ACT ATOD Sector eBulletin - 22 January 2016
 
ATODA eBulletin - www.atoda.org.au
 

News from ATODA
 
Grant Recipients Network - Communiqué: January 2016

The Grant Recipients Network is a forum convened by ATODA for all ACT agencies funded through the Department of Health’s Non Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program and/or Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund, the Department of Health NSW/ACT office and ACT Health.
  • On Friday 18 December the Department of Health NSW/ACT Office provided funding advice about the Non Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program and/or Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund which advised that contracts will be extended for 12 months (to 30 June 2017)
  • ATODA and the Department of Health NSW/ACT Office met in January 2016
  • Non Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program and/or Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund contract deeds of variation are currently in process. It is anticipated that services will receive these in February 2016.
  • There have been some staffing changes in the Department of Health NSW/ACT Office:
    • Vicky Ellem is in the role of Acting Director
    • Sue Schio is in the role of Acting Manager
    • Kristi Hawkins remains the primary contact for ACT services
  • ATODA and the Department of Health NSW/ACT Office are planning to convene a face-to-face meeting of the Grant Recipients Network in late February / early March once the deeds of variation have been sent to services and there is further information about the Primary Health Networks.
  • There is no official, additional information yet available with regards to the $241.5m of new drug treatment funding, to be commissioned through the Primary Health Networks, since the Australian Government announcement on 6 December 2016.
  • ATODA met with the Capital Health Network in December and will be meeting with them again in January. A separate communiqué about these developments will be distributed to stakeholders in coming of weeks.
For further information download the communiqué here.


Australian Network of State and Territory AOD Peaks
 
The Australian Network of State and Territory AOD Peaks (which includes ATODA):
  • Had a face-to-face workshop in January with Professor Alison Ritter, Drug Policy Modelling Program, UNSW to discuss the implications and opportunities of the Australian Government’s announcement that $241.5m specialist drug treatment funding will be commissioned through the Primary Health Networks.
  • Will be meeting with Senator The Hon Fiona Nash, Assistant Minister for Health
  • Will be meeting with the new Assistant Secretary of the Drug Strategy Branch, Department of Health
  • Will be meeting with a representative from the Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs (IGCD)
  • Is liaising with the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs (ANACAD)
  • Will be providing AOD expert input to Health Officials on the national criteria for the Primary Health Networks to commission $241.5 million of specialist drug treatment
 
Interrupted communications at ATODA
 
ATODA is relocating to a new office at 11 Rutherford Crescent, Ainslie ACT 2602.
 
Other ATODA’s contact details remain the same:
  • Mail: PO Box 7187, Watson ACT 2002
  • Phone numbers: (02) 6255 4070; fax: (02) 6255 4649
ATODA will have limited capacity and interrupted communications until Friday 29 January 2016 inclusively. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during this time.

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Harm Reduction Australia’s Statement on the National Ice Action Strategy

Harm Reduction Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s first step to shift from a law enforcement focus to a health based approach to addressing drug issues in Australia. There is little doubt that the Government recognises the evidence and value of treating drug use as a health issue. However, if Australia’s response is to evolve, be agile and truly reflect the current evidence, then there is a pressing need for all governments to also embrace harm reduction as a critical component of their health based response to drug use.
 
To read the full statement, click here.

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Sector Development, Events and Activities

Drug & Alcohol Research Connections Newsletter Survey
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), National Drug Research Institute (NDRI), National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)

This survey gives readers a chance to reflect on the newsletter’s value and provide feedback.
 
For more information and to complete the survey go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QYZBMYV


Expression of Interest for Membership of the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Related Diseases (SHAHRD)
ACT Health

The ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Sexual Health, HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Related Diseases (SHAHRD) was formed in 2001 to provide strategic advice to the Minister of Health from consumer and community perspectives, on issues related to the health and well-being of all ACT residents in the areas of sexual health and blood borne viruses.
 
ACT Health is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from suitable applicants to fill three vacancies on SHAHRD. Each appointment is for a four-year period.
 
Appointments to SHAHRD are made on the basis of demonstrated skills and attributes of individual applicants, and consideration of the current skills and attributes already represented across the membership.
 
Closing date: 24 February 2016
 
For more information: contact Stephanie Marion-Mandais by email Stephanie.marion-landais@act.gov.au or call (02) 6205 1875

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Training and Professional Development

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT

The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring ATOD and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
The next Comorbidity Bus Tour for 2015 will be Tour C on 10 February 2016.

