BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Vaada - ECPv6.15.11//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.vaada.org.au
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Vaada
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Australia/Melbourne
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20240406T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20241005T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20250405T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20251004T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20260404T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20261003T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20270403T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20271002T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260224T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260224T133000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20260129T035512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T035512Z
UID:69379-1771930800-1771939800@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:International Family Drug Support Day 2026 – Melbourne VIC
DESCRIPTION:International Family Drug Support Day aims to reduce stigma & discrimination regarding problematic drug use in families & raise importance of families in drug policy discussions.\n\n\n\nEvents are being held around the country to mark International Family Drug Support Day in February 2026. \nInternational Family Drug Support Day first started in 2016 to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs\, including the benefits of supporting families. When families are given education\, awareness and tips on coping and keeping safe\, the outcome for everyone is improved. \nFrom small beginnings it has grown to international events in most Australian major cities and several overseas. These events are held annually on or around 24 February. \nThe theme for the 2026 event is ‘See the Person Not the Drug’\nPlease join us to hear from families and leaders in the AOD and harm reduction space. \nLight Lunch Provided. \nFREE EVENT – Registration through Eventbrite is essential. \nPlease arrive 15 minutes early and bring photo ID as this will be required to pass security at Parliament House.\n  \nFor further information please contact \nCadence 0493 683 860 or Head Office (02) 4782 9222 \n 
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/international-family-drug-support-day-2026-melbourne-vic/
LOCATION:Legislative Council Committee Room (LCCR)\, Parliament House\, Spring St\, East Melbourne\, 3002
CATEGORIES:Forum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-See-the-person-scaled.jpg
GEO:-37.8116355;144.9732505
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Legislative Council Committee Room (LCCR) Parliament House Spring St East Melbourne 3002;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Spring St:geo:144.9732505,-37.8116355
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251018T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251018T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250611T215708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T005738Z
UID:64349-1760778000-1760803200@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Support Day: Free Harm Reduction Workshop for Families (In-person Kensington or Online)
DESCRIPTION:In response to the rising rate of opioid overdoses\, particularly heroin\, in Melbourne’s CBD\, three local organisations have come together to deliver a series of free\, community-based workshops funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. \nThese sessions aim to educate families and community members on how to support someone using alcohol and other drugs (AOD)\, how to respond to an overdose using naloxone\, and how to care for their own wellbeing. \nWe recognise this topic can be confronting—Family Drug Support staff and volunteers will be present and available for support during the sessions. \nSession 1 – cohealth\nProviding insight into drug use\, dependence\, and withdrawal\n\n\nDefining alcohol and drug use\, tolerance & dependency\nAttitudes towards alcohol and drug use\, and the people who do so\nExploring the effects\, risks and complexities of AOD use\nUnpacking beliefs about AOD use and the impacts of stigma\n\nSession 2 – Family Drug Support\nFocusing on communication and support strategies across different stages of behaviour change\n\n\nThe stages of behaviour change for people using alcohol and drugs\nHow to respond accordingly depending on the stage of change\nEffective communication skills\nPerson first language\n\nSession 3 – Harm Reduction Victoria\nDelivering harm-reduction training\, including naloxone training.\n\n\nRecognising the signs of opioid overdose\nTraining by workers with lived and living experience of drug use\nFREE Naloxone Kit available upon request\nAn overview of the FUSE Peer Workforce Program\n\nAttend In-Person in Kensington\, or Online via Zoom Webinar \nFor more information\, see the Eventbrite page\, or contact Khya on 0490 113 459
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/support-day-free-harm-reduction-workshop-for-families-in-person-kensington-or-online/
LOCATION:KensingtonTown Hall\, 30-34 Bellair Street\, Kensington\, 3031
CATEGORIES:Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Webinar-waiting-room-2-1.png
GEO:-37.7894484;144.9286227
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=KensingtonTown Hall 30-34 Bellair Street Kensington 3031;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=30-34 Bellair Street:geo:144.9286227,-37.7894484
