About

Vision

A Victorian community in which alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related harms are reduced and well-being is promoted to support people to reach their potential.

Principles

We foster inclusive engagement that is representative of our sector and values diverse lived experience

We demonstrate transparency, integrity and accountability in all of our work

We are driven by social justice underpinned by compassion and a commitment to intersectional equity

We challenge the status quo through strategic thinking, courageous advocacy and a commitment to innovation

We promote an evidence-informed and outcomes-focused approach to policy and practice

Who is VAADA?

The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association Inc. (VAADA) is the peak body representing publicly-funded AOD services in Victoria.

What does VAADA do?

We work to prevent and reduce AOD-related harms in the Victorian community by ensuring the people experiencing those harms, and the organisations that support them, are well-represented in policy, program development and public discussion.

We do this by:

  • Engaging in policy development
  • Advocating for systemic change
  • Representing issues identified by our members
  • Providing leadership on priority issues
  • Creating a space for collaboration within the AOD sector
  • Maximising opportunities to build the capacity and capability of the sector
  • Keeping our members and stakeholders informed about issues relevant to the sector; and
  • Supporting evidence-based practice that reduces AOD related harms and maintains the dignity of those who use AOD (and related) services.

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).

Strategic Plan 2021-25