Cost: Members of the Youth Coalition, ATODA or MHCC ACT $50, $60 Non-member or non-government organisations, $70 Government workers

For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email bustours@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540


Accidental Counsellor
Lifeline Canberra

Accidental Counsellor is a two-day workshop that provides participants with fundamental skills in crisis support counselling and dealing with difficult situations.  The course also covers topics such as dealing with people who are angry, highly distressed, or experiencing effects of a mental illness.
 
Date: 28 & 29 January 2016, 15 & 16 February 2016
Cost: $500, $450 charities/communities organisations and pension card holders

For more information: Visit the website, email training@act.lifeline.org.au or call (02) 6204 6402


Certificate III in Population Health – Scholarship Assistance for Community Sector Workers
ACT Health

As part of ACT Health's commitment to increasing health promotion capacity in the ACT community, the Health Improvement Branch is offering scholarship assistance for community sector workers to complete a Certificate III in Population Health, at the Canberra Institute of Technology from February 2016.
The course is delivered online, but opportunities will be provided for participants to meet face to face if desired. Scholarship recipients will be eligible for reimbursement of course fees upon successful completion of the Certificate III qualification. Scholarship applicants will be required to enrol in the course by 8 February 2016 and complete the Certificate III by 24 June 2016.
 
Closing date: 1 February 2016
Applications must be submitted to hpgrants@act.gov.au

For more information: about the scholarship process email rosemary.urquhart@act.gov.au, or about the Cert III email sara.dukic@cit.edu.au
 

Hepatitis B Awareness Workshops
Hepatitis ACT

Organisations providing services for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are invited to contact Hepatitis ACT to arrange free and flexible workshops for staff and/or client groups.
 
People originating from hepatitis endemic countries and regions (especially Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Mediterranean region; and in Australia rural and remote Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B. It is estimated that around half are unaware of their infection.
 
Hepatitis ACT helps reduce the health and social impacts of Hepatitis B through information, education, training and health promotion. 

For more information: Contact Taddele Berhe by email at project@hepatitisACT.com.au or call 902) 6230 6344

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Service Delivery

Compass Family Support
Directions

Compass Family Support is a support group for family members and friends of those where alcohol, tobacco and/or other drugs have impacted on their life.
 
Date: Every Wednesday commencing on 27 January 2016
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Venue: Level 6, Cosmopolitan Centre, Bowes St, Woden

For more information: Visit the Directions website or call (02) 6132 4800


Smart Recovery
Directions

SMART Recovery is a self-help group for people facing addiction, focusing on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
 
Sessions are held:
  • Tuesday 10:30-12:00
  • Wednesday 10:30-12:30 (Women's Group)**note this meeting will run from 11.00 - 12.30 commencing 27 January 2016
  • Wednesday 5:30-7:00
  • Friday 3:00-4:30
Venue: Level 6, Cosmopolitan Centre, Bowes St, Woden

For more information: Visit the Directions website or call (02) 6132 4800


ADAPT (Alcohol Drug Awareness [harm] Prevention Training)
Directions

The ADAPT (Alcohol Drug Awareness [harm] Prevention Training) Program is a psycho-educational group for people who are exploring their options and considering change regarding their substance use.  It comprises of a 3 session program and provides education around the impact of substance use and strategies to change.
 
Date: Every Friday commencing on 27 January 2016
Time: 10:30am – 12pm
Venue: Level 6, Cosmopolitan Centre, Bowes St, Woden

For more information: Visit the Directions website or call (02) 6132 4800

 
Gentle Yoga with David
Directions

'Gentle Yoga with David' is a simple yoga practice for people and family members affected by issues around alcohol and/or other drugs.  The yoga sequence connects the participants with their breath, and the breath connects body, mind and spirit.
 
Date: on Mondays commencing on 1 February 2016 for 10 weeks
Time: 4:30 – 5pm
Venue: Level 6, Cosmopolitan Centre, Bowes St, Woden

For more information: Visit the Directions website or call (02) 6132 4800
 

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Resources and Publications

Risky Business: The Alcohol Industry’s Dependence on Australia’s Heaviest Drinkers
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)

FARE released Risky business: The alcohol industry’s dependence on Australia’s heaviest drinkers a report and video which illustrates how dependent Australia’s alcohol industry has become on ensuring its best customers continue to drink at dangerously high levels.

