workers to:

Build mental health and AOD literacy
Understand trauma and its impact on behaviour and tenancy
Apply practical strategies for managing tenancy risk
Strengthen culturally safe engagement with clients and communities
Respond confidently to early warning signs and complex situations
Use scenario-based learning grounded in real housing practice
Access plain English tools and resources for everyday work

This package helps workers feel more equipped to have difficult conversations, maintain tenancies and support people to remain safely housed.

Training Dates – Housing and Homelessness Sector

Mental Health and AOD Sector Training

This training has been developed for mental health and AOD workers supporting people at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing instability.

Participants will develop a clearer understanding of housing systems and strengthen their ability to work alongside housing providers to improve stability and safety for clients.

The training supports workers to:

Understand housing systems and pathways
Navigate referral processes more effectively
Strengthen collaboration with housing services
Improve coordinated care approaches
Support clients to access and maintain safe accommodation
Apply learning through real case scenarios
Use practical plain English resources in frontline settings

This package builds confidence in helping clients move toward stable housing and strengthens cross-sector partnerships that prevent homelessness.

Training Dates – Mental Health and AOD Sector

BushMob’s New Model of Care: Culture, Healing and Wellbeing

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 02:45:34 GMT

04 December 2025

Microsoft Teams

13:00 - 13:30 PM

Online

BushMob’s New Model of Care: Culture, Healing and Wellbeing

Jock MacGregor is the CEO of BushMob Aboriginal Corporation with 16 years of experience working in youth AOD in Alice Springs.

BushMob has recently redeveloped its Model of Care to ensure it remains culturally safe, evidence-informed and responsive to the needs of young people. This webinar will share insights from that process, including how cultural healing, co-design, and strong partnerships are being embedded into BushMob’s work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. It will highlight how the model incorporates Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing as part of therapeutic care.

Registration link

Pedestrian Deaths and Serious Injuries in the NT

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:59:22 GMT

25 November 2025

Microsoft Teams

12:30 – 13:00 PM

Online

Pedestrian Deaths and Serious Injuries in the NT

Dr Sarah Clifford will present on Pedestrian Deaths and Serious Injuries in the NT and Teegan Wattam will provide a brief overview of Roadmaps for NT (R4NT).

This webinar will focus on research from Menzies that highlights how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders have championed and led several successful road safety initiatives and continue to advocate strongly for improved outcomes. However, a significant gap remains between NT Government road safety efforts and the knowledge, expertise, and priorities of Aboriginal communities.

Roadmaps for NT (R4NT) brings together Aboriginal community leaders and members, service providers, and policy makers to identify localised road safety priorities and co-designed strategies.

Registration link

AADANT - Medication Safety and Compliance Webinar

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:06:28 GMT

07 October 2025

Zoom

13:00 – 15:00 PM

Online

Free Refresher Course for AOD Staff

AADANT, with funding support from NT PHN, is offering a free online refresher course in medication safety and compliance for AOD staff who previously completed the HLTHPS006 – Assist Clients with Medication training.

This professional development webinar will strengthen staff knowledge, confidence and skills in safely assisting with medications, ensuring higher quality of care in residential AOD services.

The session will run on Tuesday 7 October 2025, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm via Zoom and will include a live Q&A. Topics covered include medication safety and compliance, legal and organisational responsibilities, infection control, preventing errors and safe storage of medications.

A short quiz will follow the session, with certificates of participation provided to attendees.

Registration link

Training Dates - Dual Diagnosis Workshop 2026

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:52:42 GMT

AADANT is pleased to announce the rollout of our 2026 Dual Diagnosis Training. This training is designed to strengthen workforce capability in supporting people experiencing co-occurring alcohol and other drug use and mental health challenges, with a strong focus on culturally safe, trauma-informed and community-based practice.

Sessions will be co-facilitated by Geoff Radford (CEO, NT Mental Health Coalition) and Stephanie Holmes (EO, AADANT), alongside lived experience insights and practical examples of safe, effective practice.

The training will focus on:

Culturally safe and trauma-informed care
Co-case management and flexible referral pathways
Lived experience perspectives and practical harm reduction strategies
Tools for better supporting people with dual diagnosis in community settings

Click the location tabs below for training information and registration links.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation in the NT: A look at the ADF’s place based prevention programs, information and support services

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 23:48:46 GMT

10 September 2025

Microsoft Teams

12:00 – 12:30 PM

Online

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation in the NT: A look at the ADF’s place based prevention programs, information and support services

For over 65 years, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) has been a national leader in evidence-based approaches to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug harm.

In this session join the ADF’s NT team to discover the targeted information, advocacy and support services available to AOD professionals, health and community workers, and members of the public. Learn about the prevention activities currently being delivered and new programs coming soon.

Presenter bios:

Karen Gotts is the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Northern Territory Community Development Manager. Karen has supported the strategic development of a range of community controlled organisations, specialising in local solutions and values driven stakeholder engagement across all levels.

Registration link

ADF Resource: Lived and living experience: Strengthening services in the alcohol and other drugs sector

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:09:24 GMT

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), in collaboration with SHARC and Harm Reduction Victoria, has launched a powerful new resource focused on Lived and Living Experience (LLE) in the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector.

As momentum grows across Australia for meaningful and ongoing LLE involvement, this resource highlights the vital role that people with lived or living experience play across all areas of health and social support, including strategy and policy development, research, education and training, leadership, program design and service delivery.

This new resource offers practical insights and guidance on:

What LLE is and why it matters
The variety of roles people with LLE hold across Australia
How their unique expertise can drive better outcomes for individuals and communities
Key considerations for engaging LLE meaningfully and ethically in your work

Whether you're a service provider, policymaker, educator or working in program design, this resource is a must-read to ensure your approach is informed, inclusive and reflective of real-world experience.

View the resources here .

“Digital interventions for methamphetamine use and First Nations people” - recorded webinar

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:26:12 GMT

NCCRED recently hosted a webinar titled “ Digital interventions for methamphetamine use and First Nations people ”. The session began with an overview of a four-phase project with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

During the data collection phase, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from 736 participants aged 16 and above (median age 34), 60% of whom identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. These insights informed the development of community-led prevention strategies and a web-based app, “Wada Wanti: Leave the Ice Alone”. The app content is based on evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, emotional regulation techniques and relaxation strategies. The digital interventions can be used independently or integrated by workers in a range of service settings, including primary care and AOD treatment sessions.

The webinar concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A session.

The recorded webinar is available here .

Guide - Why language matters: A terminology guide when discussing substance use

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:24:37 GMT

Barod, an AOD service based in Wales (United Kingdom), recently published a guide titled “Why language matters” which was developed alongside people with lived and living experience of substance use. The authors note that when it comes to substance use, language can either reinforce stigma or foster understanding. They explain that dehumanising and derogatory words like “addict”, “clean”, or “chaotic” can carry judgment, shame, and blame — and can stop people from seeking the support they need. The authors suggest when we choose our words with care, we help create a culture of dignity, inclusion, and hope. This guide provides a list of language to avoid, why, and acceptable alternatives to use. Although this guide was developed in Wales, we think much of the content applies to the Australian context.

Visit the Barod website and download the guide here .

"Parent substance use and child-to-parent violence: A brief report"

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:21:02 GMT

This study titled “Parent substance use and child-to-parent violence: A brief report” investigated the association between parental substance use and substance involved child to parent violence (SU-CPV) i.e. the young person is influenced by a substance. They found parental alcohol use was associated with an increased likelihood of SU-CPV. They suggest parental behaviours may influence the young person's behaviour, and this may be exacerbated by the disinhibiting impact of alcohol and unpredictability within the home environment. They also discuss that parental alcohol use could be a coping strategy for parents experiencing SU-CPV.

Access the report here - Parent substance use and child-to-parent violence: A brief report

Tobacco excise and illicit tobacco sales– what's the connection?

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:19:20 GMT

Tobacco use in Australia – including among young people - is at its lowest level in decades, largely due to effective public health strategies. However, a recent article in The Guardian suggests that the twice-yearly increases in tobacco excise may have reached the limit of their effectiveness. Rather than further reducing smoking rates, these ongoing tax increases may be contributing to the growth of the illicit tobacco market. The article examines the impactof continued excise increases and highlights the growing challenge posed by illicit tobacco sales in Australia, raising important questions about the future direct of tobacco control efforts.