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250823T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250611T215720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T010245Z
UID:64343-1755939600-1755964800@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Support Day: Free Harm Reduction Workshop for Families (In-person Kensington or Online)
DESCRIPTION:In response to the rising rate of opioid overdoses\, particularly heroin\, in Melbourne’s CBD\, three local organisations have come together to deliver a series of free\, community-based workshops funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. \nThese sessions aim to educate families and community members on how to support someone using alcohol and other drugs (AOD)\, how to respond to an overdose using naloxone\, and how to care for their own well-being. \nWe recognise this topic can be confronting—Family Drug Support staff and volunteers will be present and available for support during the sessions. \nSession 1 – cohealth\nProviding insight into drug use\, dependence\, and withdrawal\n\n\nDefining alcohol and drug use\, tolerance & dependency\nAttitudes towards alcohol and drug use\, and the people who do so\nExploring the effects\, risks and complexities of AOD use\nUnpacking beliefs about AOD use and the impacts of stigma\n\nSession 2 – Family Drug Support\nFocusing on communication and support strategies across different stages of behaviour change\n\n\nThe stages of behaviour change for people using alcohol and drugs\nHow to respond accordingly depending on the stage of change\nEffective communication skills\nPerson first language\n\nSession 3 – Harm Reduction Victoria\nDelivering harm-reduction training\, including naloxone training.\n\n\nRecognising the signs of opioid overdose\nTraining by workers with lived and living experience of drug use\nFREE Naloxone Kit available upon request\nAn overview of the Drug Overdose Recognition Response (DOPE) Program\n\n\n\n\n\nAttend In-Person in Kensington\, or Online via Zoom Webinar\n\n\nFor more information\, contact Khya 0490 113 459 or see the Eventbrite page
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/support-day-free-harm-reduction-workshop-for-families-in-person-kensington-or-online-2/
LOCATION:KensingtonTown Hall\, 30-34 Bellair Street\, Kensington\, 3031
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Webinar-waiting-room-2.png
GEO:-37.7894484;144.9286227
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=KensingtonTown Hall 30-34 Bellair Street Kensington 3031;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=30-34 Bellair Street:geo:144.9286227,-37.7894484
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250705T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250705T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250611T000940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T000940Z
UID:64337-1751706000-1751731200@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Support Day: Free Harm Reduction Workshop for Families (In-person or Online)
DESCRIPTION:In response to the rising rate of opioid overdoses—particularly heroin—in Melbourne’s CBD\, three local organisations have come together to deliver a series of free\, community-based workshops funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. \nThese sessions aim to educate families and community members on how to support someone using alcohol and other drugs (AOD)\, how to respond to an overdose using naloxone\, and how to care for their own wellbeing. \nWe recognise this topic can be confronting—Family Drug Support staff and volunteers will be present and available for support during the sessions. \nSession 1 – cohealth\nProviding insight into drug use\, dependence\, and withdrawal\n\n\nDefining alcohol and drug use\, tolerance & dependency\nAttitudes towards alcohol and drug use\, and the people who do so\nExploring the effects\, risks and complexities of AOD use\nUnpacking beliefs about AOD use and the impacts of stigma\n\nSession 2 – Family Drug Support\nFocusing on communication and support strategies across different stages of behaviour change\n\n\nThe stages of behaviour change for people using alcohol and drugs\nHow to respond accordingly depending on the stage of change\nEffective communication skills\nPerson-first language\n\nSession 3 – Harm Reduction Victoria\nDelivering harm-reduction training\, including naloxone training.\n\n\nRecognising the signs of opioid overdose\nTraining by workers with lived and living experience of drug use\nFREE Naloxone Kit available upon request\nAn overview of the DanceWize Program providing music festival harm reduction\n\nAttend In-Person or Online via Zoom Webinar \nFor more information see the Eventbrite page\, or contact Khya 0490 113 459
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/support-day-free-harm-reduction-workshop-for-families-in-person-or-online/
LOCATION:KensingtonTown Hall\, 30-34 Bellair Street\, Kensington\, 3031
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Webinar-Waiting-Room-1.png
GEO:-37.7894484;144.9286227
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=KensingtonTown Hall 30-34 Bellair Street Kensington 3031;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=30-34 Bellair Street:geo:144.9286227,-37.7894484
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250614T093000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250614T163000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250501T001447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T001447Z
UID:62033-1749893400-1749918600@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Stepping Stones - A course for families and friends supporting someone with AOD dependence.
