nonaccredited – Page 2

Motivational Interviewing: Foundation Skills

*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.

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for AOD workers

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

Take Note! Case notes essentials

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.

Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for AOD Workers

This is a 1-day in person training.

Description: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has evolved over the years and is a most favourably reviewed treatment approach. There is much evidence for the effectiveness of CBT with a range of Alcohol and Other Drugs issues. In recent years CBT has expanded its focus to include third wave approaches. These approaches seek to blend traditional CBT principles with concepts new to cognitive-behavioural therapies such as mindfulness and acceptance.

In this introductory workshop you will build your capacity in applying evidence-based interventions that work on the underlying processes that support behavioral change. You will discover how, when and why to apply a best practice cognitive, behavioral or emotion focused approach.

This workshop will introduce you to a range of models, techniques and interventions to help your clients to change negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional wellbeing. It 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 implement.

Date: Thursday, 2nd October 2025

Time: 10:00pM – 4:00PM

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

Cost: Free

Who should attend: AOD clinicians, counsellors, support workers and allied health working in a Victorian Department of Health funded AOD organisation.

Registration: Click here to register

Recognising and Working with Cognitively Impaired Clients in AOD Settings

This is a 1-day in person training.

Description: Working with cognitively impaired clients can be a significant challenge, particularly when access to assessment services and resources are 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?

Date: Friday, 28th November 2025

Time: 9:30pM – 4:30PM

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

Cost: Free

Who should attend: AOD clinicians, counsellors, support workers and allied health working in a Victorian Department of Health funded AOD organisation.

Registration: Click here to register

Introduction to Aboriginal and Cultural Safety

*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’

Date: Thursday, 14 August 2026 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Online

Description:

This training will be facilitated by VACCHO. The 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.

Session topics:

The historical and intergenerational impacts of colonisation and policies and how they have shaped Aboriginal culture, peoples and Communities
Aspects of Aboriginal identities, culture and protocols
Fostering respectful relationships with Aboriginal peoples and Communities
Foundational skills and strategies for implementing cultural safety into practice

The training aims to provide the necessary foundational knowledge to enable participants to:

Develop a greater understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social perspectives
Engage meaningfully with Aboriginal peoples and Communities
Strengthen existing relationships and integrate cultural safety into practice
Identify ways to embed and apply learnings in professional and personal contexts.

Eligibility Criteria

This training is funded for workers employed in a Victorian State-funded AOD service, including LLE workers.

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

No shows will be charged a $50 late cancellation fee. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.

Sold OutThe Art of Asking, Grant Writing Masterclass

This workshop is now full. We are unable to accept further registrations.

Date: Tuesday, 23 September 2025, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Online

Description:

This is a practical masterclass for emerging AOD sector leaders to build the skills, strategies and confidence needed to develop standout grant submissions for Department of Health funding. 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.

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. Her proven track record includes successfully securing funding from government bodies and philanthropic organisations by developing persuasive submissions grounded in robust evidence and clear strategic alignment. 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), Health Promotion Lead, 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 at all levels, honing their practice, and creating high-performing, cohesive teams. Lucy’s specialist areas include the alcohol and other drug sector, youth mental health and education, with a strong foundation in health promotion, prevention and early intervention.

Registrations have closed as the workshop is at capacity.

Please note: Only participants who clearly meet the above criteria will be offered a place. A maximum of two participants per organisation can be accepted.

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.

Motivational Interviewing Foundational Skills (online)

Dates:

Day one: Thursday, 4 December 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*

Day two: Thursday, 11 December 2025, 9:00 – 4:30 PM

*Bookings can only be made from day one of training.

Location: Online

Description

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative method for guiding conversations about change. More than a set of techniques, MI is a discipline in its own right that brings together a set of values, principles and disciplined use of skills to assist people in resolving ambivalence and deepen motivation to pursue meaningful changes for them.

While the skills take time and practice, the conversation style is gentle, and curious and comes from a place of faith in the other person. The hope is that, together, we may discover what is meaningful for this person and what choices would work best for them, knowing who they are and what they want deep down for their future. MI asks us to be mindful of the way our own hopes and assumptions can interfere in the process as much as they can help and create a space of genuine enquiry and deepening understanding.

Rather than replace other approaches, MI can enhance and deepen the full range of interventions we use by bringing a more acute awareness to the how and when of conversation rather than just what we talk about.

The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development. The two-day workshop will offer an opportunity to:

Gain a clear and up-to-date understanding of MI – what it is, how it works and recent changes to the framework
Increase understanding of the change process
Review and practice the core skills
Apply the skills to the change process
Increase ability to work effectively with resistance and ambivalence
Practice skills in softening sustained talk and eliciting change talk
Develop strategies to continue learning and practising 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

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.

No shows will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.

Motivational Interviewing Foundational Skills

*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’

Dates:

Day one: Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*

Day two: Tuesday, 12 August 2025, 9:00 – 4:30 PM

Bookings can only be made from day one of training.

Location: Online/Zoom

Description

The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development. The two-day workshop will offer an opportunity to:

Gain a clear and up-to-date understanding of MI – what it is, how it works and recent changes to the framework
Increase understanding of the change process
Review and practice the core skills
Apply the skills to the change process
Increase ability to work effectively with resistance and ambivalence
Practice skills in softening sustained talk and eliciting change talk
Develop strategies to continue learning and practising MI.

Eligibility Criteria

This training is has been funded for workers employed under the AOD Traineeship Program and to AOD workers employed in a state-funded AOD service.

Who is not eligible?

Workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health, non-supervisors 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.

Motivational Interviewing Foundational Skills

*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’

Dates:

Day one: Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM*

Day two: Tuesday, 12 August 2025, 9:00 – 4:30 PM

Bookings can only be made from day one of training.

Location: Online/Zoom

Description

The training is highly interactive, with a focus on practical skill development. The two-day workshop will offer an opportunity to:

Gain a clear and up-to-date understanding of MI – what it is, how it works and recent changes to the framework
Increase understanding of the change process
Review and practice the core skills
Apply the skills to the change process
Increase ability to work effectively with resistance and ambivalence
Practice skills in softening sustained talk and eliciting change talk
Develop strategies to continue learning and practising MI.

Eligibility Criteria

This training is has been funded for workers employed under the AOD Traineeship Program and to AOD workers employed in a state-funded AOD service.

Who is not eligible?

Workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health, non-supervisors 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.