To read the full article, go to “Tobacco excise ha s passed a ‘tipping point’ and is fuelling black market, economists warn”

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: 6-13 July 2025!

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 02:25:51 GMT

NAIDOC week starts this Sunday, 6th of July. It is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates both achievements of the past and the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of communities, and the legacy of ancestors. 2025 also marks NAIDOC’s 50th year!

To learn more about NAIDOC week, download promotional materials, and find events happening in your area, go to NAIDOC Week 2025 .

Emerging Minds: Resources for Working with CALD Families

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:59:20 GMT

20 October 2025

Microsoft Teams

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Online

Emerging Minds: Resources for Working with CALD Families

Join Julie Ngwabi, Senior Child Mental Health Advisor at Emerging Minds, for an engaging session exploring culturally responsive practice and how to better support CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) families in the mental health space.

The discussion will be around culturally responsive practice and highlight some of the resources Emerging Minds has developed to support organisations and practitioners who support and work with CALD families.

To date, there is a foundation and practice course for practitioners that are freely available. To help develop CALD learning pathways, assign, track course completions and generate reports, Emerging Minds has also developed Workplace Dashboards.

Registration link

Past webinars

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:51:22 GMT

Medicinal Cannabis Webinar

Understanding methamphetamine

LGBTIQA+SB Communities at the Intersection of AOD

Setting the Floor How Minimum Unit Pricing Impacts Alcohol Consumption

Master the Art of Abstract Submission

Inside the BDR: Pathways, Policy & Practice in Alcohol Harm Reduction

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:22:14 GMT

9 July 2025

Microsoft Teams

13:00 – 13:45 PM

Online

Inside the BDR: Pathways, Policy & Practice in Alcohol Harm Reduction

Leon Gailitis is a seasoned AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs) professional with around 20 years of experience spanning frontline NGO roles, leadership positions, government service delivery and program design and policy development . Currently serving as the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) Registrar, Leon brings deep sector knowledge and a commitment to creating meaningful, systems-level change. His career reflects a strong foundation in client-centred care and a strategic approach to public health and community wellbeing. Leon’s expertise bridges practice and policy, providing a broad perspective in the ongoing effort to reduce harm and improve outcomes in the AOD space. Outside of work, Leon enjoys hands-on creative pursuits such as rustic woodworking and building custom computers.

Presentation Outline:

What is the BDR?
The Alcohol Harm Reduction Act 2017 and legislative changes.
Pathways to the BDR, types of orders and statistics.
Criteria, consent and Information sharing
Assessments and therapeutic supports
How it’s helpful and limitations
Roles of the registrar and clinicians

Registration link

Understanding The National Minimum Data Set (NMDS)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:18:09 GMT

16 July 2025

Microsoft Teams

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Online

Understanding The National Minimum Data Set

Join us for a practical and informative webinar led by Rebecca Lang, CEO of the Queensland Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (QNADA), as she unpacks the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Set (AODTS–NMDS). This session will provide valuable tools and insights to support ethical, efficient and compliant data reporting in the AOD sector.

What you'll learn:

The purpose and scope of the AODTS–NMDS
Key reporting requirements and timelines
Ethical data collection aligned with privacy legislation
Best-practice approaches to data capture and client communication
Navigating informed consent, confidentiality and data linkage
Common challenges and practical tips for accurate reporting.

This session is ideal for frontline AOD workers, team leaders, program managers and anyone involved in data and reporting roles.

Whether you're new to the NMDS or looking to strengthen your practice, this webinar will help build your capability and confidence.

Registration link

Counsellor / Educator - Amity Community Services

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:41:11 GMT

Counsellor/Educator

Amity Community Services Inc

Counsellor / Educator $90,492.90

Amity is a for-purpose community organisation based in Darwin, Northern Territory. Amity delivers a range of professional evidence-informed services and programs that encourage healthier habits and lifestyles. Amity specialises in the areas of alcohol, other drugs, gambling and associated areas of mental health.

The Role of Counsellor/Educator

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Counsellor/Educator to join our team to:
Provide individual counselling to clients, using evidence-informed assessment and therapeutic interventions relating to AOD, gambling behaviours and associated mental health concerns
Develop and deliver tailored individual therapeutic plans
Assist clients in setting and achieving personal and academic goals
Maintain accurate and confidential client records
Develop and deliver educational programs and workshops

Qualifications:

Minimum : Diploma level qualification in Counselling, Social Work, Psychology, and/or Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
Knowledge of the local Darwin community and the community sector
Desirable : Bachelor’s degree in Counselling, Education, Psychology, or a related field
Registration with AHPRA, AASW, the ACA or PACFA

Prerequisites:

National Police Check
Ochre card
Current Northern Territory Driver License
Ability to travel throughout the NT and work outside of normal business hours, when required

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package
Professional development opportunities
Regular clinical supervision within a robust framework of internal, external, individual and group sessions
6 weeks annual leave, plus gifted period between Christmas and New Year
3 weeks personal leave
The option of salary sacrificing
Up to $2,500 per year support for approved professional development

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to habitwise@amity.org.au

Free Webinar: Strengthening AOD Responses: LGBTIQA+SB Communities at the Intersection of FDV & Suicide Prevention

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 04:27:13 GMT

Tue, 11 Feb

Where: Online - Microsoft Teams

Free Webinar: Strengthening AOD Responses: LGBTIQA+SB Communities at the Intersection of FDV & Suicide Prevention

Join us for a concise, powerful webinar on supporting LGBTIQA+SB individuals facing AOD challenges, family and domestic violence, and suicide risks. Hear practical strategies from Switchboard Victoria’s Anna McFee and Maya Ellazam to enhance inclusive, trauma-informed care.

Ideal for AOD workers, mental health professionals, social workers, and community services staff.

We are excited to welcome Anna McFee and Maya Ellazam from Switchboard, who will both provide valuable insights and practical strategies to build workforce capacity and enhance inclusive, trauma-informed care. This session will explore key challenges, highlight best practice approaches, and share resources to support frontline workers in effectively responding to the unique needs of LGBTIQA +SB individuals.

This webinar is ideal for AOD workers, mental health professionals, social workers, and anyone working in the community services sector looking to strengthen their knowledge and practice.

Register now to gain practice tools, deepen your understanding, and contribute to creating safer, more inclusive support systems.

Please find below a bit more information about our two key presenters:

Anna McFee (she/her) - Acting Suicide Prevention Manager, Switchboard Victoria

Anna McFee is the Acting Suicide Prevention Manager at Switchboard Victoria. For the past 3 years Anna has been working within Switchboard's LGBTQIA+ Suicide Bereavement program, to continue to grow the Suicide Bereavement Supports available to LGBTIQA+ communities. Anna is passionate about community lead responses to care, group, and peer support. Anna has brings a creative and community spirit to the Suicide Prevention work at Switchboard, and is an advocate for uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices in Suicide Prevention care.

Maya Ellazam (she/her) - Suicide Prevention Project Manager, Switchboard Victoria

Maya (she/her) is the Suicide Prevention Project Manager at Switchboard Victoria. She runs Changing the Landscape, a national campaign fighting for every LGBTIQA+SB person to have access to life affirming suicide prevention support when they need it most. Previously, she worked on the national implementation of Beyond Blue’s The Way Back Support Service, a suicide aftercare service for people who have been discharged from hospital after a suicide attempt. Maya is passionate about integrating her understanding of grassroots frameworks and broader systems level approaches to advocate for sustainable, supported, community-led responses to suicide. She is proud to work with and continually learn from fellow LGBTIQA+SB advocates in the fight for the health of our communities.

Register now: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6eab1247-6854-4f17-ac8c-067285a3356c@4762e368-6a8f-47da-9cea-5deea4a98a86

Community leaders call on NT Government to keep alcohol harm reduction measures in place

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:29:07 GMT

In an open letter sent to the Hon Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minster of the Northern Territory (NT) today, more than 200 community leaders and representatives from community, health, Aboriginal and research organisations have called on the NT Government to keep in place measures that work to reduce alcohol-related harm.

This includes retaining evidence-based harm minimisation policies, such as the Minimum Unit Price for a standard drink (or floor price) on alcohol and reduced trading hours for take-away liquor outlets.

Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) Chief Executive, Dr John Paterson said, “Grog is something that hurts too many Territorians, and our government should be using every tool in the toolkit to keep people in our community safe and well.