DESCRIPTION:Stepping Stones (SS)\, Melbourne – over the course of 2 weekends: June: 7th\, 8th\, 14th\, 15th in 2025 (Balwyn North) \nStepping Stones is Family Drug Support’s flagship and award-winning  program specifically for families and carers of people using drugs and alcohol. The 2-weekend course shares common challenges and strategies\, aiming to increase the family’s confidence and competence in managing complex issues. It also provides the skills to better manage the relationship with the person using substances. The outcome is for families to find better ways of coping\, to become more resilient\, and to ultimately survive the journey intact. \nPlease note that this course is not suitable for people who are AOD dependent.  \nFrom 2001 to the present\, the course has run over 250 times nationwide\, servicing over 2800 family members. The course has run 50 times in Victoria\, servicing over 600 people in metropolitan and regional areas.  \nLinda – “Stepping Stones gave me skills to take back control of my life and allowed my daughter to get on with hers.  I apply all that I have learned daily.”    \nSam also supports a person using substances – “The course helped me make sense of the chaotic and surreal situation as a family member of a drug user.  Just being with people who understand and being able to share and hear others’ stories\, I felt supported and less alone.”  \nTopics Covered: \n\nManaging Emotions (anxiety\, guilt\, grief\, anger\, and more)\nStages of Change\, and the Family’s Stages of Change\nFamily Dynamics\nSelf-Care and Coping Strategies\nCommunication and Boundaries\nAnd much more…\n\nCost: \nThe course itself is free.  We ask all participants to become an FDS member ($30) and to purchase the course workbook ($40).  Total of $70  \nVenue:  \nGreythorn Community Centre (TBC) \n2 Centre Way\, Balwyn North \n  \nContact: \nCall Cadence 0493 683 860 or Head Office (02) 4782 9222 \nSpaces are limited\, so bookings are essential.  \nStepping Stones Information Page \nStepping Stones Video
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/stepping-stones-a-course-for-families-and-friends-supporting-someone-with-aod-dependence-2/2025-06-14/
LOCATION:TBC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FDS1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250608T093000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250608T163000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250501T001447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T001447Z
UID:62032-1749375000-1749400200@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Stepping Stones - A course for families and friends supporting someone with AOD dependence.
DESCRIPTION:Stepping Stones (SS)\, Melbourne – over the course of 2 weekends: June: 7th\, 8th\, 14th\, 15th in 2025 (Balwyn North) \nStepping Stones is Family Drug Support’s flagship and award-winning  program specifically for families and carers of people using drugs and alcohol. The 2-weekend course shares common challenges and strategies\, aiming to increase the family’s confidence and competence in managing complex issues. It also provides the skills to better manage the relationship with the person using substances. The outcome is for families to find better ways of coping\, to become more resilient\, and to ultimately survive the journey intact. \nPlease note that this course is not suitable for people who are AOD dependent.  \nFrom 2001 to the present\, the course has run over 250 times nationwide\, servicing over 2800 family members. The course has run 50 times in Victoria\, servicing over 600 people in metropolitan and regional areas.  \nLinda – “Stepping Stones gave me skills to take back control of my life and allowed my daughter to get on with hers.  I apply all that I have learned daily.”    \nSam also supports a person using substances – “The course helped me make sense of the chaotic and surreal situation as a family member of a drug user.  Just being with people who understand and being able to share and hear others’ stories\, I felt supported and less alone.”  \nTopics Covered: \n\nManaging Emotions (anxiety\, guilt\, grief\, anger\, and more)\nStages of Change\, and the Family’s Stages of Change\nFamily Dynamics\nSelf-Care and Coping Strategies\nCommunication and Boundaries\nAnd much more…\n\nCost: \nThe course itself is free.  We ask all participants to become an FDS member ($30) and to purchase the course workbook ($40).  Total of $70  \nVenue:  \nGreythorn Community Centre (TBC) \n2 Centre Way\, Balwyn North \n  \nContact: \nCall Cadence 0493 683 860 or Head Office (02) 4782 9222 \nSpaces are limited\, so bookings are essential.  \nStepping Stones Information Page \nStepping Stones Video
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/stepping-stones-a-course-for-families-and-friends-supporting-someone-with-aod-dependence-2/2025-06-08/
LOCATION:TBC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FDS1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250607T093000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250607T163000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250501T001447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T001447Z
UID:62030-1749288600-1749313800@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Stepping Stones - A course for families and friends supporting someone with AOD dependence.
