QNADA

2024 ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
2024-07-24 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Brisbane)
Family Drug Support will again be recognising lives lost to drugs
and alcohol by marking the Annual Remembrance Day – an
international event with ceremonies held all around the world.
Click on the image below for details

2024 Australian Winter School Conference
2024-08-21 - 2024-08-23 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southbank, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Australian Winter School is an opportunity to catch up with colleagues from across the alcohol and other drugs and related sectors. At Winter School you’ll be part of the conversation about innovations in evidence informed treatment, policy, and system reform. ​Winter School’s expert speakers, presentations, and workshops provide delegates with the knowledge, tools, and solutions to implement in the real world.
Click here for more details

Support The Family - Improve The Outcome Workshop
2024-10-04 10:00 - 13:00
Support The Family Improve The Outcome Workshop
Support the Family Improve the Outcome (STFITO) Workshops are primarily for specialist AOD services providing education on anti-oppressive practice to enhance service engagement with families and carers impacted by substance use. Barriers to help-seeking are well documented and include a lack of local availability or knowledge of services, services targeting the drug user rather than family, or a reluctance to seek support due to the shame, fear and stigma surrounding addiction. Resisting stigma and discrimination at a policy, systems and practice level is a constant recommendation for family inclusion and the Support the Family Improve the Outcome workshop is a direct response from FDS to address this barrier.
Central to the curriculum of STFITO is a curated program outlining the impact of stigma and discrimination for families, with the aim to increase an understanding of the experience for families applying the FDS ‘Stages of Change for Families’ model. The workshop offers a series of coping and resilience strategies to offset the stress and strain that families experience, and explores how to engage with families to establish a better understanding of their situations and experiences in relation to problematic use of AOD within the family unit.
The in-service STFITO workshop focuses on understanding and identifying what individual triggers, assumptions and biases exist with the intention to combat stigma and discrimination towards families and carers. There is evidence that demonstrates when family support is provided, better outcomes are achieved as the family is a key resource in harm avoidance and treatment effectiveness strategies. The workshop assists in defining the family unit and the different ways in which people access support. The workshop identifies ‘what are the needs of families in their unique circumstances and ‘what are their expectations’ and presents strategies for constructive service engagement with families.
Engaging with families & carers of a person who has alcohol and/or other drug dependence.
Family Drug Support (FDS) has developed a highly successful model for supporting families & carers affected by someone’s problematic substance use.
Workshop Outcomes:

Gain knowledge of successful ‘Models of Change’ for supporting families affected by someone’s drug issues.

Identify the 5 stages that families experience and effective ways to respond.

Learn how to communicate more effectively with families in a professional situation.

Develop clearer understanding and gain skills to assist families to build resilience and improve the outcome for both the person with the drug issue and the family.

Recognise the benefit of psycho-social education for a family, in relation to the significant barriers

Introduction to Drug and Alcohol First Aid
2024-11-15 08:00 - 17:00
Lives Lived Well will be offering Drug and Alcohol First Aid training in Far North Queensland in early 2025. An information sheet about the training is attached. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion following the workshop.
********Please note – The date listed above is not the workshop date**********
Please contact Clare Thompson, Drug and Alcohol First Aid Coordinator, if you would like to discuss organising a workshop for your team on 0461 293 352 or at cl************@****************rg.au.

Volunteering for Family Drug Support 2 day training course
2024-11-16 09:00 - 2024-11-17 16:30 | Family Drug Support, 3 Robinson Rd Nundah, QLD, Brisbane, QLD, 4012, Australia
FDS are seeking volunteers for their National Support Line, that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Some benefits of volunteering for FDS:
· Learn and apply practical skills
· Practical experience for your resume
· Opportunity to give back to your community
· Ongoing support and education in your work with FDS
· Phone shifts from your own home
Day One: Introduction to Family Drug Support and Services
A basic introduction into Alcohol and Other Drugs
Triggers, assumptions, biases
Stages of Change
Day Two: Active listening skills
Communication skills
Procedures and Responsibilities
Management of call, including difficult callers
Day Three (optional): Group facilitator skills
Group safety and time management
Challenging group members
FDS Requirements:
Commitment to one shift every 3 weeks for a minimum of 12 months
Attendance at our yearly residential volunteer weekend
FDS Membership ($30 per calendar year)
Telephone Volunteer Manual ($30)
Visit their website to register your interest: https://www.fds.org.au/volunteers-training/volunteer-training/vol-training-qld
OR please contact James Lomas on 0448 169 205 or our head office on (02) 4782 9222