“Our message to the Chief Minister is clear: please listen to us and consult with communities who have experienced the damaging effects of alcohol firsthand.
“We know all too well what happens when decisions are made without community engagement and consideration of the evidence. We can’t afford to take any backwards steps on alcohol.”

Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies Northern Territory (AADANT) Executive Officer Stephanie Holmes said, "We’re calling on the Government to put Territorians’ health first by maintaining alcohol policies that are proven to reduce harm and help make our communities safer.

“Measures that prevent unfettered access to alcohol, including the Minimum Unit Price and shorter take-away hours, reduce harm and save lives.”

From July 2022 to early 2023, restricted area legislative provisions were allowed to lapse across the NT despite warnings from community leaders of the increased harm that would result. There was, as predicted, a very significant increase¹ in violence and other harm, especially to women.

Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) CEO Caterina Giorgi said, “Just a few weeks ago following a National Cabinet meeting, every Chief Minister and Premier in Australia acknowledged the role that systems and industries play in exacerbating violence.

“They also made a commitment to review their alcohol laws, and their impact on family and domestic violence victims in order to identify and share best practice and reforms.

“Removing alcohol harm reduction measures will only increase harm. It will not make women and children in the Northern Territory safer.”

Signatories to the open letter include:

Dr John Paterson, Chief Executive, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory
Stephanie Holmes, Executive Officer, Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies Northern Territory
Dr Donna Ah Chee, Chief Executive Officer, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
Dr John Boffa, People's Alcohol Action Coalition Alice Springs NT
Sally Sievers, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Council of Social Service
Michael Rotumah, Chief Executive Officer, Larrakia Nation
Rob McPhee, Chief Executive Officer, Danila Dilba Health Service
A/Professor Robert Parker, President, Australian Medical Association NT Council
Darryl Coulstock, Chief Executive Officer, Ampilatwatja Health Centre Aboriginal Corporation
Melissa Hinson, Chief Executive Officer, Urapuntja Health Service
Caterina Giorgi, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education.

Open letter: https://fare.org.au/nt-open-letter/

Media contact: Joanna Le | media@fare.org.au | 0402 265 145

Media outlets are requested to promote help-seeking information when reporting on alcohol and other drugs, in line with the Mindframe National Guidelines. Suggested wording relating this this media story:
If you or someone you know needs support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, 13YARN 13 92 76, the National 24/7 Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800 250 015 or 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732.

¹Alcohol Policy and Alcohol related harm in Alice Springs - Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (caac.org.au)

Media Release - Minimum unit pricing

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:08:52 GMT

30 September 2024

Media Release

Urgent call to retain minimum unit pricing to protect the community

As the new Finocchiaro Government considers major policy reform to protect the community, the Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies Northern Territory (AADANT) has called on the government to retain minimum unit pricing as a major evidence-based and cost effective policy to reduce alcohol related crime and harms.

AADANT Executive Officer Stephanie Holmes said as alcohol-attributed death rates for Indigenous Territorians are ten times higher than the national average and two times higher for non-Indigenous Territorians, it was critical that the new government invest in effective alcohol policy reforms in the NT.

“We welcome the new Finocchiaro Government and look forward to working collaboratively with them as they consider their approach to alcohol-related policy in the NT.
“We note that the new government has been elected with a strong mandate to reduce alcohol-related social issues.
“We urge the government to focus on alcohol policies with a strong evidence base and track record of making communities safer.
“Minimum unit pricing is an example of a policy that has been highly successful in making the community safer, reducing alcohol-related harms and hospital admissions and saving taxpayers money.
“Minimum unit pricing has resulted in a 14 per cent decline in alcohol-related assaults in Darwin.
"Across the NT, minimum unit pricing has reduced alcohol-related emergency department presentations by 19 per cent.¹

"Minimum unit pricing protects the community from very cheap wine products pushed by the alcohol industry. Cask wine sales in Darwin halved after the minimum unit price was introduced."²

Despite claims that minimum unit pricing had driven increases in the consumption of spirits, Ms Holmes said evidence does not support this claim.

“There is no publicly available evidence that minimum unit pricing is linked to increased consumption of spirits.
“The consumption of spirits was increasing before the introduction of minimum unit pricing, and spirit consumption increased in locations outside the NT where minimum unit pricing has not been introduced at all.
“What minimum unit pricing has achieved is the reduction in consumption of low-cost high alcohol content products like cask wine.
“And that has resulted in a reduction in alcohol-related assaults and alcohol-related hospital admissions.
“We know that minimum unit pricing does not affect moderate drinkers but that the health impacts on heavy drinkers is significant.
“Minimum unit pricing costs the government nothing to implement but saves taxpayers millions in reduced policing and health care costs.
“Price policies are supported by strong evidence from all around the world. We understand that when alcohol prices drop, alcohol harms increase, and that’s why it's critical that we retain the minimum unit price."

Ms Holmes said there was a direct relationship between cheap alcohol and increased alcohol-related harms and strongly cautioned the government against scrapping the policy.

“We remain deeply concerned that if minimum unit pricing is scrapped, we’ll see significant increases in alcohol-related harms again.
“Having been elected with a mandate to tackle law and order, the scrapping of minimum unit pricing leading to an increase in the availability of cheap cask wine, and the accompanying spike in alcohol-related harms would be contrary to both the government's and the community’s interests.
“There is no doubt that scrapping minimum unit pricing in the NT will result in increased assaults, alcohol-related harms, and increased policing and hospital costs.
“Instead of scrapping minimum unit pricing, the government should retain the policy and consider introducing indexation, as the legislation initially intended.
“This would make an already successful policy even more effective than it currently is and would assist the Finocchiaro Government in delivering on its objectives of making the NT safer."

Ms Holmes said she looked forward to working collaboratively with the government on these measures further.

“We believe that the Finocchiaro Government and AADANT have the same objectives regarding alcohol policy.
“We are both focused on keeping the community safe and reducing alcohol-related harms.
“In pursuit of those important objectives, we encourage the government to focus on what works, what's keeping people safe, and what's reducing alcohol-related harms, based on the strong evidence we have on hand.
“We strongly encourage the new government to keep minimum unit pricing in place.”

Media contact:

Darren Rodrigo 0414 783 405

The facts about minimum unit pricing in the Northern Territory

Minimum unit pricing, alcohol-related assaults and hospital admissions.
• The introduction of minimum unit pricing resulted in a 14 per cent decline in alcohol-related assaults in Darwin.
• Across the NT, minimum unit pricing has reduced alcohol-related emergency department presentations by 19 per cent.
• While Alice Springs only allows one cask wine to be purchased per person, no restrictions apply on purchasing cask wine in Darwin at all. This means it is likely that cask wine sales and associated harms will spike if minimum unit price is removed.
• Based on evidence from other jurisdictions, retaining minimum unit pricing in the Northern Territory will reduce alcohol-related deaths.³

Minimum unit pricing and spirit consumption

• There is no evidence that the minimum unit pricing has driven increased spirit use. Spirit consumption increased before the introduction of minimum unit pricing and increased in locations where minimum unit pricing had not been introduced.
• International evidence globally demonstrates that the introduction of minimum unit pricing shifts alcohol consumption from high-strength to low-strength products. Scotland saw a shift of 3-8%, the Northern Territory 6-8%, and Wales 9%.⁴

1 Evaluation of Minimum Unit Price of Alcohol in the Northern Territory – Frontier Economics - 2022
2 Taylor, N., Miller, P., Coomber, K., Livingston, M., Scott, D., Buykx, P., & Chikritzhs, T. (2021). The impact of a minimum unit price on wholesale alcohol supply trends in the Northern Territory, Australia. Australian and New
Zealand Journal of Public Health, 45(1), 26-33.
3 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00497-X/fulltext
4 Menzies School of Health Research study in partnership with Peter Miller and team of Deakin University

Submission to the Inquiry into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:20:24 GMT

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies NT (AADANT) has submitted a detailed response to the inquiry into Australia's youth justice and incarceration system. AADANT highlights that all Australians, including children and young people, deserve a safe environment and access to quality healthcare. The submission criticises the prevailing "tough on crime" approaches in the Northern Territory, stressing their failure to create safer communities and the disproportionate impact on Aboriginal Territorians. AADANT calls for a shift to evidence-based, public health responses that focus on harm reduction and human rights over punitive measures, advocating for policies that encourage access to support without fear of stigma. While focused on the Northern Territory, AADANT's recommendations have broader implications for youth justice policies across the country.

