Strategic Plan 2026-30
Our Vision
Everyone in Victoria has equitable access to a quality AOD system of care, when, where and how they want it.
Our Values
We are Collaborative
We are Rights-Based
We are Courageous
We are Evidence-Informed
Who is VAADA?
The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association Inc. (VAADA) is the peak body representing publicly-funded AOD services in Victoria.
Our Purpose?
VAADA strengthens , champions and amplifies the voice of AOD services, advocating for policy, funding and system improvement.
We do this by:
- Advocating for accessible, person-centred AOD services
- Influencing policy, funding and system reform
- Supporting a capable, connected and sustainable AOD workforce
- Bringing together members, stakeholders and partners to strengthen collaboration across the health and human services sectors
- Promoting evidence-informed policy and practice
- Amplifying the voices of people, families and communities with lived and living experience
- Supporting Aboriginal self-determination through partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal-led approaches
VAADA is committed to supporting a Victorian AOD system that is collaborative, rights-based, courageous and evidence-informed.
Stakeholders
VAADA identifies its stakeholders as:
- People with lived experience of AOD dependency and the services that support them
- AOD sector funding bodies, including governments
- Primary Health Networks
- Non-government peak and advisory bodies and other stakeholders
- VAADA members working with specific populations or providing broader state-wide services
- Non-government and government organisations working across the human and health services spectrum, including mental health, criminal justice, housing, Aboriginal services, family, children and carers
- Quality improvement services providers such as the Australian Council on Health Care Standards (ACHS) and Quality Innovation Performance (QIP)
- Research bodies
- Workforce and industry education, training and advisory bodies
- Media Agencies
History
VAADA became an incorporated association in 1981 and was created as forum for agencies working in the field of alcohol and other drug issues, as well as those individuals interested in alleviating the harms caused by alcohol and other drugs. VAADA’s role was to provide mutual support for its members as well as facilitating planning and development in the AOD field. It was also envisaged that VAADA would have an educative and information role for both its member agencies and the broader community.
VAADA’s membership has always been broadly based and its organisational membership includes ‘drug specific’ organisations, consumer advocacy organisations, hospitals, community health centres, primary health organisations, religious, general youth, local government and others (eg. schools, counselling services, correctional/diversion services, legal services).