Stepping Stones Toowoomba 4 Day Course
2024-11-16 09:30 - 2024-11-17 16:00 | Toowoomba City Library, Level 3, 155 Herries St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
4 DAY COURSE for family members and friends supporting loved ones with AOD use.
Course provides support and information to improve their own wellbeing and improve outcomes and needs of everyone.
16th-17th of November 2024 (Saturday & Sunday)
9.30 am – 4.00 pm
each day
FDS Members $40 for workbook
Non-members $70 (includes annual
membership)

Stepping Stones Toowoomba 4 Day Course
2024-11-23 09:30 - 2024-11-24 16:00 | Toowoomba City Library, Level 3, 155 Herries St, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
4 DAY COURSE for family members and friends supporting loved ones with AOD use.
Course provides support and information to improve their own wellbeing and improve outcomes and needs of everyone.
23rd- 24th of November 2024 (Saturday & Sunday)
9.30 am – 4.00 pm
each day
FDS Members $40 for workbook
Non-members $70 (includes annual membership)

Webinar Methamphetamine treatment: new and upcoming research - National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs
2024-11-27 11:00 - 12:00
This webinar is for:
• Researchers
• Clinicians
• People who use methamphetamine
This webinar will cover:
• current treatment options in Australia and around the world
• current research into new treatments for methamphetamine use
• future research into methamphetamine treatment
It will feature an expert panel discussion with clinicians, researchers
and representatives with lived/living experience, and a live Q&A.
Speakers:
▪ Dr Liam Acheson (NCCRED)
▪ Prof Nadine Ezard (NCCRED)
▪ Prof Victoria Manning (Monash Uni)
▪ Wendy Williams (SVHA)
The link to register is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8817296380717/WN_MDSYaMSERh-dLsZZX5n18Q

Family Drug Support Workshop
2024-12-06 09:45 - 15:30 | Twin Rivers Centre, 104 River Hills Rd, EAGLEBY, QLD, 4207
Free education for families and friends, delivering practical information and strategies to those supporting someone using alcohol and other drugs.

QuIVAA Community of Practice for Peers
2025-01-14 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-04-09 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-07-09 13:00 - 14:30
QuIVAA’s Community of Practice for Peers – a safe, welcoming, and empowering space tailored for AOD Peer Workers who incorporate lived and living experience into their work.
Last year’s CoP was a huge success, providing a powerful opportunity for peers to connect, share, and grow. This year, QuIVAA are inviting past participants to continue building that momentum, while also welcoming new peers eager to find their community.

The Community of Practice is more than just a meeting – it’s a place where peer workers come together for support, professional development, and collaboration. Each session offers a chance to explore how lived experience can enhance your work, while connecting with others who truly understand the unique challenges and victories of this role.
Register here

VAADA Conference 2025 | From Challenges to Solutions: Responding to a Changing World
2025-02-13 - 2025-02-14 | Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
VAADA Conference 2025 | From Challenges to Solutions: Responding to a Changing World
Event description

**Early Bird Tickets Close 1st December**
One of the best Victorian AOD events on the calendar, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to our 2025 Biennial Conference!
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Melbourne, Thursday 13 – Friday 14 February 2025

From Challenges to Solutions: Responding to a Changing World

About the theme:
As the world rapidly changes, the AOD sector faces new challenges: budget constraints and rising debt, vaping, climate change, gaming addiction, misinformation, artificial intelligence (AI), novel synthetic drugs, geopolitical instability, and post-COVID shifts in how we live and work. These forces challenge the very foundations on which AOD services and the broader social and community services sector operate.
Does the AOD sector need to pivot or drastically innovate to keep up with a rapidly changing future, or does the “AOD toolbox” already have what it needs? Are we prepared for what’s to come?
2025’s Conference will peer into the future and explore what’s on the horizon for the sector.
Get your tickets now before they sell out!
To access discounted tickets, click here to find out if your organisation is a VAADA Member.

QuIVAA Community of Practice for Team Leaders/Supervisors
2025-02-19 13:00 - 14:30
QuIVAA is excited to announce the return of our Community of Practice, now specifically designed for Team Leaders and Supervisors of AOD Peer Workers, whether they identify as peers or oversee peer teams.
Building on the incredible success of last year’s Community of Practice, this iteration offers a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for peer leaders to connect, share, and grow. Past participants are invited to continue building on the momentum from last year, while we warmly welcome new leaders eager to find their community.
This isn’t just a meeting – it’s a collaborative space where peer leaders can support one another, develop professionally, and explore strategies to incorporate lived and living experience into their supervisory roles. Each session provides an opportunity to address challenges, celebrate successes, and strengthen the peer workforce by leveraging the unique insights of those who lead it.
Register here