Download our submission

Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 02:14:16 GMT

Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies Northern Territory (AADANT) thanks the committee for the opportunity to provide a brief response to this Bill.

AADANT is the peak body for Alcohol and Other Drugs treatment services in the Northern Territory (NT). As an independent, membership-driven, not-for-profit association, we work with our members to support and strengthen Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) service delivery for people who experience harmful substance use in the NT.

AADANT supports the establishment of a Truth and Justice Commission, as prescribed in this Bill, to inquire into and make recommendations to Parliament about historic and ongoing injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia.

This is especially relevant to the NT with tenfold the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, compared to the national population, who have suffered historical and continuing impacts of colonialisation and dispossession. These include drug laws, policies and practices that intentionally and disproportionately targeted and criminalised them, such as the NT Intervention.

AADANT also acknowledges additional issues and concerns raised by other peak bodies in their responses to this Bill. These include the need for the Commission to:

be established within the spirit of the Uluru Statement from the Heart,
align with the Closing the Gap Priority Reforms,
be representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community diversity, and
avoid a repeat of the harms caused by the failed Voice referendum process.

We specifically endorse submissions to this inquiry by the Queensland Network of Alcohol and other Drugs (QNADA), and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

Story Teller profile

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 02:50:34 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Submission to the Inquiry into the health impacts of AOD in Australia

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:23:27 GMT

Towards a healthier future:
Evidence-based solutions for AOD issues in Australia

The ongoing conversation surrounding alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues in Australia highlights a pressing need for a transformative approach—one that moves beyond punitive measures and stigma to embrace an evidence-based public health framework grounded in human rights. AADANT's recent submission to the inquiry into the health impacts of AOD in Australia emphasises the importance of understanding these complex issues as intertwined with social, economic, and psychological factors.

This submission outlines the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform and targeted interventions that prioritise accessible, culturally responsive treatment and support services. By shifting the focus from criminalisation to compassion, we can foster an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help without fear of judgment. AADANT advocates for a harm reduction strategy, underscoring the effectiveness of prevention and education in mitigating AOD-related harms.

Download our full submission

2024 NDARC Annual Research Symposium

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:57:17 GMT

Friday 20th September 2024

Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street Sydney,
NSW 2000

08.30am – 4.300pm AEST

Free

Face to face

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre cordially invites you to attend the 2024 NDARC Annual Research Symposium. This event will highlight NDARC’s research and collaboration with national and international partners, allowing participants to share knowledge and foster networking and collaboration with peers.

The program, led by distinguished researchers, clinicians, and community leaders in the AoD sector, will feature insightful keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and engaging breakout sessions.

At the Symposium, we will release the National Drug Trends Reports and showcase our diverse work in alcohol and other drug research, including:

The changing face of overdose
Nitazenes & other emerging synthetics
Epidemiology and future trajectory in the Asia Pacific
Recent trends in alcohol use and harms in Australia
Zero-alcohol beverages in Australia
Global interventions, diversion program reoffending, imprisonment, and health
Improving rural health outcomes
Influences of substance use on family relationships.
Opioid agonist therapy during pregnancy
Development of opioid use disorder after using opioid painkillers
Age-related risk of serious fall events associated with opioid analgesic use.

View the current draft program here.

It promises to be an excellent opportunity to stay current with the latest developments in the alcohol and other drug sector.

We look forward to hosting you!

Recent overdose deaths raise fears for people in prison

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:29:12 GMT

Naloxone must be made available to save lives

The recent concern about fatal opioid overdose from nitazenes in the illicit drug supply has raised fears for many prison experts. People who are in prison are not afforded the same protections as people in the community while recent release from prison is also an extremely vulnerable time in which many people experience fatal overdose.

We, a coalition of health practitioners, harm reduction advocates and experts, are today calling for expanded access to naloxone in prisons to protect against fatal overdoses from nitazenes and other synthetic opioids. In order to prevent avoidable deaths, we are calling on each state and territory government to immediately:

Provide training to custodial officers to recognise overdose and administer naloxone
Ensure naloxone is accessible to custodial officers to promptly and effectively respond to overdose
Ensure that naloxone and naloxone training is routinely offered to all people exiting prison.

Nitazenes are a synthetic opioid that can be hundreds of times stronger than heroin and can be fatal even in very small amounts.1 They have been linked to an increasing number of overdoses and deaths in Australia this year2 and have also been connected to at least 15 overdose deaths in prisons in the UK.3 With new national data released last week on wastewater analysis,4 and a NSW Drug Summit now scheduled for later this year, it is a reminder that we should be addressing harms of illicit drug use.

“Nitazenes in prisons are a disaster waiting to happen,” says the CEO of the Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council, Ms Melanie Walker. “We know nitazenes are in the illicit drug supply in Australia and it is only a matter of time before they enter prisons. People in prison have a higher rate of injecting drug use than the general population and despite efforts to prevent drug supply in prison, the evidence shows that drug use is still common. Nitazenes and other synthetic novel drugs are significantly more difficult to detect than “traditional” opioid drugs such as heroin. Prisons are currently ill equipped to handle a potential influx of these lethal substances,” Ms Walker continued.

A key tool in the fight against opioid overdose is naloxone, a life-saving medication which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, including from nitazenes. It is available in Australia as an easy-to-use nasal spray or injection. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that naloxone be administered to anyone overdosing from opioids.5
However, naloxone is not readily available in prisons in Australia. Naloxone is generally only administered by healthcare staff. As noted by Ms Walker, this severely limits access for people who need it, when they need it:

“Health staff are not always available or accessible to people in prison. If we are going to save lives, we must find ways to get naloxone to people in prison when they need it. One important step that all prisons could take right now is for custodial officers to have ready access to naloxone and be trained in how to recognise and respond to overdose. Many police officers
across Australia now regularly carry and administer naloxone. Custodial officers should be trained in the same way.”

The period following release from prison is an especially high-risk time for overdose, with opioid overdose deaths up to twenty times higher for people leaving prison than the general population.6 Ensuring that naloxone and training in how to use it is provided to people in prison before release is a key strategy in combatting overdose deaths.7 However, provision is currently patchy as not every state and territory provides training or access to naloxone for people exiting prison.

“There are too few people getting naloxone at the time they leave prison,” says Ele Morrison, Deputy CEO of the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL).

“To save lives, training and access to naloxone must be expanded and improved within all prisons. As a first step we call on governments to implement these measures immediately. But
we also encourage them to look for ways to implement harm reduction in prison.”

-ENDS-

Signatories to media statement

Mary Harrod, CEO, NSW Users and Aids Association (NUAA)
Geoff Davey, CEO, QuIHN
Professor Alison Ritter AO, Director, Drug Policy Modelling Program (DPMP), UNSW
Liz Barrett, Chair, Harm Reduction in Prisons Working Group
Melanie Walker, CEO, Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council (AADC)
Dr Lise Lafferty, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH), UNSW
Sione Crawford, CEO, Harm Reduction Victoria
Professor Kate Dolan, Harm Reduction Australia, UNSW
John Didlick, Policy Analyst, Hepatitis Australia
Paul Dessauer, CEO, Peer Based Harm Reduction WA
Brent Bell, CEO, Hepatitis WA
Steven Drew, CEO, Hepatitis NSW
Ele Morrison, Deputy CEO, Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)

1. Kozell et al, 2024, Pharmacologic characterization of substituted nitazenes at μ, κ, andΔ opioidreceptorssuggestshighpotentialfortoxicity,
TheJournalofPharmacologyandExperimentalTherapeutics, https://doi.org/10.1124/jpet.123.002052
2. NSW Health , 29 May 2024
The Age, 4 July 2024: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/synthetic-opioid-detected-in-four-found-dead-in-broadmeadows-20240704-p5jr1k.html
3. Super-strength synthetic opioids causing UK inmate deaths | Matrix Diagnostics
4. ACIC, 11 July 2024, https://www.acic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/National%20Wastewater%20Drug%20Monitoring%20Program%20%E2%80%93%20Report%2022_0.pdf
5. About opioid overdose and adverse reactions | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
6. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/prisoners/the-health-of-people-in-australias-prisons-2022/contents/deaths/deaths-following-release-from-prison ; Borschmann, R. (2024) The Lancet

Media Contacts

Melanie Walker, CEO, AADC, 0438 430 963
Ele Morrison, Deputy CEO, AIVL, 0433 940 433

Free Training Alice Springs

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:16:46 GMT

22 August 2024

Where: Alice Springs

Youth Focused Trauma Informed Alcohol and other Drugs Practice

This presentation will give an overview of women’s alcohol use and harm across the life course, discussing how the role of alcohol changes during different life stages. Introducing some work funded by the UK’s National Institute of Health Research; coproducing digital and non-digital public health interventions to support women’s adherence to relevant guidelines during pregnancy and motherhood. Highlighting women’s lived experience of drinking during maternal periods, and the need for individual and system-based approaches to compassionately support women to make informed decisions about their drinking behaviour.