DESCRIPTION:Stepping Stones (SS)\, Melbourne – over the course of 2 weekends: June: 7th\, 8th\, 14th\, 15th in 2025 (Balwyn North) \nStepping Stones is Family Drug Support’s flagship and award-winning  program specifically for families and carers of people using drugs and alcohol. The 2-weekend course shares common challenges and strategies\, aiming to increase the family’s confidence and competence in managing complex issues. It also provides the skills to better manage the relationship with the person using substances. The outcome is for families to find better ways of coping\, to become more resilient\, and to ultimately survive the journey intact. \nPlease note that this course is not suitable for people who are AOD dependent.  \nFrom 2001 to the present\, the course has run over 250 times nationwide\, servicing over 2800 family members. The course has run 50 times in Victoria\, servicing over 600 people in metropolitan and regional areas.  \nLinda – “Stepping Stones gave me skills to take back control of my life and allowed my daughter to get on with hers.  I apply all that I have learned daily.”    \nSam also supports a person using substances – “The course helped me make sense of the chaotic and surreal situation as a family member of a drug user.  Just being with people who understand and being able to share and hear others’ stories\, I felt supported and less alone.”  \nTopics Covered: \n\nManaging Emotions (anxiety\, guilt\, grief\, anger\, and more)\nStages of Change\, and the Family’s Stages of Change\nFamily Dynamics\nSelf-Care and Coping Strategies\nCommunication and Boundaries\nAnd much more…\n\nCost: \nThe course itself is free.  We ask all participants to become an FDS member ($30) and to purchase the course workbook ($40).  Total of $70  \nVenue:  \nGreythorn Community Centre (TBC) \n2 Centre Way\, Balwyn North \n  \nContact: \nCall Cadence 0493 683 860 or Head Office (02) 4782 9222 \nSpaces are limited\, so bookings are essential.  \nStepping Stones Information Page \nStepping Stones Video
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/stepping-stones-a-course-for-families-and-friends-supporting-someone-with-aod-dependence-2/2025-06-07/
LOCATION:TBC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FDS1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T160000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250417T011228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T011228Z
UID:61674-1747472400-1747497600@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Support Day
DESCRIPTION:Support Day is a community event brought to you by Family Drug Support\, cohealth\, Harm Reduction Victoria and the City of Melbourne. The workshop is sponsored by the Alcohol and Drug Foundaton and is a FREE education session for families\, friends and supporters that delivers useful information and strategies for those supporting someone using Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD). Support Day aims to increase people’s confidence and competence in managing AOD issues by: \nSession 1 – cohealth\n\nDefining alcohol and drug use\, tolerance & dependency\nThe reality of lapse and relapse\nAttitudes towards alcohol and drug use\, and the people who do so\nExploring the effects\, risks and complexities of AOD use\nUnpacking beliefs about AOD use and the impacts of stigma\n\nSession 2 – Family Drug Support\n\nThe stages of behaviour change for people using alcohol and drugs\nHow to respond accordingly depending on the stage of change\nEffective communication skills\nActive listening\nPerson first language\n\nSession 3 – Harm Reduction Victoria\n\nRecognising the signs of opioid overdose\nTraining by workers with lived and living experience of injecting drug use\nFREE Naloxone Kit available upon request\n‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation Support’ (PAMS) Support Line Service\n\n  \nFor more information or to secure a seat in person\, contact Cadence on 0493 683 860
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/support-day-2/
LOCATION:KensingtonTown Hall\, 30-34 Bellair Street\, Kensington\, 3031
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Webinar-Waiting-Room-1.png
GEO:-37.7894484;144.9286227
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=KensingtonTown Hall 30-34 Bellair Street Kensington 3031;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=30-34 Bellair Street:geo:144.9286227,-37.7894484
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250318T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250318T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250113T050147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T050147Z
UID:58345-1742320800-1742328000@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Stepping Forward: Families and Methamphetamine
DESCRIPTION:A FREE educational and reality-based information session for families and friends supporting someone using alcohol and/or other drugs. \nStepping Forward Sessions are FREE educational meetings for families\, friends and supporters delivering useful information and strategies to those supporting someone using alcohol and other drugs. These sessions aim to increase people’s confidence and competence in managing alcohol and other drug issues by providing: \n\nClear and practical information sessions\nA safe place to share and to feel supported\nAn emphasis on being straightforward\, reality-based and interactive\n\nThis workshop is suitable for families impacted by or interested in learning about a person’s methamphetamine use. \nFamilies and Methamphetamine \n\nDrugs Of Concern To The Community\nIs Methamphetamine a Problem\nThe short- and long-term effects of Ice Use\nDealing with aggressive and violent behaviour\n\nPresented by Family Drug Support – a national\, non-religious not-for-profit charity. Each session is designed so that you will have something of value to take away to help you on your journey. \n  \nYou can register for this event for FREE via Eventbrite \nFor more information or if you have any questions feel free to call Chloe\, VIC & ACT Clinical Services Manager on 0448 177 083 or email chloes@fds.org.au.
