About Winter School
The Australian Winter School has built a reputation over more than 30 years for delivering a high quality program of the latest developments in emerging issues and the latest developments in harm reduction and the treatment of alcohol and other drug related problems.
This national forum supports workers, clinicians and policy makers in the sector to develop skills and knowledge in responding to and treating alcohol and drug-related issues.
The conference is run over three days and features workshops, keynote speakers, breakout presentations and panel discussions to explore ideas and provide delegates with the tips, tools and solutions to:
• build capacity around implementing evidence informed practice
• examine the key components of successful and effective alcohol and other drugs harm reduction and treatment interventions
• develop an understanding of the latest innovations, good practice and continuous improvement
• discuss ways to influence policy and the important role of research and evaluation
Presentations address practice, policy and treatment areas, as well as population trends, early intervention and prevention and the issue of co-morbidity. The content provides professional development for alcohol and other drug workers, clinicians and policy makers to support their knowledge and understanding of contemporary practice.
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The theme for the 2024 Australian Winter School AOD Conference is 'Different Ways of Doing'.
Following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are highlighting the inherently different way of working that has emerged across research, policy and treatment relating to alcohol and other drugs.
With a focus on innovative practice and new ideas, the conference will have something for everyone.
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Proudly presented by
Keynote Speakers
Professor Kane Race
Professor of Gender & Cultural Studies
School of Humanities
Faculty of Arts and Social Science
The University Of Sydney
Ryann Koval
Harm Reduction Specialist
North Carolina
NC Survivors Union
Professor James Ward
Director
UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Infectious Diseases Epidemiologist University of Queensland
Professor Leanne Hides
Director of Meaningful Outcomes in Substance Use Treatment,
NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence
University of Queensland
Caty Simon
Research Assistant
Department of Internal Medicine
Yale University
Robert Stirling
Chief Executive Officer
Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA)
Cameron Francis
Chief Executive Officer
The Loop Australia​
MEET OUR SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSOR
Queensland Mental Health Commission
The Queensland Mental Health Commission drives reform of the mental health and alcohol and other drugs systems in Queensland, with a focus on improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, preventing and reducing the impact of mental illness, preventing and reducing the impact of problematic alcohol and other drug use, and preventing and reducing the impact of suicide.
The Commission actively seeks the perspectives of people with a lived experience to help shape the reform agenda, working across a broad range of portfolio areas including health, communities, education, child safety, employment, police, corrections, the economy and justice.
For more information, visit the Queensland Health website at:
SILVER SPONOR
Queensland Health
Queensland Health is the state’s largest healthcare provider, delivering a healthcare system that ranks amongst the best in the world. Through a network of 16 Hospital and Health Services, as well as public health services through the Mater Hospitals, Queensland Health delivers a range of integrated services. These services include hospital inpatient, outpatient and emergency services, community and mental health services, aged care services, and public health and health promotion programs. Queensland Health is committed to ensuring all Queenslanders have access to a range of public hospitals and healthcare services aimed at achieving good health and wellbeing. Our shared vision in the department’s strategic plan 2021-2025 is ‘a world class health system for all Queenslander’s’.
For more information, visit the Queensland Health website at:
BRONZE SPONSOR
Drug ARM
Drug ARM is a specialist not-for-profit, non-government organisation that supports people, families and communities to achieve positive transformation through awareness, rehabilitation and management. They aspire to bring about positive social change and build flourishing communities where people and families can thrive, not just survive. Their purpose is to reduce the mental, physical and social harms related to alcohol and other drug use, and to achieve positive transformation for individuals, families and communities.
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For more information, visit the Drug Arm website at:
OTHER VALUED SPONORS
Goldbridge
Goldbridge Rehabilitation Services (Goldbridge) offers a results-driven program focused on personal change, well-being and social functioning. Goldbridge employs a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and Goldbridge graduates who have certification in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health. The Residential Rehabilitation Therapeutic Community (TC) program assists people to overcome the challenges of addiction. Residents attend group counselling and therapy sessions to address underlying issues. Goldbridge has a reputation as a key program on the Gold Coast that achieves sustainable recovery outcomes.
For more information visit the Goldbridge website at:
Camurus
Camurus is a Swedish science-led biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with severe and chronic diseases. We empower patients, support caregivers, and create value for society by developing and giving access to innovative, long-acting medicines. Camurus’ product portfolio and R&D pipeline include products and product candidates for the
treatment of drug dependence, endocrine disease, and cancer.
For more information visit the Camurus website at:
Queensland PHNs
The 7 Queensland Primary Health Networks (PHNs) support commissioning, development and implementation of alcohol and other drug, mental health and suicide prevention initiatives across Queensland as well as Norfolk Island.
Through comprehensive regional Health Needs Assessments, and working closely with GPs, allied health providers, hospitals and the wider community including people with lived/living experience, PHNs aim to ensure people receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
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See here for our key priorities and more information:
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a global evidenced-based, self-management group support program helping people experiencing addictive behaviours take more control of their lives.
Utilising principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational interviewing, trained facilitators guide participants through 90-minute, weekly group meetings and help participants to empower themselves through a range of tools and strategies to make long-lasting change. SMART meetings support participants through a harm minimisation approach to recovery and aim to set weekly plans that are manageable for the individual.
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For more information visit the SMART Recovery website at:
QuIHN
QuIHN Ltd, a not-for-profit, provides specialist social and medical services across Queensland for alcohol, drug use, and mental health. We offer harm reduction, therapeutic programs, and primary medical care, envisioning a world where all people who use substances reach their full potential whilst maximising the health and wellbeing outcomes of our communities.
This year's theme, "Different Ways of Doing," highlights our dedication to innovative practices and policy influence towards transforming a better future for alcohol and drug services in Australia.
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For more information visit the QuIHN website at:
Insight and Dovetail
Insight and Dovetail are statewide Queensland Health programs, hosted and delivered by Metro North Health. We are specialist providers of AOD training, education, clinical resources and practice advice for workers and services across Queensland.
Our aim is to build a capable, confident and connected AOD, mental health and social and emotional wellbeing workforce, with Dovetail specialising in supporting the youth AOD sector across the state.
For more information - or to check out our free workshops, eLearning, webinars, videos and practice resources - visit:
QuIVAA
QuIVAA is a dedicated peer-based organisation in Queensland, championing the health and human rights of people who use drugs for over 30 years.
We empower individuals, support our community, and drive positive change through advocacy and harm reduction.
QuIVAA represents the diverse voices of people who use drugs, addressing both systemic and individual issues, and fostering active participation in the issues that affect their lives.
For more information visit the QuIVAA website at:
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF)
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is Australia’s leading organisation committed to inspiring positive change and delivering evidence-based approaches to minimise alcohol and drug harm. We reach millions of Australians through sporting clubs, educational institutions, and communities, by supporting and informing drug and alcohol prevention programs, and through delivering quality, evidence-based information. The ADF website has everything you need to know about alcohol and other drugs, their effects, reducing risk and how to have conversations with your family and friends.
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For more information visit the ADF website at:
