This is a 45 minute Turning Point Connect & Learn webinar. To attend the webinar, click the link below to register.
Description:
Dr. Daniel Pham is an addiction psychiatrist at Turning Point, currently working across its Statewide Services in Richmond and Turning Point Eastern Treatment Services in Box Hill. His area of interest includes the treatment of persons with co-occurring addictive and mental disorders, including pharmacological, psychological, and social intervention modalities. This webinar will explore a broad look at the different approaches to the prescribing, deprescribing and management of benzodiazepines in the addictions/AOD context.
Date: Tuesday, 14 July 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 1:45PM
Cost: Online – A link will be sent to you before the webinar
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
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
This is a 2-hour webinar
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.
This is a Turning Point Connect & Learn webinar. To attend the webinar, click the link below to register.
Description: This presentation will aim to improve knowledge about the substance; its effects; its abuse potential; dependency criteria and withdrawal management.
Presented by: Dr. Ferghal Armstrong is an Addiction Medicine specialist at Eastern Health. Ferghal is committed to improving delivery of clinical education and the improvement of outcomes for all people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues. He has a strong interest in complex medical detox, lifestyle medicine, as well as cannabis medicine. Ferghal is also the host of the successful podcasts Cracking Addiction and Med Heads.
Date: Monday 23 March 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
Click to book a ticket
2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 14 October 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 15 October 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Catholic Leadership Centre – 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (read more about travel contribution)
Cost: $80 + booking fee
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
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. Refunds available only up to 1 day before event.
This is a paid event. Click here to register
2-day workshop:
Day 1: Wednesday, 11 March 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Day 2: Thursday, 12 March 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Monash College City Campus – 750 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008(read more about travel contribution)
Cost: $80 + booking fee
Description:
Co-occurring mental health issues are the norm rather than the exception among people seeking alcohol and other drug treatment. Across this 2-day workshop you will learn how to adapt and expand your existing alcohol and other drug treatment skills to assist your clients with managing mental health symptoms.
Deepen your understanding of co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug issues and build your knowledge, confidence and skills to better understand clients’ needs, respond effectively, and adapt treatment. Find out what you need to know about the different co-occurring conditions you may encounter and how to effectively incorporate best practice responses into your treatment.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise and understand the common mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment
- Undertake a thorough assessment and develop an integrated case formulation to guide your practice
- Apply a range of alcohol and other drug treatment skills to working with clients with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Learn how to respond therapeutically and effectively within the bounds of the alcohol and other drug treatment setting
Eligibility Criteria
This training is open to workers employed in a Victorian State-funded Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service only.
Who is not eligible?
Students on placement or internships, workers from other community sectors such as family violence, homelessness, mental health, and AOD workers outside of Victoria.
Terms & Conditions
Refunds are available up to 7 days prior to the event. Please email elevate@vaada.org.au if you can no longer attend.
*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.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
Date: Thursday, 9 July 2026 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Location: Online
Description:
In this half-day workshop, we explore effective ways of managing challenging and aggressive behaviours in professional settings. Learn to recognise early warning signs, understand common triggers and respond with confidence to maintain safety and therapeutic engagement.
You’ll improve your informal screening skills and learn how to have effective conversations about challenging and aggressive behaviours. Increase your toolbox of effective responses, including brief and longer therapeutic interventions, build skills in maintaining therapeutic relationships and learn how to practice self care.
You’ll walk away with the skills you need to handle difficult situations and maintain strong professional relationships while also prioritising your own wellbeing and self care.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand professional boundaries and their maintenance
- Understand challenging and aggressive behaviours and their contributing factors
- Build screening, formulation and conversation skills about challenging and aggressive behaviours
- Learn and practice effective responses, including de-escalation
- Enhance self and other care techniques
Suitable for new, experienced and advanced practitioners and workers in low threshold and clinical settings.
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.
*To enrol, change ‘Enrol Now’ to ‘I’m Going’. Check if you’ve enrolled correctly under ‘My Courses’
Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026 9:30AM – 1:00PM
Location: Online
Description:
In this half-day workshop, we explore effective ways of managing challenging and aggressive behaviours in professional settings. Learn to recognise early warning signs, understand common triggers and respond with confidence to maintain safety and therapeutic engagement.
You’ll improve your informal screening skills and learn how to have effective conversations about challenging and aggressive behaviours. Increase your toolbox of effective responses, including brief and longer therapeutic interventions, build skills in maintaining therapeutic relationships and learn how to practice self care.
You’ll walk away with the skills you need to handle difficult situations and maintain strong professional relationships while also prioritising your own wellbeing and self care.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand professional boundaries and their maintenance
- Understand challenging and aggressive behaviours and their contributing factors
- Build screening, formulation and conversation skills about challenging and aggressive behaviours
- Learn and practice effective responses, including de-escalation
- Enhance self and other care techniques
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
Please ensure you have clearance from your line manager to attend. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration and make your spot available to someone else on the waitlist.
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.
