Priority Population: All

Recognising and Working with Cognitively Impaired Clients in Alcohol and Other Drug Settings

Presented by Dr James Gooden, Sarah Bussell & Georgia Bolt

Register: here

Working with cognitively impaired clients can be a significant challenge, particularly when access to assessment services and resources is limited. Cognitive difficulties may arise from a range of aetiologies, including acquired brain injury, mental health, substance use, or neurodevelopmental differences and together, this can have a cumulative and adverse impact on treatment outcomes and recovery.

This workshop will provide practical strategies for working with clients who present with or have concerns regarding cognitive difficulties. In particular, this workshop will cover four main themes:

  • Recognising cognitive impairment
  • Underlying aetiologies across the lifespan
  • Supporting clients with cognitive impairment
  • Referral pathways: When might assessment be indicated?

Who should attend: AOD clinicians, counsellors, support workers and allied health

Registration enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

Date: Friday 26th June 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue: Turning Point, Level 1, Training Rooms – 110 Church St, Richmond 3121

Cost: Free – This workshop is only available to staff working in Victorian state-funded Drug and Alcohol services.
Register: here
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

About the Presenters

Sarah Bussell is a Clinical Neuropsychology Registrar at Turning Point Statewide Services, where she provides secondary consultation and neuropsychological assessment for adults with significant substance use histories, collaborating with consumers, referrers, and care teams to guide care planning and formulation. Her work centres on valuing consumer perspectives and experiences whilst considering differential diagnoses and applying evidence-based strategies/supports to enhance everyday functioning. Across both community outpatient and inpatient settings, she also has experience in rehabilitation, complex discharge planning, and co-occurring factors.

She completed her Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) at the University of Melbourne in 2023 and is committed to translating neuropsychological knowledge into meaningful support for both consumers and healthcare teams.

Georgia Bolt is a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist at Turning Point and Austin Health, providing assessment and consultation for adults with complex co-occurring conditions across inpatient and community settings. She works with clients and multidisciplinary teams to inform formulation, support diagnosis, and guide management, including cognitive, behavioural and decision-making capacity issues.

Georgia was awarded the inaugural Maureen Molloy Prize in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Melbourne and recently completed her PhD through Monash University, investigating a personalised mHealth cognitive intervention for older adults drinking at hazardous levels.

She has published in AOD settings and presented at national and international conferences.

Dr James Gooden is a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist and clinician researcher based at the Turning Point Addiction Neuropsychology Service in Richmond, Victoria. His case load includes individuals experiencing a high degree of clinical complexity, including comorbid traumatic or acquired brain injury, alcohol and polysubstance use, mental health difficulty, complex trauma, and forensic and psychosocial issues.

He is a co-author of the clinical practice guidelines for Managing Cognitive Impairment in AOD Treatment published by Turning Point, and has authored 14 academic manuscripts, a book chapter, and presented widely across local, national and international conferences in addition to delivering training across the healthcare sector.

Cancellation policy: This is a free event. If you cannot attend, manage your ticket via your Eventbrite account and cancel your registration.  Alternatively, email tp@turningpoint.org.au no later than 3 days before advising of your inability to attend.

 

Introduction to Gambling Disorder: An overview of the concepts & assessment of Gambling Disorder & an introduction to treatment principles

Presented by Dr Nicholas Burgess

Register Here

Since the legislative and societal shift from addressing public intoxication with a law-enforcement response to a health response, cohealth and other providers have been providing both outreach and temporary sobering-up services to people displaying intoxication in public places.

In this presentation, Dean and Andrea will reflect on the learnings from operating this service. Dean will also look at the current treatment approach to alcohol use disorder and review the evidence for adopting a more harm reduction-focused paradigm. Andrea will discuss how public intoxication services operate as an entry point for those requiring assistance to manage their use of alcohol.

Dr Dean Membrey is a general practitioner and addiction medicine specialist who has over a decade of experience providing health care to people experiencing substance use disorders. He is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centred care in community settings to understand the social, cultural and psychological influences on their presentation. He currently works at cohealth Innerspace and provides outreach services in the Melbourne CBD to people experiencing homelessness.

Andrea Fischer is the Director of Community-based Drug and Alcohol Responses at Cohealth. Andrea has a long career in Public Health, having worked for the Burnet and Doherty Institutes. She specialises in managing large-scale public health activities in Victoria and overseas. Her passion is working with people who use alcohol and other drugs, with an emphasis on infectious diseases prevention, testing and treatment.

