ACT ATOD Sector eBulletin - September 2013
ATODA eBulletin - www.atoda.org.au


News from ATODA

Screening Project 
In recent years, the ACT’s specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and support services have sought to strengthen their capacity to screen for ATOD and associated issues (including mental and physical health), implement brief interventions, match treatment and support needs, communicate services and referral pathways, and provide ATOD information, including that with a harm reduction focus.
Building on this work, ATODA and its key partners (including specialist ATOD treatment and support services) are seeking to identify the range of opportunities to strengthen evidence-based and consistent screening across health and community services in the ACT through developing and implementing an ongoing Screening Project. Some project activities have included:
  • Development of the ACT version of eASSIST (through a partnership with Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia).
  • Development and delivery of tailored ATOD information, screening and brief intervention training, including in the ACT eASSIST.
  • ACT eASSIST Implementation Pilot.
  • ACT eASSIST Implementation Pilot Evaluation.
  • Screening for substance use and related issues by specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and support services in the ACT: Discussion paper (see below).
  • Development and launch of the online version of the ACT Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Services Directory (Version 10)
For more information: Visit the Screening Project page on the ATODA website

Screening for substance use and related issues by specialist alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment and support services in the ACT: Discussion paper
LeeJenn Health Consultants & ATODA
The ACT ATOD Workers Group and ACT e-ASSIST Implementation Pilot services suggested that an initial scoping of opportunities related to screening, and some clarification regarding best practice processes would be useful, resulting in the development of this discussion paper. The paper examines the range and feasibility of using screening tools within specialist ATOD treatment and support services and the ATOD sector more broadly.
The discussion paper examines:
  • Purpose of screening in specialist ATOD treatment and support services.
  • The relationship between triage, screening and assessment.
  • Screening instruments available for common issues of concern for ATOD service consumers.
  • Follow-up after screening.
  • Suitable screening tools for specialist ATOD treatment and support services.
  • Suitable triage questions for specialist ATOD treatment and support services.
The paper, and the models contained within, were endorsed by the ACT ATOD Specialist Executive Group on 16 July 2013.
Click here to download the paper.

The Canberra Collaboration: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Networking Workshop
The Research School of Population Health (ANU) & ATODA
The workshop aims to gather ACT based alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) researchers across institutions and other key stakeholders to network, exchange ideas and support future collaborations.
It is hoped that the workshop will initiate a more regular gathering of ACT researchers, policy makers and services with an interest in ATOD research. This could generate important networking and collaborative opportunities including consultancy opportunities, applications for grants, etc.
Date: 31 October 2013
Time: 1pm - 5:30pm
Venue: ANU Commons Function Centre, Rimmer St, Acton
Cost: Free
For more information or to register: See the flyer, visit the eventbrite page, email julie@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070

Other ATODA involvements are also listed throughout the eBulletin.

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News from the ACT ATOD Executive Directors Group

The Executive Directors Group met for its monthly meeting on 20 August 2013 and discussed a range of collective policy and practice developments, including:
  • Meeting with Ms Katrina Brascher, Executive Director, Mental Health, Justice Health & Alcohol and Drug Service Division, ACT Health discussions included:
    -The importance of the new University of Canberra Public Hospital, a sub-acute campus, including ATOD services, including the needle and syringe  program.
    -National Disability Insurance Scheme developments.
    -Future developments within the Alcohol and Drug Service, including an expansion to a 22 bed inpatient unit, as per the ACT Health Clinical Services Plan (see ATODA’s submission to the plan).
    -The importance of further strengthening linkages between mental health and ATOD services, including opportunities for joint forums.
    -The important similarities and differences between mental health and ATOD. The public health, legal and harm minimisation aspects of ATOD were particularly noted.
    -Funding allocated through the ACT Budget 2013-2014 for the “establishment of a new outpatient service within the Canberra Hospital and Health Services for drug and alcohol services” (see ATODA’s Budget Analysis).
    -Committing to more frequent engagements on a 6 – 12 monthly basis.
For more information: Please contact Ronan O’Connor, Chair on ronanoconnor@noffs.org.au or for further information about the group visit ATODA's website

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News from the ACT ATOD Workers Group

