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Statewide Centre for mental health and addiction in Victoria, Australia.

Working towards best practices in integrated care for people with co-occurring conditions through an innovative program of clinical, research, education and training streams.

12/10/2026

Looking forward to listening to tomorrow’s MHPN podcast episode featuring Lisa Fyfield and Lee-Ann Jemson from our Central team!

They’ll be exploring stigma experienced by people with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, and why challenging stigma is so important to supporting integrated care.

Follow MHPN’s channels so you don’t miss this episode and other great conversations 👇

11/10/2026

National Carers Week (11–17 October) is a time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness of the millions of Australians who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend.

This week, we’re revisiting a recent episode of our podcast, where guests from Youth Support + Advocacy Service explore how youth voices and family perspectives are helping shape more responsive mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services.

Donna Ortiz, parent advocate and member of the YSAS Family Reference Group, shares her journey supporting a young person through complex challenges. She reflects on the isolation carers can experience, as well as the importance of hope, connection and peer support.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts/podcast-episodes/ep-11-youth-focused-mental-health-and-aod-care-lived-experience-and-family-voices

We’re also highlighting Episode 7 of our series on holistic care for families affected by addiction and mental illness, which explores the importance of supporting families and carers.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts/podcast-episodes/ep-7-holistic-care-for-families-affected-by-addiction-and-mental-illness

🔗 For more information and resources, visit our website: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/help/family-and-carers

07/10/2026

As we recognise Mental Health Month and look ahead to World Mental Health Day on 10 October, this year’s theme, “Together we thrive,” is a powerful reminder of the role connection plays in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.

We know that reaching out for support can be difficult when stigma gets in the way, and for people experiencing mental health concerns alongside substance use issues, that experience can be even more complex.

Our recent research brief explores the concept of ‘double stigma’ and how it can show up across mental health and AOD settings. Understanding these experiences is an important step towards reducing stigma and creating more inclusive care.

📰 Read the research brief: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/stigma-towards-co-occurring-disorders-challenges-and-opportunities-in-mental-health-and-alcohol-and-other-drug-aod-settings

We also recognise that supporting and upskilling healthcare workers is a crucial part of improving access to quality care. The Hamilton Centre is proud to work alongside services and our clinical network partners to support workers caring for people experiencing complex mental health and AOD needs.

There are a range of supports available to Victorian healthcare workers:

📞 Advice Line | 1800 517 383
For healthcare workers at any stage of their career or level of experience seeking information, guidance or advice when navigating complex cases.
👉 Find out more: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/hamilton-centre-advice--line

🎓 Training opportunities
Build your knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting people with co-occurring mental health and AOD needs.
👉 Explore training: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events

🎙️Podcast
Hear from clinicians and experts exploring practical insights and conversations around complex mental health and AOD care.
👉 Listen here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/podcasts

🟢 Referral
Consumers can be referred directly to one of our clinical network providers, where a range of services can be accessed, including primary and secondary consultations.
👉 Find out more: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/referral

This World Mental Health Day, let’s continue to build a healthcare system where connection, compassion and access to the right support are at the heart of care.

05/10/2026

Join us for an insightful discussion on integrated care for older people experiencing co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns.

🟢 Webinar | Integrated care for older people: Opportunities for meaningful change and recovery
📅 Tuesday, 24 November 2026
🕛 12pm–1.30pm AEDT
💻 Free | Online

Co-occurring mental health and AOD concerns are more common among older people than often recognised, yet they often present to health services in the context of another issue, meaning their AOD or mental health needs can be missed or overlooked.

This webinar will focus on the importance of screening, assessment and taking action to support older people experiencing co-occurring concerns, while considering important factors that can impact treatment, including:

🔹Significant life changes and transitions
🔹Physical health needs
🔹Biological changes associated with ageing
🔹The intersection of mental health and AOD concerns

The session will consider opportunities to strengthen integrated care and support meaningful change and recovery for older people.

Offered by the Hamilton Centre in collaboration with Mental Health Victoria.

👉 Secure your spot: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/webinars/webinar-integrated-care-for-older-people

30/09/2026

📣 New paper!

Adaptation of the COMPASS-EZ™ tool for integrated care of mental health and addiction in an Australian context.

We’re proud to see our Victorian Integrated Care Tool project, a collaboration between the Hamilton Centre and VAADA - The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association, coming to life.

Our latest paper explores the process of reviewing and adapting the COMPASS-EZ™ audit tool to better reflect the Victorian context, with a focus on its future use across Adult Mental Health Services, Mental Health Locals and AOD services.

COMPASS-EZ™ is a self-assessment tool developed in the United States to help behavioural health and integrated care programs evaluate how effectively they support people experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.

The adaptation process was informed by valuable input and feedback from service providers working with VAADA and our team. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their expertise and experience to help shape a resource designed with Victoria’s needs in mind.