Connect & Learn webinar series addresses a wide range of practice-relevant topics presented by local expert clinicians. The webinars aim to enhance the capabilities of Victorian AOD and MH workers in responding to substance use and addiction issues among their clients and consumers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This webinar is funded by the Victorian Department of Health and is only available for Victorians to register

Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026
Time: 1pm to 1:45pm AEDT

Register Here

Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

Moving the goalposts a non-punitive, non-abstinence approach to alcohol use

Presented by Dr Dean Membrey and Andrea Fischer

Register Here

Since the legislative and societal shift from addressing public intoxication with a law-enforcement response to a health response, cohealth and other providers have been providing both outreach and temporary sobering-up services to people displaying intoxication in public places.

In this presentation, Dean and Andrea will reflect on the learnings from operating this service. Dean will also look at the current treatment approach to alcohol use disorder and review the evidence for adopting a more harm reduction-focused paradigm. Andrea will discuss how public intoxication services operate as an entry point for those requiring assistance to manage their use of alcohol.

Dr Dean Membrey is a general practitioner and addiction medicine specialist who has over a decade of experience providing health care to people experiencing substance use disorders. He is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centred care in community settings to understand the social, cultural and psychological influences on their presentation. He currently works at cohealth Innerspace and provides outreach services in the Melbourne CBD to people experiencing homelessness.

Andrea Fischer is the Director of Community-based Drug and Alcohol Responses at Cohealth. Andrea has a long career in Public Health, having worked for the Burnet and Doherty Institutes. She specialises in managing large-scale public health activities in Victoria and overseas. Her passion is working with people who use alcohol and other drugs, with an emphasis on infectious diseases prevention, testing and treatment.

Connect & Learn webinar series addresses a wide range of practice-relevant topics presented by local expert clinicians. The webinars aim to enhance the capabilities of Victorian AOD and MH workers in responding to substance use and addiction issues among their clients and consumers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This webinar is funded by the Victorian Department of Health and is only available for Victorians to register

Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026
Time: 1pm to 1:45pm AEDT

Register Here

Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

The role of dual diagnosis in AOD rehabilitation

Presented by Dr Lea Foo & Elvira Tsecoutanis

Register Here

This presentation aims to improve knowledge about the prevalence of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders, their relationship and impact on recovery. Dr Lea Foo and Elvira Tsecoutanis will provide tools and strategies to support addressing comorbid mental health conditions in the AOD space.

Dr Lea Foo is an Addiction Psychiatrist at Western Health Drug Health Services. She works with people who use drugs (PWUD) and supports other clinicians working with PWUD through the Hamilton Centre Victoria Statewide service for people living with mental illness and substance use or addiction, and in general hospital settings through the Addiction Medicine consultation service. Dr Lea Foo also coordinates the training program for doctors specialising in Addiction Medicine and Addiction Psychiatry at Western Health.

Elvira Tsecoutanis has been in recovery from a long-term heroin addiction for eight years. Elvira has Bipolar II Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). She spent three decades trying to navigate services for dual diagnosis to access treatment for her addiction and mental health issues. Eight years ago, she found a recovery support group and multidisciplinary team of professionals, all of which she credits with saving her life. Elvira is employed by Western Health in Drug Health Services as a Peer Lead for AOD Peer Workforce.

Cost: Free
Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026,
time: 1:00 PM  to 1:45 PM AEST

Register Here

Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

All About Adult ADHD presented by Dr Limor Theedar

Presented by Dr Limor Theedar

 

Session Full

Dr Limor Theedar is a consultant psychiatrist and an addiction specialist. She has experience working across a broad range of psychiatry in the past 25 years. Dr Limor was the lead psychiatrist involved in setting up and running Westside Lodge, which is a statewide public dual diagnosis residential rehabilitation service that provides treatment for clients with severe substance use disorders and co-existing psychiatric conditions. It is now in its 8th year since opening.

Dr Limor will be talking about Adult ADHD. Discussion about the increasing public awareness of this diagnosis and, consequently, a rising demand for assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Clients with a history of substance misuse face additional difficulties in accessing assessments, diagnosis, and treatment. What impact is increasing public awareness of Adult ADHD having on the demand for assessment, diagnosis and treatment? What additional difficulties are clients with a history of substance misuse facing in accessing assessments, diagnosis and treatment?

How do we sensibly approach ADHD assessment, and what are the specific considerations for clients with a positive substance use history?

Connect & Learn webinar series addresses a wide range of practice-relevant topics presented by local expert clinicians. The webinars aim to enhance the capabilities of Victorian AOD and MH workers in responding to substance use and addiction issues among their clients and consumers.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Open to workers in Victorian state-funded services.