The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 5 September 2013, and are progressing work across a range of areas. If you would like to get involved, please review the information below and liaise with the Workers Group representative from your agency. Activities / discussions include:
  • Discussing ACT ATOD and related service developments. This includes the launch of an 8-week day program at Toora Women Inc (based at WIREDD).
  • Coordinating subsidised First Aid for ACT ATOD workers (to be progressed before the end of the year).
  • Discussing national projects related to ATOD relevant to ACT services. Web pages have now been developed to communicate the progress of these projects. See the ATODA website for more information.
  • Identifying priorities for the ATODA submission to the ACT Government Budget. Email carrie@atoda.org.au for further information or to contribute.
The ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Workers Group is involved in the development, implementation, coordination, evaluation and promotion of key sector support activities for the ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector in the ACT.
For more information: View the groups webpage on the ATODA website

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National ATOD Projects

The Australian Government is undertaking or commissioning seven concurrent national projects from 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014 (inclusively). ATODA is seeking to support ACT stakeholders to effectively and efficiently engage in these important national processes through several mechanisms, including:
 
1. A webpage for each national project, which includes current ACT specific information
2. Standing item in the monthly ATODA eBulletin, including profiling one project each month (see National Workforce Development Strategy below)
3. Monthly discussions through advisory groups and forums
4. National Projects ACT Updates – see Update #2 (9 September 2013) 


National Review of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Services Sector
 
ACT Rapid Assessment
 
Professor Alison Ritter, Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales (leader of the Review Team) will be visiting the ACT on the week of 23 September 2013 to undertake a rapid assessment.  ATODA will be supporting the Review Team to engage with ACT stakeholders throughout the week. For information please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070
 

National Alcohol and Other Drug Workforce Development Strategy: Profile
 
A National AOD Workforce Development (WFD) Strategy is currently under development, which will include specialist AOD treatment, policy and prevention workers in scope. It also includes all those with a role in reducing AOD harm in Australia, such as generalist health and welfare workers, policy and other emergency services, correctional officers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation.
 
Project leaders: National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University
Funder: Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs
Project duration: Completion by June 2014 
Further details:
The development of the Strategy involves a number of facets, including a literature review and the development of a discussion paper which will form the focus of a national consultation process. NCETA is also undertaking a mapping process to better understand the current status of AOD WFD.  There will be several facets to the national consultation process including forums to be held in each jurisdiction and a call for written submissions via the NCETA website.
 
The scope of the project includes specialist AOD treatment, policy and prevention workers. It also includes others with a role in reducing AOD harm in Australia, such as generalist health and welfare workers, police and other emergency services, correctional officers and Indigenous organisations. The scope also extends well beyond the availability of AOD-related education and training programs and includes issue such as:
  • Recruitment and retention
  • Workforce development policies
  • Information management
  • Clinical supervision, mentoring and support
  • Leadership
  • Knowledge transfer, research dissemination and the implementation of evidence-based practice
  • Workforce wellbeing
  • Managing organisational change
  • Professional and career development
  • Service / provider accreditation
  • Career structures and remuneration
  • Clinical standards and quality assurance
  • Ways to work more effectively with other organisations to meet the needs of clients with multiple morbidities and complex needs.
 ACT Activities:
  • ATODA received a letter from NCETA dated 14 August 2013 requesting preliminary jurisdictional information.
  • ATODA consulted with its Board, the ACT ATOD Specialist Executive & Workers Groups, and the ACT Grant Recipients on its response, submitted 6 September 2013. Download ATODA’s response here.
  • ATODA is currently liaising with NCETA and ACT Health to identify opportunities for the project team to visit the ACT.
For further information visit the ATODA website

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ACT Policy

Liquor Act 2010 Review Begins
Justice and Community Safety Directorate
The ACT Government committed to reviewing the operation of the Liquor Act 2010 two years after it commenced. The review will gather and analyse evidence-based data to enable the Government to assess the efficacy of the reforms and their impact within the community; in particular, the impact they have had on the incidence of alcohol-related violence in the community.
The review began on 11 September 2013. A draft report, setting out the findings of the review, needs to be provided for the ACT Government’s consideration by the review consultant, AILC Consulting, before November 2013. The final report must be provided to the Territory before December 2013.
For more information: including background, scope, methodology and stakeholder engagement see ATODA's website
 
ATODA will be engaging in the review process, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au


ACT Sentencing Inquiry
Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety, ACT Legislative Assembly

Under its terms, the Committee will inquire into sentencing practice in the ACT, its effects and implications, including: the law, legal doctrine and rationale of contemporary sentencing practice; comparisons with other jurisdictions; rates of successful appeals regarding sentences; and timeliness in handing-down decisions and sentences.
The Committee will also consider ways in which contemporary sentencing practice in the ACT affects other parts of the justice system including: the Courts; Corrective Services and the Alexander Maconochie Centre; ACT Policing; the legal profession; victims of crime; offenders; and community support organisations.
In particular, the Committee will consider the practice and effectiveness of current arrangements in the ACT for: parole; periodic detention; bail; Restorative Justice; and Circle Sentencing, and will consider alternative approaches to sentencing practice in the ACT and any other relevant matter.
Closing date: 27 September 2013
For more information: including the terms of reference, visit the inquiry webpage

ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au


Consultation Regarding Proposed Changes to Controlled Medicines Prescribing Options in the ACT    
ACT Health, ACT Government
ACT Health is seeking submissions on options outlined in the Options for Controlled Medicines Prescribing in the ACT consultation paper for regulating controlled medicine prescribing and supply in the ACT. Submissions are also sought on the continued functions, powers and membership of the Medicines Advisory Committee.
Closing date: 18 October 2013
For more information: See the consultation paper, visit the ACT Health website or email hps@act.gov.au
 
ATODA will be making a submission, to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au
 

New Real-Time Reporting System to be Introduced in ACT Pharmacies for Controlled Medicines     
ACT Health, ACT Government
The Health Protection Service (HPS) will be implementing a real-time reporting system for controlled medicines (S8s) for ACT pharmacies. The new system will improve the monitoring of controlled medicine prescribing and supply in the ACT to minimise the public health risks associated with the misuse, abuse and diversion of controlled medicines. The new system is planned to be rolled out in pharmacies and operational by mid 2014 through a staged approach.
For more information: See the information sheet, or visit the ACT Health website
 
ACT Budget 2014-2015 Funding Priorities
ATODA is engaging in discussions with stakeholders, such as the ACT ATOD Workers Group, regarding resourcing priorities, including to inform its submission to the ACT Budget 2014-15 consultation. These discussions occur throughout the year and will continue and increase over the coming months. If you would like to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie on carrie@atoda.org.au.
Click here to see ATODA's previous budget submissions and analyses.
 
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Sector Development and Events
 
Opening of the New Premises and Launch of the Arcadia House Day Program   
Directions
Stakeholders are invited to the launch of the Arcadia Day Program followed by the Annual General Meeting:
Date: Wednesday 25 September 2013
Time: 3 – 4:30pm
Venue: Level 6 Cosmopolitan Centre, Bowes St, Woden
RSVP: By 15 September 2013
For more information: See the invitation, visit the Directions website, email Fiona.day@directionsact.com, or call (02) 6122 8027
 
Save the Date:  17th Annual Remembrance Ceremony for Those Who Lose Their Life to Illicit Drugs
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform (FFDLR)
Further details will be available shortly regarding the 17th Annual Remembrance Ceremony.
Those with a family member or friend who has lost their life to illicit drugs may have them remembered by name at the ceremony by phoning Marion on (02) 6254 2961 or email mcconnell@ffdlr.org.au
Date: 21 October 2013
Venue: Weston Park, Yarralumla
For more information: Visit the FFDLR website.
 
Save the date: 6th Annual CatholicCare Comorbidity Interagency Day    
CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn
CatholicCare invites organisations to come along and enjoy a free BBQ and entertainment with the opportunity to meet a number of mental health and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs services across ACT. Services are also invited to host service stalls.
Date: 4 December 2013
Time: 12 – 2pm
Venue: Blackfriars Rose Garden, ACU Campus, 127 Phillip Avenue
For more information: Contact Abbey Higginson by phone (02) 6163 7668, or email abbey.higginson@catholiccare.cg.org.au

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Newsletters, Magazines and Updates
 
Of Substance eBulletin
Australian National Council on Drugs
The Of Substance e-bulletin provides updates for the alcohol and drug sector. This month’s theme is: “Politics and drugs: what each party believes”.
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Drugfields E-blast
National Drug Sector Information Service (NDSIS), Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia
The Drugfields E-blast is a monthly service that lists current news, conferences and personal development opportunities for those working or studying in the Australian alcohol and other drugs sector.  
For more information: See the latest issue
 
Intouch
Public Health Association of Australia Inc. (PHAA)
Intouch is the monthly newsletter of the PHAA published online from February to December. It focuses on public health news and events in Australia.
For more information: See the latest issue