The revised tool, called the Victorian Integrated Care COMPASS (VICC), is intended for future use by Victorian mental health and AOD services.

Read the paper here 👉 https://www.emerald.com/add/article/doi/10.1108/ADD-05-2026-0018/1398119/Adaptation-of-the-COMPASS-EZTM-tool-for-integrated

14/09/2026

📢 New research 👇

How can we better support people experiencing both or and substance use?

Our new research report explores this question, bringing together practical, evidence-informed guidance to help strengthen integrated and trauma-informed care across mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) settings.

This work is about improving care for people with complex co-occurring needs, and helping services and workforces feel better equipped to support them.

We’re especially grateful to our partners, Phoenix Australia, Monash University Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) and Spectrum, whose expertise and collaboration made this research possible.

We also thank the 28 participants who contributed to our co-design workshops last year, including people with lived experience of trauma/PTSD and substance use. Their knowledge and perspectives were central to shaping this work.

The report provides practical guidance for strengthening integrated care across tertiary, community health and emergency care settings, with the aim of supporting better care and outcomes for people who need it.

🔗Read the report: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/resources/research/our-research/understanding-competencies-integrated-care-for-co-occurring-trauma-ptsd-and-substance-use

07/09/2026

For people living with mental illness and substance use concerns, accessing physical healthcare can sometimes present additional challenges. Our clinical partners at Austin Health are working to address some of these barriers and recently presented their work to improve hepatitis B and C screening and care for people admitted to adult mental health services.

“Mental health inpatient admission provides an important opportunity to reach people who may otherwise remain undiagnosed or disconnected from treatment and support,” says AOD and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Yodith Tekabe from the Austin clinical team.

“Hepatitis C is curable, and integrating screening into routine mental health care can reduce missed opportunities and inequities in access to treatment. If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, it is quick to screen for and can be effectively cured with treatment,” she explains.

Ms Tekabe and Dr Keri Alexander, Lead Addiction Medicine Specialist, presented at the 16th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference on the importance of clinician education in supporting universal hepatitis B and C screening in mental health inpatient settings.

They highlighted existing knowledge gaps among mental health clinicians and how targeted education can improve confidence and readiness to discuss hepatitis screening, treatment and cure with consumers.

👉 Keep reading: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/news/2026-news/austin-team-leads-work-to-improve-hepatitis-screening-in-mental-health-care

01/09/2026

📢 Calling all mental health and AOD workers in Victoria 👇

Scholarships for the Monash University Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours available now!

This is your chance to enhance your expertise in addressing addictive behaviours and substance use disorders.

🔹Scholarships valued at approximately $10,000 each.
🔹Course running from February to November 2027 – fully online.

Eligibility:
🔹Work within an AOD or MHWB agency funded by the Victorian Department of Health.
🔹At least two years of experience in the AOD or MHWB sector.
🔹Commitment to complete the course and cover any additional fees.

🔗 For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/scholarships/hamilton-centre-scholarships-for-2027

Applications close on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

27/08/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day is around the corner – a chance to honour the people who have been lost to overdose, their families and communities.

Our Central team is showing support for this year’s campaign by wearing the message and helping to keep overdose prevention and awareness front of mind.

Our Clinical Director Shalini Arunogiri shares information on what we know works to prevent overdose in this article:
https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/news/2025-news/31st-august-time-to-remember-time-to-act

This year’s theme, “Still needed”, honours the dedication of those who have carried this work forward over 25 years, while inviting more people into the conversation. It calls on all of us to keep learning, speak openly and act with compassion and based on evidence.

There are lots of ways to get involved across Victoria this weekend and on Monday. Find an event near you here: https://www.overdoseday.com/australia/vic/

21/08/2026

🟢 Sessions in Shepparton and Richmond open for registration!

This workshop explores intentional communication, using practical examples and techniques to support trust, respect and collaboration in the context of integrated mental health and AOD care.

As a new addition, participants will have the opportunity to continue their learning through a reflective practice session following the workshop. Find out more on the registration page.

Upcoming sessions:

📍 SHEPPARTON, VIC
📅 Thursday, 8th October 2026
🕛 9.30am - 4pm AEST
👉 Register here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/2026/8-oct-2026-in-person-shepparton-the-relational-effect-relationality-as-the-strongest-predictor-of-treatment-outcomes

📍 RICHMOND, VIC
📅Tuesday, 20th October 2026
🕛 9.30am - 4pm AEST
👉 Register here: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/events/our-training-events/workshops/2026/20-oct-2026-in-person-the-relational-effect-relationality-as-the-strongest-predictor-of-treatment-outcomes

Address

110 Church Street
Melbourne, VIC
3121

Telephone

+611800517383

Website

http://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/

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