WANADA Conference 2025 - “Pathways, Systems, Strategies”
2025-03-05 - 2025-03-07 | Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, 46-54 Marine Terrace, Fremantle, WA, 6160, Australia
WA Alcohol and Other Drug Conference 2025

WANADA warmly invites you to join us for the WA Alcohol and Other Drug Conference 2025. This year’s theme, “Pathways, Systems, Strategies,” invites innovative and impactful contributions that address:

Engaging Lived/Living Experience
Fostering Inclusive Practice
Identifying and Responding to Complexity
Strengthening Partnerships for a Systemic Response
Being Future-Focused

WANADA are pleased to have Hope Community Services as their Presenting Partner and to be delivering the conference in partnership with the National Drug Research Institute. The conference will offer a unique opportunity to promote a shared voice, encouraging sector partnership and solidarity as we work towards a whole-of-community approach to alcohol and other drug issues.

FDV Capability in MHAOD Services: An overview of baseline capability of the MHAOD sector in Queensland
2025-04-03 10:00 - 13:00
QNADA is excited to announce we are hosting an online statewide forum on Family and Domestic Violence Capability in Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drug services. This forum will provide an overview of the baseline FDV capability of the MHAOD sector in Queensland, with presentations and panel discussions with experts leading the way in this space.
This work is intended to implement Recommendation 19 from the recent Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce Hear her Voice Report One (2021) (WSJT Report 1) and previous recommendations from the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Death Review and Advisory Board. The findings and recommendations of these reports highlight the importance of MHAOD services having a better understanding of their role in responding to domestic and family violence and its impact.
Email in**@*******rg.au to register your attendance.

AADANT Conference 2025 "Voices of Change - Leading the Way"
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-14 | George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Gilruth Ave & Gardens Rd, The Gardens, NT, 0820, Australia
Event description

The AADANT Conference 2025, scheduled for 13-14 May 2025 at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, offers a unique platform for sponsors to engage with professionals, researchers, and community leaders working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector. This key event is designed to foster collaboration, share innovative practices, and drive progress in the areas of AOD treatment, harm reduction, mental health, and policy reform.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Voices of Change”, and it will focus on the most pressing issues and emerging trends in the sector.

Community of Practice for Team Leaders/Supervisors
2025-05-13 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-08-12 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-12 13:00 - 14:30

NADA Conference 2025: Strength in Community – Building a Brighter, Kinder Future
2025-06-05 - 2025-06-06
The NADA Conference 2025 will be held on 5–6 June in Sydney, bringing together delegates from across NSW, the broader Australian alcohol and other drug sector and other health and human services. This event will showcase interventions designed to improve outcomes for clients, engage with the latest evidence, and provide valuable networking opportunities. The conference promises to be an insightful and collaborative experience focused on building a stronger, kinder future for the AOD sector and beyond.
Register now – NADA

QuIVAA Peer Community of Practice
2025-10-07 13:00 - 14:30

Stepping Stones Program for Families In Ipswich
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-09
Family Drug Support (FDS) is pleased to announce our upcoming Stepping Stones Program – a unique, internationally recognised, and award-winning program designed specifically for families impacted by a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use.
About the program

A 4-day course, delivered across two weekends.
Experiential and psycho-educational, combining lived experience with practical strategies.
Provides tools to promote healing, coping, and resilience in families.
Tailored to each family’s unique journey.
Often described by participants as a “life course.”

Program details
📍 Location: White Rock Community Centre – 37 Foley Way White Rock QLD 4306
📅 Dates: 1,2 and 8,9 November 2025
⏰ Times: 9:30am- 4:30pm
Cost
The program itself is free to attend, with a small cost associated with resources:

FDS family membership: $30 per year (per family)
Stepping Stones workbook: $40 each

LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training for the AOD Sector Workforce
2025-11-21 08:30 - 12:30 | Online
🔴Do you work in the alcohol and drug sector?
🟠Would you like to build more confidence in providing affirming and culturally safer services for LGBTIQ+SB folk?
⚫️The most significant barrier to AOD and mental health treatment and support for LGBTIQ+SB people is the provision of culturally safe and affirming services.
🟡Rainbow Affinity is hosting a 4-hour online LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training workshop tailored to the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector workforce!
🟣The following topics will be covered in online training:

Understanding affirmative practice

Unpacking and exploring the LGBTIQ+SB identities

Pronouns (what are they and why are they important)

What is the prevalence of substance use in the LGBTIQ+SB community?

Lived realities for LGBTIQ+SB folk and communities – contemporary research and data

How does substance use uniquely affect the LGBTIQ+SB community?