Objectives:

The training is Youth Focused Trauma Informed Alcohol and Other Drugs Practice.

The training is for everyone working with young people. The training will support an understanding of young people’s substance use, the overlay of trauma and how to have conversations with young people. Free resources including Drug Information Cards, an assessment tool and a model of change will be provided to all participants.

Training outline :

Developing an understanding of Drugs and Drug Classes
Neurobiology of complex trauma
Trauma and regulation
Harm minimisation
AoD intervention skills

It is being held in ALICE SPRINGS – 21st August – 9am-4pm .At the Australian Childhood Foundation office -2/15 Leichhardt Terrace, Alice Springsz

This training is free to all, and funded under an NTPHN grant

- Lunch not provided

Contact:
Places are limited. To register please contact:
intakeNT@childhood.org.au

Maternal Alcohol Reduction Interventions (MARI)

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:14:14 GMT

Wednesday 18th September 2024

Online

1:00pm – 2:00pm AEST

Free

Webinar

Coproducing support for women, to improve health and reduce alcohol harm

Objectives:

Discussing the drivers of women’s alcohol use (e.g., psychological, societal) the webinar will provide an opportunity to discuss similarities and differences across the UK and Australia.

Talking about the benefits and challenges of coproducing research will facilitate discussion on how we can improve this aspect of our research, ensuring our outputs (e.g., interventions) are both evidence-based and practically useful to future users.

Outlining both individual and system-based approaches, this webinar will enable discussion on how we can be more effective in influencing system-based approaches (which are needed to tackle major issues, such as health inequalities).

ACT & NSW Community notices

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:26:39 GMT

NUAA released a drug alert on Friday, 12 July 2024: Opioid overdoses following stimulant use

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9UH_xzteG2/?img_index=1

CanTEST released a drug alert on Monday, 15 July 2024: High dose found in MDMA sample

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9bK0TEBxbD/?img_index=1

The alerts will be posted on The Know Community online platform . Please contact PRN admin prn@nccrred.org.au if you require assistance with registration for The Know Community platform.

AADANT Key Election Policy Asks

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:22:28 GMT

AADANT Policy Priorities for the 2024 Northern Territory (NT) Election

Principles

Ensure that all NT Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) policies & programs are funded to:

Reduce harm . Align with the National Drug Strategy pillars to reduce harm, supply and demand.
Treat AOD as a health & social issue . Recognise that AOD issues are primarily health and social issues that should be addressed with evidence-based health and social interventions.
Embed self-determination . Reflect a commitment to justice and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by prioritising their voices in decision-making.
Integrate lived experience . Build AOD lived experience into co-design and co-production.
Prevent stigma . Avoid and reduce stigma and discrimination towards people who use AOD, ensuring access to health services, housing and employment.
Incorporate evidence . Ensure all approaches and measures are evidence informed.

Primary prevention

System change - address social & commercial determinants of health.

Reduce harm . Align with the National Drug Strategy pillars to reduce harm, supply and demand.
Treat AOD as a health & social issue . Recognise that AOD issues are primarily health and social issues that should be addressed with evidence-based health and social interventions.
Embed self-determination . Reflect a commitment to justice and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by prioritising their voices in decision-making.
Integrate lived experience . Build AOD lived experience into co-design and co-production.
Prevent stigma . Avoid and reduce stigma and discrimination towards people who use AOD, ensuring access to health services, housing and employment.
Incorporate evidence . Ensure all approaches and measures are evidence informed.

Secondary prevention

Early intervention - support communities with social programs.

Fund accessible social services and healthcare screening. Ensure that communities have equitable access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed and non-stigmatising health, social, housing and community services by providing adequately secure and indexed funding. Provide AOD screening and brief interventions in primary healthcare settings.
Facilitate community-driven programs. Follow the NT Government’s ‘Remote Engagement Strategy’ principles in supporting communities to develop and implement community-driven approaches, including community alcohol plans (CAPs) for opting out of alcohol restrictions.
Ensure banned drinkers register (BDR) and alcohol mandatory treatment (AMT) are evidence informed . Defer any further implementation of BDR and AMT until current review recommendations can be implemented and ensure adequate public consultation with all relevant stakeholders on the findings and any reform options.

Tertiary prevention

Treatment - support people with accessible AOD services.

Fund accessible AOD treatment services . Ensure that people experiencing problematic AOD use have equitable access to culturally responsive, trauma-informed and non-stigmatising AOD treatment and support services by providing secure and indexed funding.
Invest in AOD workforce development . Develop an updated AOD workforce development strategy with targeted planning, resourcing, and career pathways, to recruit and retain a skilled workforce, in the NT AOD sector.
Support the justice system to respond to AOD as a health issue . Raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years and establish an inquiry into decriminalisation of illicit drugs. Expand AOD diversion programs, prioritising treatment over incarceration. Ensure treatment services are accessible for people in the justice system, and support for those exiting the justice system.

Overdose Awareness Day

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:21:19 GMT

International Overdose Awareness Day 31 August

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Our theme for 2024 is “Together we can”, highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together.

#TogetherWeCan #IOAD2024 #EndOverdose

No one should stand alone in our fight to end overdose.

While every individual action matters greatly, coming together as an international community creates a powerful collective action. One that moves us with greater speed toward our shared goal of preventing, and ultimately, ending all overdoses.

Through our 2024 theme, “Together we can” we’re highlighting the strength of coming together and standing in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose.

For people who use drugs and those who don’t. For heartbroken friends and family members of lost loved ones. For activists who fight for sorely needed policy reform. For healthcare and harm reduction workers. For tireless advocates. Overdose can affect anyone, and we encourage you to remember the tenacity of our community. Lean into the power that we can have when we work together.

This August 31, reach out and connect with others in your local community and join the global IOAD movement. Our collective voices are stronger, louder, and the most impactful when brought together.

Let’s remember, together, we can end overdose.

Access campaign resources here.

Practice Guidelines for Clinical Treatment of Complex Trauma

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 03:25:17 GMT

Inform your clinical practice when working therapeutically with complex trauma

Blue Knot Foundation offers a range of clinical guidelines and training programs to help support practitioners in their therapeutic work. All our training programs are grounded in lived experience, the latest research and practice evidence which is articulated in our publications.

Practice Guidelines for Clinical Treatment of Complex Trauma: These 2019 updated Clinical Practice Guidelines present evolving research and clinical insights around complex trauma.

Complementary Guidelines to Practice Guidelines for Clinical Treatment of Complex Trauma: These Complementary Guidelines complement and support the Practice Guidelines for Clinical Treatment of Complex Trauma (2019) by specifying what working with complex trauma clients requires and the relevant competencies needed by practitioners to do the work.

Practice Guidelines for Identifying and Treating Complex Trauma-related Dissociation: These guidelines are for clinicians who work in a range of roles, come from different disciplines, and have received diverse training but who want to enhance their ability to recognise and work with people experiencing complex trauma-related dissociation.

Guidelines for Clinical Supervisors of Therapists who Work with Complex Trauma and Dissociation: These clinical supervision guidelines support clinical supervisors of therapists working with complex trauma and dissociative clients to enhance their professional and ethical practice.

Australian governments spend more on law enforcement in illicit drug policy than treatment, prevention and harm reduction combined

peta@captovate.com.au (Peta Alderson) — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:41:16 GMT

Australian governments spend more on law enforcement in illicit drug policy than treatment, prevention and harm reduction combined, says a UNSW Sydney report. Read the report here.