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Resources

NEW ACT ATOD Services Directory Website (Version 10)
ATODA and the ACT ATOD Workers Group
The Directory communicates the diverse range of services and programs available in the ACT alcohol, tobacco and other drug sector. It aims to support workers to make referrals, increase cross and intra-sectoral knowledge, and foster collaborations.
The Directory website also contains:
  • a quick reference guide
  • details on where to access information about ATOD
  • tips on how to make an effective referral
  • a map of ACT ATOD program and service locations
It is a multi-platforms website and has been conveniently designed to fit on various operating systems.
For more information: Visit the www.directory.atoda.org.au or contact ATODA by email info@atoda.org.au or call (02) 6255 4070

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Training and Professional Development

ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC) 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 2013 will be Tour A on 25 October 2013.
For more information: Visit ATODA's website, email kate@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540
 
Domestic Violence Awareness Training: Advanced Sessions
ACT Domestic Violence Prevention Council and the Family Law Pathways Network
This training will cover: how best to respond to clients who disclose that they are/have lived with violence; phases involved in leaving a violent relationship and how to work with clients in these various stages; difficulties of working with the intersection of legal systems relating to domestic violence - civil (relating to protection orders), family law, criminal law and child protection; specific complexities which affect groups (such as CALD, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Muslim communities) as explored through case studies.
Date: 19 September 2013
Time: 1:30pm - 4:30 pm
Cost: Free
Venue: Legal Aid ACT, Level 1, 2 Allsop St, Canberra City
RSVP: Essential
For more information and to register: Contact Margaret Crawford by email Margaret.crawford@legalaidact.org.au

Women and Prisons (WAP) Raising the Bar Training
Women’s Centre for Health Matters (WCHM)
This interactive training was developed by WAP using a grant from the ACT Office for Women, and aims to educate service providers, government employees and the broader community about the complex needs of women who have experienced incarceration. It includes a focus on ACT statistics and the local criminal justice system; information about typical health, mental health and wellbeing issues for women who are incarcerated; and much more.
Date: 19 September 2013
Time: 11am – 2:30pm
Venue: Large Meeting Room (opposite WCHM office), Building One, Pearce Community Centre (Collett Place, Pearce)
For more information: Visit the WCHM website or email admin@wchm.org.au
 
UN Declaration on Rights of Indigenous People Training
ACT Human Rights Commission (HRC) and ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body
This seminar is to celebrate the anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. HRC Human Rights Adviser, Heidi Yates, will provide an overview of the Declaration and what it means in a human rights jurisdiction like the ACT.
Date: 1 October 2013
Time: 12:30pm - 2pm
Venue: Riley Hall, Pilgrim House Conference Centre, Northbourne Ave, Civic
For more information and to register: See the flyer, visit the Human Right Commission website

August – September 2013 Training and Professional Development Calendar
ATODA, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar collates training and professional development opportunities for workers in the alcohol, tobacco and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
Download the training calendar
To include your training in the next calendar, email kate@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540.

Expert, Customised and Evidence Based ACT Specific ATOD Training
It can often be challenging in the ACT to access evidence-based, expert, customised, and industry delivered ATOD education and training. In response to this ATODA has engaged expert trainers and educators across Australia to deliver training and education that can be tailored to your service or organisation’s needs. A diversity of courses is available, and can be customized to meet service needs.
For more information: download the information package or contact ATODA by email info@atoda.org.au, or call (02) 6255 4070

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Conferences and Symposiums

Neuroethics Down-Under  
University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR)
The Neuroethics Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, led by Professor Wayne Hall will be hosting a one-day conference exploring the ethical, social, legal and policy implications of neurobiological research on mental illness and addiction. Topics include:
  • The impact of neuroscience on public and private understandings of addiction
  • The future of tobacco control
  • Cognitive enhancement
  • Sports concussion
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), dopamine and compulsive behaviour
Date: 4 October 2013
Venue: UQCCR, level 2 auditorium, Brisbane, Qld
Cost: $100 Full registration, $50 Student registration, Free for staff & students of UQCCR and QBI
Registration close: 20 September 2013
For more information and to register: Visit UQCCR website, see the program, email neuroethics@uq.edu.au, or call (07) 3346 5475

International Conference of the Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association 
Australian Therapeutic Community Association (ATCA)
The theme for the 2013 ATCA Conference: Building Communities, invites participants to engage in a wide ranging dialogue around the phenomenon of community   – one that courageously explores the options and  implications of moving beyond a restricted and limiting conceptualisation  of the term.
This conference provides an opportunity to explore possible futures – to think about the concerns, constraints, considerations that might shape the service delivery landscape of tomorrow and how
Therapeutic Communities might adapt and evolve in such a landscape.
Date: 14 – 18 October 2013
Cost:  $675 Full Registration (Non ATCA member) / $625 Full Registration (ATCA Member) / $270 Day Registration (Non ATCA member) / $220 Day Registration (ATCA member)
Venue: Mercure Hotel, Gold Coast, Queensland
For more information: Visit the Conference website, contact Michelle Bordignon by email michelle@iamevents.com.au or call (07) 3834 3333