Adopting affirming language and providing an inclusive culture

Reflective practice case scenarios unique to alcohol and other drug workforce

💥 Date: 21st November 2025
💥 Time: 8.30am – 12.30pm
💥Cost: $250
💥 Location: Online event
🟢 Jack (he/they) is a proud trans man and Social Worker blending his experience working within the mental health and alcohol and other drug sector, with his lived experience.
🟣 Jack’s practice spans counselling, training, advocacy and research. He was recently recognised with the LGBTIQA+ Worker Award at the 2024 Australian Winter School Conference hosted by QNADA, and is currently involved in a research project in collaboration with folk from The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, La Trobe University, and Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies (NADA) that explores how trans people in Australia seek support for AOD use and how these experiences can be improved.
🟤 Register here: LGBTIQ+SB Affirmative Practice Training for the AOD Sector Workforce
⚫ For more information contact Jack at ja**@*****************om.au

2025-12-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Lives Lived Well are hosting a training workshop for QNADA reference group members and AOD services. This training will be facilitated by their in-house gambling trainer and researcher, Georgia Dellosa, and will cover off on Motivational Interviewing for gambling harm in AOD care — with a focus on the cycle of coping utilising an innovative storm system analogy.

To register, please click here

International Family Drug Support Day 2026
2026-02-24 09:45 - 12:15 | Queensland Parliament – Premier’s and Speakers Hall
Family Drug Support invite you to join them in Brisbane to mark International Family Drug Support Day. This year’s theme — See the Person, Not the Drug — invites us to look beyond substance use and recognise the humanity, dignity and lived experience of people and families affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD). You’ll hear from a stellar line-up of speakers, sharing insights and perspectives from across the AOD and harm-reduction space.
Event details:

Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Location: Queensland Parliament – Premier’s and Speakers Hall
Time: 9:45am – 12:15pm AEST

Please arrive from 9:00am to allow time for Parliament House security.
Please click here to register by 20 February.

AADC Webinar on FASD-Informed Practice for the Australian AOD Workforce
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
Would you like to learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in an AOD service context? Do you want to build your confidence in working with people who have been diagnosed or have possible FASD?
Join us for this practice-focused webinar which gives participants a taste of our comprehensive FASD Informed Practice for the Australian Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce online course.
Participants will learn the basics of:

what is FASD
how FASD presents in an AOD setting
FASD screening, adapting your practice and connecting with external supports

This workshop will include a Q&A with experts and is ideal for frontline workers in the AOD and intersecting sectors.
Register here >

The Increasing Complexity of AOD Work: How AOD work is getting harder, and what that means for pay, conditions and service funding
2026-06-25 13:00 - 14:30
The nature of AOD work is changing and increasingly AOD services and workers are being required to do more, with less. This event explores how AOD work has changed since the Modern Awards review in 2012, and the implications this has for service funding, pay and conditions for staff, and outcomes for people seeking AOD treatment.
It also explores how changes proposed as part of the Fair Work Commission’s recent review of the
SCHADS Industry Award will likely impact the AOD sector, and the role of AADC and ASU in seeking better outcomes for AOD services and workers moving forward.
This event features presentations, panel discussion and an audience Q&A with:

Phillipa Balk, Assistant Branch Secretary, Australian Services Union Victoria & Tasmania Branch
Kelly Thomas, National Industrial Director, Australian Services Union
Dr Robert Stirling, CEO, Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NSW)
Dr Kirrilly Thompson, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction
James Dunne, Policy and Projects Coordinator, Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council

Event Details:
Date: Thursday 25 June, 2026
Time: 1.00pm – 2.30pm (AEST)
Venue: Online

Intersecting Mental Health and AOD Concerns: Workforce Training and Supervision webinar
2026-06-29 10:00 - 12:00
Join us on Monday, 29 June 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for our Intersecting Mental Health and AOD Concerns: Workforce Training and Supervision webinar.This free online webinar will showcase key learnings from QNADAs 2026 Alcohol and Other Drugs Workforce Training and Supervision Program and explore topics that are increasingly relevant to AOD practice, including:

working with survivors of coercive control
working with men who use violence
working with people experiencing eating disorders alongside AOD use
identifying the impact of hurt, rejection, shame, identity wounds, and disconnection on wellbeing and AOD use.
There will be an opportunity to engage directly with the presenters during a live Q&A.

Registration is essential. Please register via this link.
This program is funded through Brisbane North PHN.

Family Drug Support Remembrance Ceremony 2026
2026-07-21 11:30 - 13:30 | Family Drug Support, 3 Robinson Rd Nundah, QLD, Brisbane, QLD, 4012, Australia
Click here to download flyer.