The findings published today reveal that state and federal governments spent approximately $5.45 billion in the 2021/2022 financial year on illicit drug countermeasures. Nearly 65 per cent ($3.5 billion) was spent on law enforcement programs, including $1.8 billion on routine policing against drugs. Less than 2 per cent ($90 million) was spent on harm reduction measures such as needle syringe programs and supervised injecting facilities.

“Governments do invest a significant amount of money on proactive drug policy, and where they spend that money shows what they consider as important in responding to drugs,” says Professor Alison Ritter AO, the report’s lead author and drug policy specialist at the Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture. “This research provides the foundation for evaluating the investment and whether Australia is on the right path to reducing drug-related harm.”

Files from UNSW Sydney Newsroom

Australia’s illicit drug problem

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 23:26:58 GMT

Challenges and opportunities for law enforcement

On 26 September 2022, the Joint Committee on Law Enforcement resolved to inquire into and report on the challenges and opportunities for law enforcement in addressing Australia’s illicit drug problem.

Closing date for submissions was Friday, 13 January 2023.

A report has now been released with recommendations strongly aligned with the National AOD Peak's submission, (Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council ((AADC).)

Read the report and recommendations here .

Mission Australia 23rd annual Youth Survey

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 24 May 2024 01:52:07 GMT

YOUTH SURVEY: Mission Australia 23rd annual Youth Survey

Mission Australia is calling for young people aged 15-19 to have their say.
It is the largest online survey of its kind in Australia and provides an important annual snapshot into the experiences and views of young people aged 15-19.

Last year, nearly 20,000 young people completed the survey, naming the environment (44%), equity and discrimination (31%), the economy and financial matters (31%) and mental health (30%) as the issues they believe are most important in Australia.

Have your say here #youthsurvey2024

Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division - Jayne Lloyd

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:34:54 GMT

Update supplied by NTCOSS

Congratulations to NTCOSS’s chair and CatholicCare NT executive director Jayne Lloyd who was last week awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division.

Jayne is pictured below with her family at the investiture at Government House hosted by NT Administrator Dr Hugh Heggie.
Jayne was awarded for her service to the community through social welfare organisations including more than two decades at CatholicCare.

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2024

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:31:49 GMT

This Sunday 26 May is National Sorry Day, which marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997. The day is an opportunity to remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations, acknowledge the strength of Survivors, and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June). The theme for this year is Now More Than Ever, a reminder that we all need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.

You can learn more about the history of National Reconciliation Week here .

Seven-years of alcohol consumption in Australia by wastewater analysis

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 23 May 2024 23:37:22 GMT

Exploring patterns by remoteness and socioeconomic factors

The National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program provides analysis of wastewater samples collected from areas that cover over 50% of the Australian population. It includes samples from most degrees of remoteness and socioeconomic status ranges. This study used wastewater data from 2016 to 2023 to assess for differences and trends in alcohol consumption by degree of remoteness and socioeconomic indicators across Australia.

Steeper declines in Australian alcohol consumption were found in large urban areas than regional and remote locations. There were smaller annual decreases in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The authors suggest that if continued, these trends may increase Australian health inequalities and that policy and prevention work should be appropriately targeted to produce more equitable long-term outcomes.

Read the full paper here.

New 'Psychostimulant withdrawal management' module released

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 23 May 2024 01:55:57 GMT

Insight have just published a new module as part of their broader withdrawal management eLearning course focussing on psychostimulants.

The aim of this module is to equip workers with a greater knowledge and awareness of psychostimulants as well as practical strategies and techniques for managing psychostimulant withdrawal.

More specifically, the module covers:

the neurobiology and symptomology of psychostimulant withdrawal
treatment options for managing psychostimulant withdrawal.

Click here to access the module.

Portable Long Service Leave - Community Services Sector

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 02:27:57 GMT

The Northern Territory Government is changing how long service leave works for people who work in the community services sector. Right now, if you work for the same employer for 10 years, you get 13 weeks of paid time off as long service leave. But the government wants to make it fairer.

Here's what's changing:

If you've been continually working in the community services sector for at least 10 years but have had more than one employer, you can get long service leave.
Your total years of working in the community services sector will count, not just the time with one employer. This means you can get long service leave even if you change jobs within the sector.

This change is called making long service leave ‘portable’.

Why is this happening?

It recognises that people work hard in the community services sector and should get the entitlements they deserve, even if they change jobs. Many people who work in community services change jobs within their first 9 years, but most of them stay in the community services sector.

This new scheme will help community service workers get the same entitlements as other workers in the Northern Territory. It's important because these workers provide valuable services and support to our community and deserve to take meaningful, well-earned breaks from work.

Have your say

A second phase of consultation is now underway, ahead of the Bill being debated in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in May 2024. Visit the webpage to find out more information and share your feedback. https://nt.gov.au/portable-long-service-leave

Insight eLearning course – Family inclusive AOD practice

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 02:42:20 GMT

Insight recently launched a new e-learning course titled "Family inclusive AOD practice." This course offers an introduction to family inclusive practice and provides tools that workers can utilise to enhance their practice in this area. The involvement of families in AOD practice contributes to improved outcomes for both individuals seeking treatment and their families. The course is designed for all AOD, mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing workers. It consists of two modules, accessible through the following links:

Family Inclusive AOD Practice - An Introduction

Family Inclusive AOD Practice - Practice Tools

NT News Woman of the Year finalists: Jocelyn Dhu of DASA

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 02:46:19 GMT

....

AADANT is pleased to share Jocelyn Dhu of DASA (member of AADANT) is a finalist in the Women of the Year Awards in the First Nations Person category recognising significant achievement made by First Nations women across all sectors of the community.

Born and raised in Alice Springs, Jocelyn is the deputy chief executive officer at Drug and Alcohol Services Australia.

The mother of three and proud Arrernte and Banyjima woman has worked at DASA for more than 10 years and was previously in roles with Territory Families and Community Corrections.

Outside of her work, Jocelyn volunteers on the boards of both the YMCA NT and the Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia and has delivered the Drink and Drug Driver Course in Alice Springs and other remote NT communities for many years.

For 10 years she has also supported the work of the Suicide Story project.

To vote for Jocelyn, please click here.

All Good Project at BASSINTHEGRASS Volunteers needed

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 03:07:24 GMT

Are you ready to be a part of something truly special at BASSINTHEGRASS this year? We're reaching out to you with an exciting opportunity to join the All Good Project and make a real difference in our community.

The All Good Project is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all festival-goers. This year, we're once again running a care space, peer education programs, and roving teams to ensure that everyone can party responsibly and safely.

We believe that festivals should be a place where everyone feels welcome and supported, and that's where you come in. By volunteering with us, you'll be helping to spread good vibes and make a positive impact on the BASSINTHEGRASS experience for everyone.

Here's how you can get involved:

Care Space Volunteers: Provide support and assistance to anyone who needs it in our care space. This could involve offering water, providing a listening ear, or helping someone find their friends.

Peer Educators: Help educate fellow festival-goers about harm reduction, consent, and staying safe. Your knowledge and guidance could make a world of difference to someone in need.

Roving Teams: Patrol the festival grounds and keep an eye out for anyone who may need assistance. Your presence alone can help deter potential issues and ensure that everyone feels secure.

No matter which role you choose, you'll be an essential part of our mission to create a welcoming and safe environment for all. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable experience, and have a lot of fun along the way.

If you're interested in volunteering with the All Good Project at BASSINTHEGRASS, simply follow this link to sign up. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has a fantastic time at this year's festival.

New research uncovers support for pill testing in the Northern Territory

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 03:37:19 GMT

2 April 2024

A new study led by Menzies School of Health Research has uncovered strong support from Northern Territory (NT) festival goers, for drug checking (also known as pill testing) to reduce harm.

Published last week in Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, the study analysed responses from 539 participants, as part of a survey that is conducted annually at a NT music festival.

When measuring attitudes and intended behaviours towards drug checking, it found that the majority of people surveyed supported the option for people to test their drugs prior to events. The majority of survey participants also said they would feel safer if a testing service was available.

As a result, this multi-institute, collaborative study provides valuable insights into local needs and attitudes of the NT population. The study recommended further exploration of the potential role of a drug checking services in the Northern Territory as a safe, evidence based, publicly-supported mechanism to protect against drug-related harms.