Australian Smoking Cessation Conference 2013
University of Sydney, Smoking Research Unit
The conference is focusing on four main themes: Smoking in Pregnancy, in Adolescents, in Mental Health and in Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders.  Attendees will gain in depth knowledge in these topics through workshops conducted by specialists, as well as up to date presentations on research and clinical practice in all areas of smoking cessation.
All accepted abstracts will be published in The Journal of Smoking Cessation, a Cambridge University Press Publication.
Date: 6 – 8 November 2013
Cost:  $550 General Full Registration
Venue: Sydney Nursing School, Level 1, 88 Mallett St, Camperdown
For more information: Visit the University of Sydney website, email smoking.research@sydney.edu.au or call (02) 9351 0816

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Consumer Participation
 
Consumer Bites
Health Care Consumers’ Association
The Consumer Bites is the Health Care Consumers’ Association newsletter. It provides information about current projects, local and national health issues, local events and the latest research developments.
For more information:  See the latest issue

Consumer Representative Training  
Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA)
This two-day course outlines the structure of the ACT Health System and will provide you with the opportunity to nominate as a Consumer Representative on a health service committee and make a valuable contribution to improve health services.
Date: 13 & 20 September 2013
Time: 10:00am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Venue: HCCA Meeting Room, ACT Sports House, 100 Maitland Street, Hackett
For more information and to register:  Email adminofficer@hcca.org.au or call (02) 6230 7800

Experience and Expectations of General Practice in the ACT Survey
Health Care Consumers’ Association
This survey aims to build a picture of people’s wants and needs in terms of general practice in the ACT.  This information will inform future work carried out by the Health Care Consumers’ Association in their advocacy for better healthcare in the ACT.
Closing date: 4 October 2013
For more information and to participate in the survey: Visit the survey website, or call  (02) 6230 7800
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Service Delivery and Referral

This section contains details about new or updated services that accept referrals. For a complete listing of ACT services, please see the ACT ATOD Service Directory

Karralika Therapeutic Community Accepting Referrals from Adults on Established Maintenance Dose of Methadone and Buprenorphone
Karralika Programs Inc.  
Karralika Programs Inc. provides specialist drug treatment services in the ACT and surrounding region for adults and families with alcohol and other drug dependence issues.
Karralika Programs can now offer a new rehabilitative treatment option not previously available in the ACT to people utilising pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence who wish to address their alcohol or other drug issues in a residential program.
Karralika Programs will accept referrals from adults on an established maintenance dose of Methadone or Buprenorphine who wish to come to the Karralika Therapeutic Community in Canberra.
Karralika Therapeutic Community is a live-in program for adults and families who want to address their alcohol or other drug use. Residents of the Therapeutic Community, including those utilising pharmacotherapies for opioid dependence, will participate in an integrated program that provides a supportive environment for treatment while role modelling positive community life. Residents participate in a structured program including group work, community activities, training and creative therapies. Each resident is encouraged to identify and work on their own treatment goals with the assistance of their case manager and with the support of their peers.
For more information: Visit the Karralika website or call (02) 6163 0200.

Controlling Your Drinking Group   
Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
A 3 hour program over 2 weeks designed to help people assess their alcohol use and possible barriers that prevent them from reducing their use.
Date: 16 & 23 September, 18 & 25 November 2013
Time: 2pm - 3:30 pm
Venue: ADS office, 1 Moore St, Canberra City
For more information and to register:  See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 9977
 
Controlling Your Cannabis Use Group   
Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
A 3 hour program over 2 weeks designed to help people assess their cannabis use and possible barriers that prevent them from reducing or ceasing their use.
Date: 16 & 23 September, 4 & 11 November 2013
Time: 2pm - 3:30 pm
Venue: ADS office, 1 Moore St, Canberra City
For more information and to register:  See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 9977
 
Mindfulness, Meditation and Stress Management Course    
Alcohol and Drug Services (ADS)
A 5 week group program designed for individuals with, or caring for, someone with alcohol and other drug issues who want to learn: meditation and other mindfulness techniques; how to identify and let go of unhelpful thoughts, feelings, sensations and urges; and how to better manage stress and uncomfortable emotions
Date: 16 & 23 September, 6 &13 November 2013
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Venue: ADS office, 1 Moore St, Canberra City
For more information and to register:  See the flyer, or call (02) 6207 9977

