Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026, 9:30AM – 3:00PM
Location: Catholic Leadership Centre – 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, VIC 3067 (Read more about Travel Contribution)
Cost: $40 (tickets can only be purchased via credit card)
Description
VACCHOs Introduction to Aboriginal Cultural Safety training encompasses, and builds on, cultural awareness content by providing considerations and advice to implement cultural safety considerations into practice. Participant learning and understanding are enhanced by the personal stories and the lived experience of our facilitators while exploring Aboriginal identities, cultures, and history.
The session covers:
- Understanding cultural safety and its importance in increasing service accessibility and effective engagement with Australia’s First Peoples.
- The historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation and colonial policies on Australia’s First
- Peoples culture and Communities
- Trauma-informed practice
- First Peoples diverse identities; respectful terminology and language
- Cultural Load and its impacts on individuals, Communities, and organisations
- How Equity and Self-determination are vital to cultural safety
- Foundational skills to implement cultural safety into practice
- Fostering respectful relationships with First Peoples and Communities
- A timeline of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Strength and Resilience
Eligibility Criteria
Workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Refunds are available up to 1 day prior to the event. Please ensure you have clearance from your line manager to attend. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration at least 24 hours before the cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
Dates:
Day one: Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*
Day two: Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 9:00 – 4:30 PM
*Bookings can only be made from day one of training.
Location: Online
Description
Motivational Interviewing is a skills-based approach to conversations about change that focuses on the client’s needs and wants. MI offers a framework for navigating the common experiences of resistance and ambivalence that so often accompanies the change process.
This two-day workshop introduces the framework and rationale of MI, core skills and application of these skills across the change process. Combining theory with practice, the workshop provides a comprehensive overview into what MI is, what it isn’t and how it works in practice. The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development.
The workshop is suitable for both workers with no knowledge of MI and for those who want to refresh and deepen their understanding and practice of the core skills of MI.
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
If you cannot attend, cancel your registration at least 24 hours before the cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
No shows will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
Dates:
Day one: Wednesday, 16 September 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*
Day two: Wednesday, 23 September 2026, 9:00 – 4:30 PM
*Bookings can only be made from day one of training.
Location: Online
Description
Motivational Interviewing is a skills-based approach to conversations about change that focuses on the client’s needs and wants. MI offers a framework for navigating the common experiences of resistance and ambivalence that so often accompanies the change process.
This two-day workshop introduces the framework and rationale of MI, core skills and application of these skills across the change process. Combining theory with practice, the workshop provides a comprehensive overview into what MI is, what it isn’t and how it works in practice. The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development.
The workshop is suitable for both workers with no knowledge of MI and for those who want to refresh and deepen their understanding and practice of the core skills of MI.
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
If you cannot attend, cancel your registration at least 24 hours before the cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
No shows will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
Dates:
Day one: Thursday, 11 June 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*
Day two: Thursday, 18 June 2026, 9:00 – 4:30 PM
*Bookings can only be made from day one of training.
Location: Online
Description
Motivational Interviewing is a skills-based approach to conversations about change that focuses on the client’s needs and wants. MI offers a framework for navigating the common experiences of resistance and ambivalence that so often accompanies the change process.
This two-day workshop introduces the framework and rationale of MI, core skills and application of these skills across the change process. Combining theory with practice, the workshop provides a comprehensive overview into what MI is, what it isn’t and how it works in practice. The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development.
The workshop is suitable for both workers with no knowledge of MI and for those who want to refresh and deepen their understanding and practice of the core skills of MI.
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
If you cannot attend, cancel your registration at least 24 hours before the cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
No shows will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
Dates:
Day one: Thursday, 12 March 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*
Day two: Thursday, 19 February 2026, 9:00 – 4:30 PM
*Bookings can only be made from day one of training.
Location: Online
Description
Motivational Interviewing is a skills-based approach to conversations about change that focuses on the client’s needs and wants. MI offers a framework for navigating the common experiences of resistance and ambivalence that so often accompanies the change process.
This two-day workshop introduces the framework and rationale of MI, core skills and application of these skills across the change process. Combining theory with practice, the workshop provides a comprehensive overview into what MI is, what it isn’t and how it works in practice. The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development.
The workshop is suitable for both workers with no knowledge of MI and for those who want to refresh and deepen their understanding and practice of the core skills of MI.
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as Family Violence, Homelessness and Mental Health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
If you cannot attend, cancel your registration at least 24 hours before the cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
No shows will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
This is a 2-hour webinar
Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
Description:
For many years, support for people wanting to reduce harmful alcohol use has focused heavily on one pathway – abstinence. While this may be a necessary path for some, many clients are seeking alternative ways to change their drinking and workers are looking for practical options to offer them.
In this webinar, Dr Paul MacCartney (GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist) and the team from Uniting will share a holistic, evidence-informed pathway that is changing outcomes for clients and the services that support them. Through real-world examples and practice-focused discussion, they’ll unpack how pharmacotherapy and collaborative care can be used as a meaningful part of treatment planning.
You’ll explore:
- The impact of alcohol use on clients, families and communities
- Alternatives for people stuck on the “detox-relapse” cycle
- How AOD workers, GPs and specialist services can partner to get the best outcomes for clients
This session is ideal for AOD workers, GPs, clinicians and anyone wanting to feel more confident talking about and working with pharmacotherapy as part of alcohol treatment for the people they support.
This is a one-hour Turning Point Connect & Learn webinar. To attend the webinar, click the link below to register.
Description: Professor Edward Ogden PSM will delve into the impacts of alcohol and other drugs on road safety. Drawing from decades of research to explore how substances impair cognition, reaction times and decision-making. Key topics will include the nature of the driving task, the pharmacology of impairment and the role of addiction specialists in driver assessment.
Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Time: 1:00pM – 1:45PM
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
Who should attend: This webinar is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation.
Registration: Click here to register
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for AOD workers, presented by Lauren Zelunka, Senior Education & Training Officer, Turning Point.
Curious about Motivational Interviewing (MI) or looking to build your confidence in having conversations about change? This practical, hands-on workshop is designed especially for those working in Department of Health funded AOD positions who want to learn (or re-learn) how MI can make everyday client interactions more effective and meaningful.
NOTE: This workshop is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation.
Date: 2 Day Workshop – Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th November ’25
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Turning Point, 110 Church St, Richmond 3121, Level 1, Training Room Two
Cost: Free
Register: here
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au
Motivational Interviewing is a simple yet powerful approach that helps people find their own reasons for making positive changes — without pressure or persuasion. It’s about working with clients, not on them, and creating space for open, respectful conversations about change.
Across two days, you’ll have the chance to:
- Learn what MI is and how it supports real-world AOD work
- Experience the “spirit” of MI — collaboration, acceptance, and compassion
- Practice using questions, reflections, and summaries to keep conversations flowing
- Explore ways to respond when clients feel unsure or stuck
- Build skills you can take straight back into your day-to-day work
Lauren Zelunka has over 10 years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, with the past five years focused primarily on AOD education and training. She is passionate about equipping professionals with the skills and confidence to use Motivational Interviewing effectively in their work. Lauren is currently involved with the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers Oceania (MINTO) as a Friend of MINTO and is working toward becoming a registered member in the coming years.
Who should attend? Victorian Department Health funded AOD workers new to their role and/or those looking to refresh and update existing knowledge. This online training is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation in an AOD role.
Register: here
An evidence-based introduction to writing effective, clinically relevant and legally compliant case notes for the AOD sector, presented by Greg Coman.
NOTE: This online training is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation in an AOD role.
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Venue: Online
Register: here
Cost: Free
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au
This training aims to enable alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers to understand the benefits of writing effective case notes for them, their clients, and their workplace. It will provide the basis for the development of essential skills required for effective case note writing.
The online workshop is pitched at an introductory/ beginner level, but previous participants with some case note writing experience have reported it to be a helpful refresher. It provides: an understanding of what case notes are; an understanding of the importance and benefits of case notes; guidelines for the content and style of case notes; and opportunities to learn and practice effective case note writing. Videos are used throughout to illustrate points. Participants will be introduced to templates they can consider using in their clinical practice.
Greg Coman PhD is a Counselling Psychologist with over thirty years experience working in a wide range of mental health settings. His tertiary qualifications reflect his interests in stress, trauma and problem gambling. Greg undertook his Master of Science degree in psychology, examining stress and coping amongst Australian police personnel. His PhD thesis examined the efficacy of group telephone counselling for people with gambling difficulties. He has worked as a psychologist in community health, employee assistance programs and military settings. He has extensive experience in the adult mental health education and training environment and is passionate about providing training to assist clinicians in their work with clients.
NOTE: This online training is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation in an AOD role.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
This is a 2-day training.
Day 1: Wednesday 4 March 2026, 1:00PM – 5:00PM
Day 2: Thursday 5 March 2026, 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Location: Online
Description: An entry-level introduction to harm reduction principles and best practice, delivered by peer trainers from Harm Reduction Victoria. Across 7 modules (delivered over two half-days online), you’ll gain a basic understanding of key topics and learn directly from people with living experience about what people who use drugs really want and need from services. There is an activity that needs to be completed before attending the second day of training. Participants will receive details via email the week before the training.
DAY ONE – Wednesday 4 March 2026, 1:00PM – 5:00PM
Harm Reduction 101
- Understand the history of harm reduction in Victoria & Australia.
- Understand the National Drug Strategy policy of Harm Minimisation and how Harm Reduction fits into this policy.
- Understanding the Substance, Set and Setting principles as a way to understand an individual’s drug experience.
Safer Injecting
- Understand safer injecting practices, including injecting sites; using a tourniquet, and infection & Blood Borne Virus risk.
- Understand the circulatory system and the difference between veins and arteries.
- Understand through “hands-on” demonstration the drug mixing up the process and the transmission risk points during the process.
Drug Overdose & Adverse Effects
- Understand some of the common myths around opioid overdose.
- Be able to recognize the signs of overdose and of actions to take in different circumstances
- Understand when and how to intervene in overdose situations.
Naloxone Administration
- Understand where to obtain naloxone for clients
- Understand the different formulations of naloxone available
- Understand the difference between someone who is ‘on the nod’ or overdosing and the appropriate time to administer naloxone.
DAY TWO – Thursday 5 March 2026, 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Introduction to Pharmacotherapy
- Be aware of the pharmacotherapy options available to PWUD in Victoria.
- Understand how to access pharmacotherapy in Victoria.
- Be aware of Victoria’s “broken system”
Working Effectively with people who use drugs
- Understand barriers to effectively working with people who use drugs (PWUD), in particular, people who inject drugs (PWID)
- Understand and challenge the ‘gateway drug’ theory.
- Understand common myths about PWID, the effects of criminalisation, and the stigma on the health of PWUD
Stigma & Discrimination
- Understand how stigma and discrimination act as a barrier in healthcare settings.
- Understand how frameworks of morality and social discourse frame our understanding of drug use.
- Understand how we can all contribute to eliminating stigma and discrimination in ourselves and our services
Eligibility Criteria
This training has been funded for workers employed under the Victorian AOD Traineeship initiative.
Terms & Conditions
If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