Previous research has shown that reducing harms from drugs requires a holistic approach. This means measures that keep people safer while using, in addition to strategies that regulate the market as well as treatment and education.

Evidence also suggests that offering these services does not lead to increased drug use or increased intention to use, but rather helps to lessen the potential of adverse consequences.

Drug checking is an evidence-based harm reduction intervention, implemented safely in more than 20 countries worldwide. It has been demonstrated to reduce avoidable harms including deaths.

In Australia, it is increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for reducing harms, following two successful trials at an ACT festival and the trial of a fixed site service in Canberra. In addition to this, mobile and fixed site pill testing services have been recently announced in Queensland.

The findings of the study, titled: Safe beats down under: investigating the support of drug checking at a regional festival in the Northern Territory, Australia, can be read in full online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2024.2330938

Quotes attributable to senior author of the study, researcher from Menzies School of Health Research, Dr Cassandra Wright: “Our study suggests that there is enough demand and appetite to look at pill testing as a viable and empirically backed way to protect people from harms. “It’s not enough to tell people to not use drugs. We know from decades of research that if we want to reduce harms, we need measures that keep people safe while using.”

Quotes attributable to co-lead of the study, researcher from Griffith University, Dr Timothy Piatkowski:

Our research, the first of its kind at a music festival in the NT, reveals widespread support across age groups with preferences for onsite pill testing at festivals and events.

“It reminds us of the vital role of harm reduction efforts to support people in making well informed choices.”

Quotes attributable to study partner, MusicNT Executive Director, Mark Smith: “Protecting people from harm and ensuring everyone can enjoy live music are key goals for MusicNT through the All Good Project.

“Undertaking on-the-ground research at one of NT’s live music festivals demonstrates that the attitudes of NT concert goers’ echoes that of audiences across the nation. We applaud Menzies for this vital piece of work and encourage governments to engage in forthright conversations around implementing pill testing to protect future festival audiences.”

ENDS

Media contact: Phone: (08) 8946 8680 | Email: media@menzies.edu.au

Menzies School of Health Research

Menzies is one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses. Menzies continues to translate research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Fast Facts Drug checking / pill testing:

Illicit drug use is common in Australia. This study uncovered, 2 out of 5 people reported use of illicit drugs in the past month.
The use of illicit drugs is prohibited, which means the supply of drugs is unregulated and can be unsafe
Unsafe supply of drugs can be due to excessive purity in batches, adulteration/additives (e.g. adding fentanyl to methamphetamines) and mislabeling/one drug being sold as another (e.g. ketamine sold as cocaine), or the emergence of novel psychoactive substances in the illicit drug market for which there is little data.
Harm reduction measures like drug checking provide people with information so that they can make an informed decision on whether to use or not.
Other harm reduction measures like access to non-judgmental, evidence-based drug information and safer using strategies, and the national Prompt Response Network drug surveillance system provide information to educate users and alert them to drugs that are causing harms.

Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia: early insights

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 03:13:04 GMT

Please see publication from the AIHW on summary of key points in AIHW's 'Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia: early insights'. You can find more information here.

Summary of Key Points

In 2022-23

Around 131,500 people received publicly funded treatment or support for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.
A total of 235,461 treatment episodes were provided to people for their own or someone else’s AOD use.
For people who received treatment for their own AOD use:
Over 2 in 5 (43%) treatment episodes were for alcohol, followed by amphetamines (24%), cannabis (17%) and heroin (4.5%).
For clients, there was variation across age groups for the most common principal drugs of concern:
Alcohol was the most common principal drug of concern for older clients (48% of those aged 40–49; 63% of those aged 50–59; and 77% of people aged 60 and over).
Amphetamines were the most common principal drug of concern for clients aged in their 20s and 30s accounting for 1 in 3 clients aged 30‍–‍39 (32%) and 1 in 4 aged 20–29 (25%).
Cannabis was the most common principal drug of concern for younger clients, with almost 2 in 3 (64%) clients aged 10–19 receiving treatment for cannabis.
Counselling continues to be the most common treatment provided.
2 in 3 treatment episodes were provided in a non-residential treatment setting.

Innovation in the rural AOD sector needs sustainable funding

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 04:55:20 GMT

The Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council (AADC) made a response to a call from the National Rural Health Alliance’s Partyline magazine for articles on workforce innovation in rural health care.

This article has now been published and can be viewed here.

National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023 Results

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:14:08 GMT

Drug use affects individuals, families and the community. Every 3 years, people in Australia are asked about their use and opinions of licit and illicit drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes and vapes.

More than 21,000 people across the country took part in the latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey, held in 2022 and 2023. This report presents findings from the survey and looks at what has changed over the past 20 years.

Some quick key headlines:

Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit drug, with 2.5M Australians using it recently. Overall recent illicit drug use has increased from 3.4M (2019) to 3.9M, primarily driven by increases in hallucinogen use (now the 3rd most commonly used illicit drug type).
Daily tobacco smoking rates have decreased from 11% (2019) to 8.3%, particularly for people under 60 years, however e-cigarette use has increased by 4.5% (2.5% to 7%) with people aged 18-24 years having the biggest jump in current e-cigarette use (5.3% to 21% now).
Recent use of methamphetamines/amphetamines is low (1% or 200,000 people)
There has been a slight decline in the rates of people consuming alcohol in a way that put their health at risk (32% in 2019 and 31% now)
Women aged 18-24 years are more likely to consumed alcohol and other drugs now than in 2019 and recent use of any illicit drug is at equal rates between young men and women (35%).
Support for stricter policies designed to reduce excessive alcohol consumption declined, while support for policies targeting problems associated with e-cigarettes increased
Support for drug checking (64% support) and drug consumption rooms (53% support) increased
Support for law enforcement responses to illicit drug use continued to decline while support for treatment and education continued to increase.

Access the findings here.

Creating an online community for alcohol and drug sector practitioners.

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:20:04 GMT

The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney is excited to let AADANT members know that the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care have funded the development of an online Community of Practice for practitioners working in the Australian alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.

Our objective is to establish a dynamic platform where professionals from multiple disciplines across health and social services can exchange knowledge, resources, and ideas regarding the management of co-occurring AOD and mental health conditions.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from professionals from multiple disciplines across health and social services (such as, AOD workers, general practitioners, addiction medicine specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers, peer workers, pharmacists, residential support workers, nurses, other allied health professionals and people with lived or living experience of AOD use, or caring for someone experiencing problems related to their AOD use) to provide input on the development of this.

Online Community of Practice via focus groups. Your valuable insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the development and refinement of this resource to ensure that it best meets practitioners needs. If you are interested, please complete the survey provided below and the project team will be in touch.

Expression of interest: https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3yHtAIoWsBxXdY2

For more information: Email Kathleen Palmer (Research Assistant, Matilda Centre) on Kathleen.palmer@sydney.edu.au .

Penington Institute Annual Review 2023

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 00:00:10 GMT

Drug overdose is a national catastrophe. More Australians now die from overdose every year than on our roads, yet this crisis remains poorly understood by the wider public.

Our definitive annual review of overdose, Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2023 (AAOR 2023), challenges this lack of urgency.

This landmark report, produced since 2016, grew further in influence this year, generating extensive media attention and public conversation.

It provides vital evidence of the scale of the overdose crisis and its growing impact on our community.

Thank you to all members of the expert advisory committee for their valued support throughout the development of this report.

Our AAOR 2023 documented a number of crucial issues:

Overdose is a crisis that requires urgent attention;
Opioids and benzodiazepines play a major role in overdose in Australia;
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are disproportionately affected by overdose;
Prescription drugs help fuel overdose rates;
Overdose affects Australian adults of all age groups.

Read the report here.

The 'zero alcohol drinks and recovery' study

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:28:22 GMT

Do you have lived or living experience of an alcohol use disorder, and do you know about, or have you used, zero-alcohol drinks? (beverages like beer or spirits that have 0.5% alcohol or less in them)

Contribute to important research about the potential impacts of zero-alcohol drinks on people with lived or living experience of an alcohol use disorder in a 45-60minute face-to-face or Zoom research interview.

You may be eligible if you are over the age of 18 and identify as someone having lived or living experience of an alcohol use disorder.

Please access the study here to participate .