Register Here

Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Alcohol and Other Drug Workers in-person workshop

Session Full

Presented by James McGregor

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is among the most widely researched and practised therapeutic approaches for people seeking treatment for alcohol and other drugs (AOD). CBT is highly effective in supporting people to identify and understand unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, and then to make positive changes to these. The ways that CBT is utilised have changed over the decades, with current approaches expanding the focus to seamlessly blend traditional CBT principles with concepts of mindfulness, acceptance, compassion, metacognition and therapeutic relationship dynamics.

In this workshop, we will cover a range of techniques and interventions to support people to make sustained changes in their lives, whether directly for AOD use or other areas of life. This will include the knowledge and skills to raise awareness of unhelpful thinking patterns and to foster an environment that encourages positive changes in behaviour. This will be a practical and interactive workshop where you will be introduced to a range of tools and relapse prevention strategies which you can use collaboratively with people in recovery-oriented practice.

This will be a practical and interactive workshop where you will be introduced to a range of tools, worksheets and Relapse Prevention Strategies that you can use collaboratively with your client to promote a recovery-oriented practice.

About James

James McGregor has over 15 years experience working in clinical AOD programs, both individual and group-based programs, as well as leading education and training programs for staff and consumers. He holds a Masters of Social Work, a Graduate Diploma in Narrative Therapy, and a Diploma of Leadership & Management.

Who should attend?

State-funded AOD workers new to their role and/or those looking to refresh and update existing knowledge.

Eligibility Criteria

This workshop is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian State-funded AOD organisation.

Date: Tuesday 30th June 2026
Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Venue: Turning Point, Level 1, Training Rooms – 110 Church St, Richmond 3121

Cost: Free

Register Now

Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for AOD workers

This event is now full.

Date: 2 Day Workshop – Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd June 2026 (AEST)
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Turning Point, 110 Church St, Richmond 3121, Level 1, Training Room Two
Cost: Free
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

IMPORTANT NOTE: This workshop is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation.

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.

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.

Sheridon Byrne is an Education and Training Officer within the workforce development team, with over two decades of experience in capacity building across family violence and AOD.  Her work focuses on strengthening practitioner confidence and capability in having effective, respectful conversations about change. Her work includes private consultation and the design of tailored training programs that support sustainable skill development. Sheridon is deeply committed to fostering systemic change and supporting practitioners to use MI with clarity, confidence, and compassion in their day‑to‑day AOD work.

Who should attend? Victorian Department Health funded AOD workers new to their role and/or those looking to refresh and update existing knowledge.

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, please register with your WORK email, your ticket will be cancelled if you do not use your work email, thank you.

Cancellation policy: This workshop is a free event, however if your circumstances change, please log into your Eventbrite account and cancel your registration or alternatively email tp@turningpoint.org.au no later than 7 days prior to advice of your inability to attend.

ATTENTION: places are limited in these free workshops – If you register and do not attend your organisation will receive a fee.

MARAM In Practice: Family Violence in AOD Work

Click here to register

MARAM In Practice: Family Violence in AOD Work, presented by Bella Tambakau & Sheridon Byrne 

Date: Thursday 16th April 2026
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au
IMPORTANT NOTE: this training is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation in an AOD role.

This workshop is designed for Victorian AOD workers, ideally who have completed foundational MARAM training although not necessary. The workshop aims to enhance practical understanding and application of the MARAM framework and applying it to day-to-day work with clients. 

Participants will explore how to integrate MARAM principles into real-world scenarios through the use of case studies and facilitated breakout room discussions. These sessions will provide opportunities to apply knowledge, share insights, and learn from peers across the sector. 

The workshop will focus on strategies to keep victim-survivors safe, reduce the risk of collusion with people using family violence, and strengthen confidence in responding to complex situations. 

Bella Tambakau is a Specialist Family Violence Advisor in Alcohol and Other Drugs, auspice to Turning Point. Bella brings forth her extensive experience in the family violence sector in crisis and direct response to her current role, where she supports AOD services to build family violence capacity and support the alignment to the MARAM framework. 

Sheridon Byrne is a Trainer within the workforce development team, with over two decades of experience in the family violence sector. Her career spans a wide range of roles, including work in women’s refuges, family violence crisis counselling, program coordination, and project leadership. Sheridon has delivered significant training and capacity-building initiatives across multiple sectors, particularly at the intersection of family violence, alcohol and other drugs, and mental health. Her work includes private consultation and the design of tailored training programs that support sustainable, effective practice. Sheridon is deeply committed to fostering systemic change and empowering practitioners to engage in family violence work with confidence and resilience. 

