Directions Health Services

09/09/2026

04/09/2026

📍 Canberra, ACT

The Testing Traces team (Professor Malcolm McLeod, Blake Curtis and Jessica Algar) from ANU were recognised for their work in rapidly identifying dangerous new drugs brought into and as finalists in the 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes, Australia’s most prestigious science awards.

Since 2022, the team has achieved several world-first detections of dangerous drugs from samples submitted to CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service.

These discoveries allow health authorities to issue public health alerts within hours, reducing harm before dangerous new substances become more widespread.

Professor Malcolm McLeod said the recognition was a testament to the dedication of the early-career researchers behind the project. “Their research has uncovered emerging drugs, revealed the risks they pose to Australians and enabled rapid public health responses that can ultimately save lives.”

Congratulations 🙌🧡

30/08/2026

Overdose does not discriminate.

This International Overdose Awareness Day the theme is "25 years on. Still needed."

"Still needed" reflects a shared global truth: overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person - someone once loved and valued. And behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends and communities everywhere.

Overdose is preventable. We know what works. From timely access to care and support, to education, to life-saving interventions - there are proven ways to reduce harm and save lives. Too often these solutions aren't fully seen, shared or embraced. Together we can create a future where fewer lives are lost, where support is within reach for everyone and where one day this global moment of remembrance is no longer necessary.

Find an IOAD event near you and join us as we work for a world without overdose: overdoseday.com/events-2026

💜

25/08/2026

📍 Goulburn, NSW

When COORDINARE's Health Check Convoy rolled into Goulburn this month, our team were there to join lots of local providers, health and wellbeing organisations. It was a great opportunity for Goulburn region locals to get together and learn about the health services available in their community.

The Health Check Convoy has provided a range of free services in local communities across South East NSW this month, including:
✅ Skin checks
✅ Heart health checks
✅ Mental health support
✅ Dental checks
✅ Free haircuts
✅ Counselling services
✅ AOD support
✅ Health info & connection to local support services

Find out more at www.coordinare.org.au/community/awareness-campaigns/health-check-convoy

📸 Toni (Pathways Goulburn Region)

24/08/2026

📍 Queanbeyan, NSW

This month Directions Health attended the Parents Wellbeing Information Evening at Karabar High School, joining a range of local services to increase awareness of the supports available to young people and their families.

Tim and Mim from Directions attended, delivering a presentation focused on helping parents better understand how our services work, the importance of early intervention, and the range of supports available for young people experiencing alcohol and other drug (AOD) challenges, mental health concerns and other wellbeing needs in our region.

"Events like this play a key role in breaking down the stigma often associated with alcohol and other drug use. Through education, open conversations and the promotion of harm minimisation principles, we can help build community understanding and encourage young people to seek support early." - Tim Brown, Queanbeyan Youth AOD Program

📸 Miriam Spira () and Tim Brown (Queanbeyan Youth AOD Program)

20/08/2026

📍 Queanbeyan, NSW

Being aware and responsive to the needs of diverse young people can help them feel safe, understood, and more willing to access support. The Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council Community Team, 'Link It' nurtures a space of collaboration and connection.

Angus and Tom from our Pathways Goulburn Region team jumped at the chance to participate in 'Link It' recently at .

With the school hall transformed into a colourful mix of local supports, our dynamic youth program duo went along to have a yarn about issues and gave some of the students the chance to try out our AOD impairment goggles and learn about the visual, motor and cognitive deficits of intoxication.

07/08/2026

📢Free health checks coming to your community in August

05/08/2026

📍 Regional NSW

Directions' Post Custodial Support (PCS) program recognises that many people exiting custody are at risk of harm from alcohol and other drugs, and have increased barriers to accessing care and may experience the system as fragmented and difficult to navigate.

We have PCS team members based in the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn, Monaro and Murrumbidgee NSW. Reach out to your local NSW service (visit our website for more info) or email [email protected] for more info.

04/08/2026

Proud to partner in an NHMRC-funded project improving health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

28/07/2026

Join our LGBTQIA+ Smart Recovery meetings - they're run online every week.

📅 Wednesdays
🕚 6:00 - 7:30pm
📍 Online - visit https://au.meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/1573 or follow the link in our bio to register