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Allied Sectors

Vulnerable Canberrans Receive Long-Awaited Help
ACT Medicare Local (ACTML)
A new program to improve the lives of over 430 Canberrans living with severe and persistent mental illness with complex needs was launched by Senator The Hon Jacinta Collins, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing.
For more information: See the latest issue of the Health InterACTion eNewsletter
 
ACT Mental Health Week Awards 2013
Mental Health Community Coalition (MHCC) ACT
The ACT Mental Health Week Awards were established to recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations who have worked to improve understanding, awareness, service provision and the general mental health and wellbeing of the Canberra community over the past 12 months. 
Nominations close: 1 October 2013
For more information: See the nomination form, visit the MHCC website, email Rachel.muller@mhccact.org.au, or call (02) 6249 7756
 
Launch of the 2013 Mental Health Week
Mental Health Community Coalition (MHCC) ACT
Celebrations for the launch of the Mental Health Week will include 50 stalls from health and community sector, the Mental Health Week Awards, entertainment by Rainbow and light refreshments.
Date: 8 October 2013
Time: 10am - 1pm
Venue: Ann Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra, Bruce
For more information: See the flyer, or visit the MHCC website

ACT Youth Affairs Conference
Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Conference will provide an opportunity for workers across the complex range of services for
young people in the ACT and the region to participate in and hear about leading research, discussion,
workshops, and practice development. The Conference will aim to:
• Bring youth affairs expertise from around Australia to the ACT;
• Showcase best practice in the delivery of youth services;
• Present current trends and research in youth affairs;
• Provide an environment for youth service providers to undertake critical reflection and forward
thinking;
• Deliver a range of sessions pertinent to the development of the ACT Youth Sector;
• Engage the expertise from a range of youth service providers to facilitate sessions; and,
• Provide opportunity for networking and relationship building.
Date: 27 – 28 November 2013
For more information: Visit the Youth Coalition of the ACT website, email Katrina@youthcoalition.net or call (02) 6247 3540

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Employment and Volunteering Opportunities

Note: employment opportunities in the sector are also promoted on the Jobs of Substance website.

General Practitioner – Part time/sessional
Directions
The Althea Wellness Centre General Practitioner will provide excellence in clinical care and provide support to people with alcohol and other drug issues as an integrated response with the range of other services available at Directions. The General Practitioner will work closely with members of the clinical and allied health team to provide holistic health care in a primary care setting. The GP clinic is designed primarily for people who do not have a regular doctor.
No closing date.
For more information: See the position statement, or contact Wendy Armstrong by phone 0437 186 522 or email wendy.armstrong@directionsact.com

Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Support Worker – Casual/Part time/Full time
Directions
The AOD Support Worker will work across all Directions programs including the Needle Syringe Program (NSP), Arcadia House, Groups and Reception as required.
No closing date.
For more information: See the position statement, or call (02) 6122 8000

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Funding

Complimentary Funding for the Non-Government Organisations: A Brief for the AOD Sector
Australian National Council on Drug (ANCD)
The Australian National Council on Drug has develop a brief to provide an introduction to a range of potential sources of funding to supplement government funding for Alcohol and Other Drug Non-Government Organisations, with links to further information and examples.
For more information: See the brief, or visit the ANCD website
 
Sponsorship and Trade Opportunity
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
Sponsorship is sought to cover the 3rfd National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference costs and the costs associated with bringing workers from rural and remote areas of Australia who are working to address harmful indigenous alcohol and drug use, to the Conference.
It is an opportunity to support this event by:
  • Contributing funding to the event through a selection of sponsorship packages;
  • Sponsoring workers from remote areas involved in addressing harmful Indigenous drug and alcohol who may need assistance to attend the Conference;
  • Sponsoring the Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Awards; or
  • Holding a trade exhibition.
For more information: See the Sponsorship Prospectus, or visit the NIDAC website

Request for tender – Common Ground in the ACT
ACT Government
The ACT Government has released a request for tender that seeks to source and engage a suitably qualified and experienced support provider to actively participate in discussions regarding initial building design and the establishment and development of the service model and protocols for a Common Ground in the ACT and provide the services of support provider at Common Ground.
Closing date: 3 October 2013
For more information: Visit the ACT Shared Services website, email sharedservicesprocurementgns@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6207 3399
 
Request for tender – Establishment of a Preventive Health Research Panel
Australian National Preventive Health Agency
The Agency is seeking to establish a panel of suitable, qualified individuals, organisations and institutions able to provide research services to inform the Agency’s policy development in one or more categories of work as listed in the Request for Tender.
Closing date: 27 September 2013
For more information: Visit the AusTender website, email maria.hall@anpha.gov.au, or call (02) 6289 7178
 
Enhancement Service Offer Grants
ACT Government
The first round of the $7.7 million Enhancement Service Offer Grants for people with a disability has been a success, with more than 1,300 applications received. These Enhancement Offer Grants are the ACT’s first steps towards DisabilityCare Australia, allowing people with disability to apply for funding for services, supports, access to day-time activities, equipment and more.
Closing date: 8 November 2013
For more information: See the media release, or visit the ACT DisabilityCare website

Health Promotion Grants
ACT Government
The ACT Health Promotion Grants Program works in support of ACT Health's overall aim to achieve good health for all ACT residents through promoting health improvements.
The majority of available funds are provided to community organisations to undertake health promotion projects to promote healthy living, healthy environment, having a healthy community and being healthy people.
For more information: See the Healthy Canberra Grants Funding Guidelines, the Health Promotion Innovation Fund Funding Guidelines, visit the ACT Health website, email hpgrants@act.gov.au, or call (02) 6205 1325

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ACT Media

Alcohol-related news

Time for the truth on limited drinking hours
Canberra Times, 15 August 2013
At its Canberra launch, NAAPA flagged it will advocate for a range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harms in the territory, but it was NAAPA's proposal for reduced trading hours that has most upset ClubsACT. The evidence shows the introduction of a modest reduction in trading hours will lead to a significant reduction in alcohol-related harms. In rejecting the proposal, ClubsACT argues such a policy would mean all venues would close at the same time.
For more information: See the article
  
South Australian, Tasmanian and ACT drivers think they’re less likely to get caught drink driving
Herald Sun, 28 August 2013
Motorists in South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT think they are less likely to get busted for drink-driving than those in other states a research suggests.
For more information: See the article
 
Increasing liquor controls not the real solution
Canberra Times, 30 August 2013
It would seem the health lobby is mustering its arguments for an increase in the level of regulation applying to the ACT liquor industry. The chief executive of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Michael Thorn, threw the first stone with his article ''Time for the truth on limiting drinking hours''
For more information: See the article
  
Heavy drinkers upping their intake even more  
Canberra Times, 3 September 2013
Heavy drinking is increasing among the top 10 per cent of drinkers in Australia but the remaining 90 per cent of the population is drinking less, a study reveals.
For more information: See the article
 
Australia’s heaviest drinkers consuming more than a decade ago
ABC News, 4 September 2013
Separate sets of research out today shows Australia's heaviest drinkers are consuming more than they were a decade ago, while the differences in drinking levels between men and women have disappeared over the past century.
For more information: See the article
 
Most Australians drinking less but heaviest drinkers boozing more
The Conversation, 4 September 2013
The proportion of Australians drinking 20 or more standard drinks in a single session has grown in the last decade, and the amount the heaviest drinkers are consuming annually is also on the rise, a new study has shown.
For more information: See the article
 
Man’s ninth drink-driving charge
Canberra Times, 5 September 2013
A Canberra man allegedly caught drink-driving for the ninth time will face the ACT Magistrates Court again next month after having his case adjourned on Wednesday.
For more information: See the article


Drug-related news
 
‘I’ve never seen anything like it’: theft rates drop
Canberra Times, 13 August 2013
Less heroin use, a booming economy and tougher policing have led to a 59 per cent drop in robberies across NSW in the past decade, new figures show.
For more information: See the article

Psychedelic drug use linked to fewer mental health problems
The Conversation, 21 August 2013
People who use LSD and oher psychedelic drugs show fewer mental health problems, according to a large population-based study.
For more information: See the article
 
International drug bust nets 750kg of cocaine
The Canberra Times, 23 August 2013
An international law enforcement operation has seized 750 kilograms of cocaine bound for Australia.
For more information: See the article
 
Cannabis seized in Kambah
The Canberra Times, 23 August 2013
A 41-year-old Kambah man is expected to face court after police seized 11 cannabis plants from a home.
For more information: See the article
 
Drug users save lives 
Lateline ABC News, 26 August 2013
For the first time in Australia drug users are being trained to inject the drug Naloxone to help save people dying form overdoses.
For more information: See the article
 
Australia found to have one of the world’s worst drug problems
The Guardian, 29 August 2013
Australia has one of the world's most serious drug problems, according to a major international study on the health burden caused by amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis and opioids.
For more information: See the article
 