Who should attend? This workshop is designed for Victorian AOD workers, ideally who have completed foundational MARAM training although not necessary. The workshop aims to enhance practical understanding and application of the MARAM framework and applying it to day-to-day 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, please register with your WORK email, your ticket will be cancelled if you do not use your work email, thank you.

Cancellation policy: This training is free, however if your circumstances change please log into your Eventbrite account and cancel your registration or alternatively email tp@turningpoint.org.au to advise of your inability to complete.

The Art of Asking, Grant Writing Masterclass (in-person)

Please note that because this training is advertised on behalf of another provider, it does not quality for the travel contribution scheme.

Registrations will be screened to ensure you meet this criteria:

  • This masterclass is tailored to those in the AOD sector who are newer to grant writing or want to strengthen their foundation skills. This includes emerging AOD sector leaders (i.e. team leaders, coordinators, project workers) in the AOD sector responsible for, or who contributed to, developing submissions to the Department of Health.

Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Turning Point. 110 Church Street Richmond, VIC 3121

Description:

A practical entry-level masterclass for emerging AOD sector leaders who are new to grant writing or have limited experience. This session will help build the skills, strategies and confidence needed to develop standout grant submissions for Department of Health funding.

Optional add on: Budget Extender Session – This optional session is designed as a practical starting point for people with little or no experience in grant budgeting.

Please note: This is not a session that will direct you to current funding opportunities. If you’re an experienced grant writer, you’ll find the content covers material you’re already confident with.

By the end of this masterclass participants will be able to:

  • Draft a strong funding ‘pitch’ that supports cohesive and successful grant writing.
  • Address the key components of government grant applications.
  • Recognise and avoid common pitfalls (based on ‘real world’ Department of Health feedback).​ ​
  • Apply strategies for writing clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
  • Use AI tools ethically and effectively in grant writing.
  • Strengthen your organisations funding culture and learn how to turn an unsuccessful submission into future success

Facilitators:

Dr Allison Salmon (she/her), Director, The Centre for Impact & Change – For over 25 years, Dr Allison Salmon has driven meaningful change in health policies, systems, and practices through evidence-based innovation. Allison brings extensive expertise in developing compelling funding submissions, crafting influential government proposals, and effectively pitching strategic initiatives to diverse stakeholders. ​With deep experience working directly with government agencies, Allison effectively navigates policy environments, influences health priorities, and aligns interventions with governmental objectives. Her skill in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and conducting comprehensive gap analyses ensures her submissions and pitches resonate deeply with decision-makers.  Allison’s specialist expertise spans alcohol and other drug policy, including harm reduction strategies such as drug consumption spaces, overdose prevention, and tobacco control.

Lucy Demant (she/her), Principal Consultant, The Centre for Impact & Change – For nearly twenty years, Lucy has been working to improve outcomes for children, young people and the community.  Lucy is a skilled writer with deep expertise in competitive grant and submission writing for government and philanthropy, writing for web, resource development and values-based messaging. A strategic thinker she has led major workforce development and capacity-building projects and delivered complex programs at scale. She is a natural collaborator, skilled in facilitating groups, cultivating sophisticated partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders. Lucy brings her management coaching expertise to The Centre’s services – she is adept at coaching managers and emerging leaders, honing their practice to create high-performing, cohesive teams. Lucy’s specialist areas include the alcohol and other drug sector, family violence, youth disability and youth mental health, with a strong foundation in health promotion, prevention and early intervention.

 

Eligibility Criteria

This training is funded for emerging leaders (i.e. team leaders, coordinators, project workers) in the AOD sector responsible for, or who contributed to, developing submissions to the Department of Health.

Who is not eligible?

Students, interns, workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health and AOD workers outside of Victoria.

Terms & Conditions

If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.

Just Swapping One Drug For Another: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

This is a 2-hour webinar

Register here

Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00PM

Location: Online

Cost: Free

Description: This webinar will be presented by Addiction Medicine Specialists Dr Paul MacCartney and Dr Ryan D’Cunha. They will discuss medications for Opioid Use Disorder, how we got here, how they work, how people can get them and future options including hydromorphone.

This session is ideal for AOD workers, GPs, clinicians and anyone wanting to feel more confident talking about and working with pharmacotherapy for the people they support.

Register here

flag

We at VAADA acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People as the traditional owners of the land on which we reside and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge that this land was never ceded.
Privacy Policy