For more information: Visit the FARE website, see the Report, see the video 
 
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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates

Families ACT News
Families ACT

This newsletter contains information about activities, news, resources, and up coming events from Families ACT.

For more information: See the latest issue 
 
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sector
 
Mental Health First Aid Training
Lifeline Canberra
 
The 12-hour course will be offered in three modes:
  • 2x consecutive Mondays (six hours course content per day)
  • 4x consecutive Wednesday evenings (three hours course content per day)
  • 1x full weekend (six hours course content per day)
 
Dates: 22 – 29 February
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Venue: Lifeline Canberra training room, Level 1, 71 Northbourne Ave, Civiv
Cost: $400, Concession: $350
For more information: Visit the Lifeline website, email training@act.lifeline.org.au or call (02) 6171 6300

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Employment

Case Manager / Support Worker
Karralika Programs Inc.

They are looking for a permanent Case Manager and Support Workers for their casual pool to work with Karralika Programs Inc.

As a Karralika Programs Inc. Case Manager, the person will have solid experience in case work, case management and therapeutic interventions including facilitating groups and one-to-one sessions. A minimum of a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs or an equivalent qualification in fields such as mental health or community services is required. Experience gained through previous positions, service or study will also be considered favourably.
 
As a Karralika Programs Inc. Support Worker, the person will have solid experience and confidence in working with vulnerable people including those recovering from problematic alcohol and other drug use. They will support the clinical staff team and residents, participate in program activities, maintain client records and assist with general office and driving duties, and will be required to undertake shifts unsupervised.

For more information: Contact Jodie Bailey by email at Jodie.b@karralika.org.au or call (02) 6292 2733

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ACT Media
This section includes ATOD related media from or relevant to the ACT

One in five Australians consume three quarters of alcohol, report finds
Canberra Times, 20 January 2016
One in five people are consuming nearly three quarters of the alcohol sold in Australia, according to a report that claims the alcohol industry is dependent on risky drinkers.
For more information: See the article
 
Alcohol’s toll sickens
Canberra Times, 20 January 2016
Canberrans drink more and at riskier levels than the national average. 
For more information: See the article

Cigarettes and alcohol in music videos a ‘health hazard’ for teens: BMJ study
Canberra Times, 20 January 2016
Music videos for Beyonce's Drunk in Love and Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines are saturated with depictions of drinking and smoking, making them a health hazard for young people, public health experts say.
For more information: See the article

Alcohol companies target the 20% of Australians who drink 75% of the alcohol
The Conversation, 20 January 2016
Robin Room, Professor and Director, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University
Michael Livingston, Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University
Researchers have known for a long time that alcohol consumption is quite concentrated in a small part of the population. 
For more information: See the article

Police fine more than 300 drivers for traffic offences during double demerit period
Canberra Times, 18 January 2016
The number of Canberra motorists caught drink driving on ACT roads during the holidays remained stable, despite a significant fall in the number of breath tests police carried out compared to the previous year.
For more information: See the article
 
Why Australia needs drug consumption rooms
The Conversation, 18 January 2016
Alex Wodak, Emeritus Consultant, St Vincent’s Hospital
As senior law enforcement officials line up to say Australia cannot arrest its way out of our illicit drug problems, some politicians have expressed opposing views about drug consumption rooms. This debate is now raging in Melbourne.
For more information: See the article
 
Concerns lung cancer screening for smokers may do more harm than good
Canberra Times, 18 January 2016
Lung cancer screening tests aimed at smokers with few symptoms of the disease may be causing more harm than good while experts try to assess the merits of a co-ordinated screening program in Australia, doctors warn.
For more information: See the article

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Contact ATODA:

Phone: (02) 6255 4070
Fax: (02) 6255 4649
Email: info@atoda.org.au
Mail: PO Box 7187,
Watson ACT 2602
Visit: 350 Antill St. Watson

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The Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) is the peak body representing the non-government and government alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) sector in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). ATODA seeks to promote health through the prevention and reduction of the harms associated with ATOD. 

Views expressed in the ACT ATOD Sector eBulletin do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT. Not all third-party events or information included in the eBulletin are endorsed by the ACT ATOD Sector or the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT. No responsibility is accepted by the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT or the editor for the accuracy of information contained in the eBulletin or the consequences of any person relying upon such information. To contact us please email ebulletin@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070.