Global health burden of illicit drugs and mental disorders on the rise
The Conversation, 29 August 2013
The global burden of death and illness attributable to mental disorders and illicit drug abuse has risen steadily in the last 20 years, two new studies have shown, but experts say policy is not keeping pace with the problems.
The two new studies, led by Australian researchers and published in the journal The Lancet, are based on data drawn from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease study, the largest ever analysis of the global distribution and causes of major diseases, injuries, and health risk factors.
For more information: See the article
 
Call for overdose awareness  
Canberra Times, 30 August 2013
Overdoses kill more people than car accidents in Australia, but law reform campaigners say major political parties are reluctant to touch the issue for fear of being seen as soft on drugs. Saturday is  International Overdose Awareness Day, with events held across the country.
For more information: See the article

Cannabis gardener told to expect jail time
Canberra Times, 3 September 2013
The gardener for a northside cannabis grow house has been told to expect jail by a Canberra judge. Matthew Joseph Mayberry, 31, will be sentenced in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis.
For more information: See the article
 
‘You were a worker, not an organiser’: jail for cannabis grower
Canberra Times, 5 September 2013
The caretaker for a northside cannabis grow house has been sentenced to 15 months jail.
Matthew Joseph Mayberry, 31, appeared for sentence in the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday on a charge of cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis.
For more information: See the article
 
Man pleads not guilty over 200 cannabis plant haul
Canberra Times, 11 September 2013
A Canberra man has pleaded not guilty to two charges involving the alleged cultivation of more than 200 cannabis plants as his trial began in the ACT Supreme Court.
For more information: See the article


Tobacco-related news

Call for smoking status to be added to the Australian death certificate 
Cancer Council NSW, 23 August 2013
Leading Australian researchers are calling for a question on smoking to be to be cited on the death registration forms in Australia and across the world.
A new report published today in the Lancet highlights how a simple yes/no question on smoking on the South African death registration form has led to new understandings around deaths caused by smoking that could be replicated globally.
For more information: See the media release 


Legal news

New CEO appointed to Legal Aid ACT    
ACT Government, 27 August 2013
John Boersig was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid ACT. ‘Dr Boersig has spent many years working in the legal profession and will bring extensive experience as a lawyer and administrator to the role of CEO’.
For more information:  See the media release or the ABC News article
 
Improving legal services for vulnerable Canberrans    
ACT Government, 28 August 2013
Attorney-General, Simon Corbell, applauded the ACT Legal Assistance Forum (ACTLAF) for its efforts to improve access to legal services for vulnerable people in the Canberra community.
For more information:  See the media release
 
Youth Law Centre improves access for young Canberrans     
ACT Government, 29 August 2013
A new project was launched in the ACT that aimed at improving access to legal information and services for young Canberrans.
‘The ACT Legal Aid’s Youth Law Centre Project focuses on increasing its reach to young people, through increased opening hours, and the use of social media’.
For more information:  See the media release


Other news
 
$25m to stem rise in HIV 
Canberra Times, 12 August 2013
The Rudd government will this week outline a $25 million strategy to tackle sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, which is on the rise for the first time in five years.
For more information: See the article
 
Fewer indigenous youths detained  
Canberra Times, 19 August 2013
The head of Canberra's Youth Justice Centre says the facility has experienced its first major drop in indigenous detention, praising recently introduced initiatives to prevent young people becoming trapped in a downward spiral of crime.
For more information: See the article
 
Canberra barrister appointed new magistrate  
ABC News, 21 August 2013
Canberra barrister Robert Cook has been appointed a new magistrate for the ACT. Mr Cook has more than 20 years experience in the legal profession, working the past three years as a barrister in the ACT.
For more information: See the article
 
New statistics reveal dramatic increase in self-harm hospitalisations for young Australian women
ABC News, 24 August 2013
There has been a dramatic increase in the hospitalisation of young Australian women who have intentionally harmed themselves, according to a new report.
For more information: See the article
 
Canberra health service leaves scarcely room to protest
Canberra Times, 30 August 2013
Doctors, nurses and midwives were seeing patients in tents at the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service in Narrabundah on Thursday, protesting over what they say is a critical lack of space at the facility.
For more information: See the article
 
Jail risk ‘higher for indigenous’ under Coalition tenure
Canberra Times, 7 September 2013
Indigenous Australians could be more likely to go to jail under an Abbott government, with the Coalition planning to cut $42 million from indigenous legal services if elected.
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.