AOD Counselling – Elevate

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.

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.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set 2026 (closed)

Expressions of interests are now closed.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Skill Set 2026

Expression of Interest (EOI) only for all four units of competency of the AOD Skill Set.

Turning Point (RTO 6948) has been contracted by the Department of Health (DH) Victoria to deliver competency training and assessment opportunities to the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) workforce.

This training is targeted at employees currently in the AOD sector and employed in DH funded AOD Services. Turning Point staff delivering the AOD competencies have both AOD experience and meet the training and assessment requirements as outlined in the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

Eligibility: To be eligible for this training you must work in a publicly funded AOD service in a funded AOD role within Victoria. You must also be an Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident or New Zealand Citizen.

Cost: There is no cost to complete these units of competency if you meet the selection criteria.

Application process: This is an expression of interest only and not an enrolment. You must be available to attend all mandatory virtual classes advertised for all units of competency. You will be notified via email if you have been successful in securing a place and you will be required to accept your offer by a due date, as demand for this skill set is high and there are limited places.

Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

The Brain Workshop (online)

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

Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026 9:30AM – 4:30PM

Location: Online

Description:

Alcohol and other drugs can affect the brain in both consistent and idiosyncratic ways. Up to 70% of people in alcohol and other drug treatment have significant temporary or long term cognitive impairment related to drug use, lifestyle or other factors.

In this workshop, learn about how different parts of the brain can be affected by drug use and how this may impact functioning. You will gain a thorough understanding of how the brain works, the functional impact of drugs and the effects on treatment.

Learning outcomes:

Understand how alcohol and other drugs affect the brain in the short and longer term
Gain skills in assessment of functional impairment and daily functioning
Adapt treatment to improve outcomes for clients who have cognitive impairments

Suitable for new, experienced and advanced practitioners and workers in low threshold and clinical settings.

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

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

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Skill Set

We are at capacity and are no longer accepting registrations.

CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drug treatment plans (2 February 2026 – 27 March 2026)

Turning Point (RTO 6948) has been contracted by the Department of Health (DH) Victoria to provide competency learning and assessment opportunities to the Victorian AOD workforce.

Eligibility: To enrol in a unit of competency you must work in a publicly funded organisation in the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector and be an Australian Citizen/Permanent Residence or New Zealand Citizen.

Cost: There is no cost to complete this unit of competency if you meet the selection criteria.

Details
This is only for the unit of competency CHCAOD009 Develop and review individual alcohol and other drug treatment plans
Delivery: Online and virtual classes.

Online learning and assessment will commence 2 February 2026 and will conclude 27 March 2026.

In addition, you must be available to attend the following online virtual classes:

Wednesday 11 February 2026, 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Wednesday 25 February 2026, 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Wednesday 4 March 2026, 9.30 – 1:00PM

Application process:
This is an expression of interest only and not an enrolment. You must be available to attend all virtual classes advertised.
If we can offer you a place, you will receive an email notification and must confirm your acceptance by the specified deadline, as places are limited and demand is high.

Enrolment to Elevate and submitting your registration does not guarantee enrolment into the unit of competency.

Contact Student Administration – tp@turningpoint.org.au if you have any questions.

Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours (Semester 2 enrolments open)

Ready to take the next step in your career? Find out more about the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours at Monash University!

Applications for Semester 2 2026 are now open. Semester 2 begins on 27 July 2026.

By enrolling in one of our courses, you will develop the specialist knowledge and professional skills to support individuals and communities impacted by addiction.

Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours (M4018): 1 year part-time
Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours (M5022): 2 years part-time
Master of Addictive Behaviours (M6014): 2–3 years part-time

Each of these online postgraduate courses (with part-time study) builds on units offered in the previous qualification and provides pathways for further study and postgraduate research opportunities in addiction.

Why join?

✔️ Advance your career.

✔️ Learn from leading experts and real-world practitioners.

✔️ Gain a postgraduate qualification from a Group of Eight University, ranked in the top 40 globally.

✔️ Make a measurable impact on people’s lives.

Find out more

Enrol now

Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours (Semester 1 enrolments open)

Ready to take the next step in your career? Find out more about the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours at Monash University!

Applications for Semester 1 2026 are now open and will close soon after classes begin on 23 February 2026.

By enrolling in one of our courses, you will develop the specialist knowledge and professional skills to support individuals and communities impacted by addiction.

Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours (M4018): 1 year part-time
Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours (M5022): 2 years part-time
Master of Addictive Behaviours (M6014): 2–3 years part-time

Why join?

✔️ Advance your career.

✔️ Learn from leading experts and real-world practitioners.

✔️ Gain a postgraduate qualification from a Group of Eight University, ranked in the top 40 globally.

✔️ Make a measurable impact on people’s lives.

Find out more

Enrol now

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

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Skill Set

ENROLMENTS HAVE CLOSED

CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues (6 October 2025 – 5 December 2025)

Turning Point (RTO 6948) has been contracted by the Department of Health (DH) Victoria to provide competency learning and assessment opportunities to the Victorian AOD workforce.

Cost: There is no cost to complete this unit of competency if you meet the selection criteria.

Details
This is only for the unit of competency CHCAOD004 Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drug issues
Delivery: Online and virtual classes. You must be available to attend the following:

Wednesday 15 October 2025, 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Wednesday 22 October 2025, 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Wednesday 5 November 2025, 9.30 – 1:00PM
In addition to the above, you must also be available for 1 hour between 9:00AM – 4:00PM to complete a live simulation between Monday 27 Oct – Thursday 30 Oct (allocated day and time will be arranged with your trainer and assessor

Application process:
This is an expression of interest only. Apply using the registration link below. You will be notified via email if you have been successful in securing a place and you will be required to accept your offer by a due date.

Enrolment to Elevate and submitting your registration does not guarantee enrolment into the unit of competency.

Contact Student Administration – tp@turningpoint.org.au if you have any questions.