For more information, please contact: Mia Miller, Project Manager mia.miller@menzies.edu.au

Quarterly NT Alcohol-Related Indicators Released

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:54:55 GMT

The Northern Territory Government is committed to improving our research, data and evaluation initiatives in order to ensure our efforts to reduce alcohol related harm are successful. The Government is continuing to work and implement evidence-based programs to reduce alcohol-related harm in individuals, families and communities.

Responses to alcohol-related harm must be evidence-based in order to successfully tackle the causes of harmful alcohol use and minimise the harm to the community. This means our data needs to be accurate, is able to be linked to other datasets and easily accessible.

Research on alcohol consumption, misuse, harm and addiction needs to be comprehensive, contemporary and reliable in order for government and service providers to make informed and effective decisions.

The following indicators are used by the Northern Territory Government to measure alcohol-related harm. To view the relevant dataset please click the links below:

overall consumption rate
alcohol-induced deaths
alcohol-related assaults
alcohol attributable instances of serious road injury and death
alcohol-related emergency department presentations
drink driving
domestic violence alcohol-related assaults

View the data here

Reforms to the regulation of vapes - January 1

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 06:54:30 GMT

Reforms to the regulation of vapes will seek to address the significant public health issues caused by vaping, particularly among young people.

From 1 January 2024:

the importation of all disposable vapes will be banned, with very limited exceptions.
the Special Access Scheme C (SAS C) pathway, will be extended to facilitate legitimate patient access to therapeutic vapes, for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence.
a form will be available for importers and manufacturers of therapeutic vapes to notify the TGA about compliance with the relevant product standards prior to importation into Australia or release for supply for those vapes manufactured domestically (notifications are required from 1 March 2024),
an application form will be available for therapeutic vape importers to apply for license's and permits for importing therapeutic vapes (licenses and permits will be required from 1 March 2024),

From 1 March 2024 there will be:

a ban on the importation of all vapes without an import license and permit from the Office of Drug Control- external site,
a requirement for therapeutic vape importers and manufacturers to notify the TGA about compliance with the relevant product standards before importation to Australia or release for supply in Australia,
closure of the Personal Importation Scheme for vapes
an exemption for travellers bringing a small quantity of vapes into Australia
some changes to the quality requirements for therapeutic vapes for smoking cessation and the management of nicotine dependence, including restrictions on flavours to mint, menthol and tobacco,
a new medical device standard for therapeutic vaping devices that were previously excluded from the therapeutic goods framework.

These changes are being implemented through therapeutic goods and customs legislation.

A webinar will be held on 17 January by the TGA to address these changes, please register here .

Learn how patients can access vapes after 1 January 2024, where their doctor considers that it is appropriate for smoking cessation or the management of nicotine dependence.

NT Skilled Occupational Priority List (NTSOPL) 2024 Survey

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:58:18 GMT

The Industry Skills Advisory Council NT (ISACNT) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides advice and gathers intelligence on workforce development, training packages development, workforce solutions and skills shortages in the Northern Territory.

The purpose of the NTSOPL survey is to understand your workforce profile, what job roles you employ, if you currently have a staff shortage or predict a staff shortage in the upcoming 12 months and what difficulties you experience when attracting and/or retaining workers.

This information helps to identify high priority, priority or industry priority occupations and to inform the Northern Territory Government annually. The information is used to influence decisions on training investment, NT migration strategies and policy development.

Access the survey here .

The Australian Emerging Drug Information and Resource Hub

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:01:14 GMT

theknow.org.au publishes alerts issued across Australia’s states and territories. It gives consumers, their communities and service providers access to vital information to help keep them safe.

In Australia, alerts about emerging drugs are generated at the state and territory level but these drugs don't respect state and territory boundaries.

Now, people with an interest in emerging drugs can find alerts from Australia in one place.

Check theknow.org.au .

Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors

cloudapps@captovate.com.au (Michael Hawkes) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:19:08 GMT

18 Nov. 2024 to 19 Nov. 2024

Where: Darwin

Tag: Face-to-Face

The course is designed for first time directors or aspiring directors considering taking a position on a not-for-profit board. Executives at not-for-profits will also gain a deeper understanding of the functions of their boards.

This program is suitable for:

Executives accepting their first directorship
Those who are considering accepting a directorship
Executives who report directly to a board
Directors who are seeking to transition into not-for-profit directorship
Directors of not-for-profit companies and community organisations

Members: $1,350.00
Non-Members: $1,800.00

Monday 18 Nov - Tuesday 19 Nov
9:00am to 12:30pm ACST

Darwin Innovation Hub
48-50 Smith Street Mall
Level 1, Paspalis Centrepoint

Click here for more information.

aadant-2026

July 2026: FASD in practice: what the evidence means for services in the NT

FASD in practice: what the evidence means for services in the NT

Guidelines implementation toolkit now available

Launch- Homes Together Program (TSS)

APSAD 2026

Save the date - APSAD 2026!

Australian Winter School 2026 – Risky Business: IYKYK

Australian Winter School 2026 – Risky Business: IYKYK

AOD 101 & Brief Interventions Training

AOD 101 & Brief Interventions Training

April 2026: Rainbow Affinity - LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training

LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training for folk working in the AOD Sector

March 2026: Food for Recovery: The Role of Nutrition in Addiction and Mental Health

Food for Recovery: The Role of Nutrition in Addiction and Mental Health

AADANT Conference 2026

AADANT Conference 2026

February 2026: genU Training - Supporting U to Support Others

genU Training - Supporting U to Support Others

Training: Working Together for Safer, Stronger Housing Pathways

About the Training

Housing and Homelessness Sector Training

Training Dates – Housing and Homelessness Sector

Mental Health and AOD Sector Training

Training Dates – Mental Health and AOD Sector

BushMob’s New Model of Care: Culture, Healing and Wellbeing

BushMob’s New Model of Care: Culture, Healing and Wellbeing

Pedestrian Deaths and Serious Injuries in the NT

Pedestrian Deaths and Serious Injuries in the NT

AADANT - Medication Safety and Compliance Webinar

Free Refresher Course for AOD Staff

Training Dates - Dual Diagnosis Workshop 2026

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation in the NT: A look at the ADF’s place based prevention programs, information and support services

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation in the NT: A look at the ADF’s place based prevention programs, information and support services

ADF Resource: Lived and living experience: Strengthening services in the alcohol and other drugs sector

“Digital interventions for methamphetamine use and First Nations people” - recorded webinar

Guide - Why language matters: A terminology guide when discussing substance use

"Parent substance use and child-to-parent violence: A brief report"

Tobacco excise and illicit tobacco sales– what's the connection?

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: 6-13 July 2025!

Emerging Minds: Resources for Working with CALD Families

Emerging Minds: Resources for Working with CALD Families

Past webinars

Medicinal Cannabis Webinar

Understanding methamphetamine

LGBTIQA+SB Communities at the Intersection of AOD

Setting the Floor How Minimum Unit Pricing Impacts Alcohol Consumption

Master the Art of Abstract Submission

Inside the BDR: Pathways, Policy & Practice in Alcohol Harm Reduction

Inside the BDR: Pathways, Policy & Practice in Alcohol Harm Reduction

Understanding The National Minimum Data Set (NMDS)

Understanding The National Minimum Data Set

Counsellor / Educator - Amity Community Services

Counsellor/Educator

Free Webinar: Strengthening AOD Responses: LGBTIQA+SB Communities at the Intersection of FDV & Suicide Prevention

Community leaders call on NT Government to keep alcohol harm reduction measures in place

Signatories to the open letter include:

Media Release - Minimum unit pricing

Media Release

Urgent call to retain minimum unit pricing to protect the community

Media contact:

The facts about minimum unit pricing in the Northern Territory

Minimum unit pricing and spirit consumption

Submission to the Inquiry into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system

Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024

Truth and Justice Commission Bill 2024

Story Teller profile

This is a subtitle for your new post

Submission to the Inquiry into the health impacts of AOD in Australia

Towards a healthier future: Evidence-based solutions for AOD issues in Australia

2024 NDARC Annual Research Symposium

Recent overdose deaths raise fears for people in prison

Naloxone must be made available to save lives

Signatories to media statement

Media Contacts

Free Training Alice Springs

Youth Focused Trauma Informed Alcohol and other Drugs Practice

Objectives:

Maternal Alcohol Reduction Interventions (MARI)

Coproducing support for women, to improve health and reduce alcohol harm

Towards a healthier future:
Evidence-based solutions for AOD issues in Australia