Provider: Case Work

MARAM In Practice: Family Violence in AOD Work

This workshop is now full – you can join the waitlist here 

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

Date: Thursday 26th November 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 Byrneis 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.

Register Here!

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.

Walking the line – A workshop on professional boundaries (online)

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

Date:  Thursday, 3 December 2026

Time: 9:30AM – 1:00PM

Location: Online (a link will be sent to your email address prior to the workshop date)

Description:

This half-day workshop will build and strengthen core knowledge and skills in understanding and maintaining professional boundaries, specifically when working with clients with alcohol and other drug issues. This will include:

  • Understanding professional boundaries
  • Strategies to prevent and respond to boundary challenges
  • Consideration of specific boundary issues to different AOD treatment roles, including lived experience roles
  • The use of technology
  • Selfcare

This workshop will use case based discussion throughout to ensure knowledge and skills taught are relevant to the AOD workforce.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Understand professional boundaries and their maintenance
  • Recognise and respond to boundary challenges
  • Build your own toolkit of practitioner-specific boundary maintenance strategies, including managing technology
  • Recognise your own and your colleagues’ warning signs and challenging client presentations
  • Enhance your self-care skills and know when to debrief and access further support

 

Eligibility Criteria

This training is open to people working in AOD-specific roles in publicly funded services (i.e. AOD, mental health locals).

Who is not eligible?

Students on placement or internships, workers outside of Victoria, workers not in an AOD-specific role.

Terms & Conditions

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

Harm Reduction Masterclass

*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 21 October 2026, 1:00PM – 5:00PM

Day 2: Thursday 22 October 2026, 9:30AM – 12:30PM

Enrolling to Day 1 automatically enrols you into Day 2.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

This training has been funded for workers employed under the Victorian AOD Traineeship initiative, and AOD workers working in state funded services.

Terms & Conditions

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

Take Note! Case notes essentials for the AOD sector

An evidence-based introduction to writing effective, clinically relevant and legally compliant case notes for the AOD sector, presented by Greg Coman.

IMPORTANT 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.

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.

Date: Wednesday 26th August 2026
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Online
Cost: Free

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.

Take Note! Case notes essentials for the AOD sector

Session Full

An evidence-based introduction to writing effective, clinically relevant and legally compliant case notes for the AOD sector, presented by Greg Coman.

IMPORTANT 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.

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.

Date: Wednesday 16th September 2026
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Venue: Online
Register: here, please register with your work email.
Cost: Free
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

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.

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for AOD workers

This workshop is now full!

Date: 2 Day Workshop – Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th August 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

Register Here

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.

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.

Take Note! Case notes essentials for the AOD sector

Click here to register

An evidence-based introduction to writing effective, clinically relevant and legally compliant case notes for the AOD sector, presented by Greg Coman.

IMPORTANT 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.

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.

Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Venue: Online
Register: here, please register with your work email.
Cost: Free
Enquiries: tp@turningpoint.org.au

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.

Walking the line – A workshop on professional boundaries (online)

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

Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026 9:30AM – 1:00PM

Location: Online

Description:

This half-day workshop will build and strengthen core knowledge and skills in understanding and maintaining professional boundaries, specifically when working with clients with alcohol and other drug issues. This will include:

  • Understanding professional boundaries
  • Strategies to prevent and respond to boundary challenges
  • Consideration of specific boundary issues to different AOD treatment roles, including lived experience roles
  • The use of technology
  • Selfcare

This workshop will use case based discussion throughout to ensure knowledge and skills taught are relevant to the AOD workforce.

Key learning outcomes:

  • Understand professional boundaries and their maintenance
  • Recognise and respond to boundary challenges
  • Build your own toolkit of practitioner-specific boundary maintenance strategies, including managing technology
  • Recognise your own and your colleagues’ warning signs and challenging client presentations
  • Enhance your self-care skills and know when to debrief and access further support

 

Eligibility Criteria

This training is open to people working in AOD-specific roles in publicly funded services (i.e. AOD, mental health locals).

Who is not eligible?

Students on placement or internships, workers outside of Victoria, workers not in an AOD-specific role.

Terms & Conditions

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

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