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/stepping-forward-families-and-methamphetamine/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-SF-photo-4.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250304T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250304T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250113T050200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T050200Z
UID:58339-1741111200-1741118400@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Stepping Forward: Setting Workable Boundaries
DESCRIPTION:Free education session for families and friends\, delivering useful information to those supporting someone using alcohol and other drugs \nIs someone in your family or a friend taking drugs and/or alcohol? Are you looking for practical down-to-earth information and support? Stepping Forward aims to increase people’s confidence and competence in supporting a family member or partner with alcohol and other drug issues. \nFREE education for families and friends\, delivering practical information and strategies to those supporting someone using alcohol and other drugs. Stepping Forward aims to increase people’s confidence and competence in managing alcohol and other drug issues by providing: \n\nClear and practical information sessions\nA safe place to share and feel supported\n\nSetting Workable Boundaries\n\nStrategies on how to set effective boundaries\nExploring why setting boundaries is difficult\nTips on negotiating healthy boundaries\nWhat to do when a boundary is broken\nDiscussing ideas on how to communicate when setting boundaries\n\nPresented by Family Drug Support – a national\, non-religious not-for-profit organisation. Each session is designed so that you will have something of value to take away to help you on your journey. \nYou can register for this event for FREE via Eventbrite \nIf you’d like more information\, please contact Chloe\, VIC & ACT Clinical Services Manager on 0448 177 083 or email chloes@fds.org.au.
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/stepping-forward-setting-workable-boundaries/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-SF-photo-3.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250224T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250224T133000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250113T050310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T050310Z
UID:58305-1740394800-1740403800@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:International Family Drug Support Day 2025 - Melbourne VIC
DESCRIPTION:Events are being held around the country to mark International Family Drug Support Day in February 2025. \nInternational Family Drug Support Day first started in 2016 to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs\, including the benefits of supporting families\, friends and supporters. When families are given education\, awareness and tips on coping and keeping safe\, the outcome for everyone is improved. From small beginnings\, it has grown to international events in most major Australian cities and several overseas. These events are held annually on or around 24 February. \nThe theme for the 2025 event is ‘Support the Family\, Improve the Outcome – Time for Change‘.\n\nLight lunch provided.\n\nFREE EVENT – Registration by Friday 21st Feb is essential.\n\nUpon arrival\, arrive 15 minutes early and bring a photo ID to facilitate a security check.\n\n“Any family anywhere\, regardless of background\, economic and other circumstances can be affected by drugs. We hope this annual event will reach members of the community and change some of the negative attitudes that exist.” Tony Trimingham\, Founder and CEO of Family Drug Support \n“The weight of the world was on my shoulders. We were so ashamed and alone – then we found support and things changed” Viola – Mother \n“What a difference it made being able to talk and have someone listen with empathy\, and not tell me I was a bad parent or my approach was wrong. I can ring anytime and get stuff off my chest” Carlos – Father \n“Family Drug Support helps by having you focus on helping yourself\, but also by putting you in contact with other families who are suffering and afraid. Feeling like you are not alone gives you strength.” Denise – Mother \nFDS would like to thank Aiv Puglielli MP of the Victorian Greens for hosting the VIC IFDSD event.\nFor any further information\, please contact Chloe\, 0448 177 083 / chloes@fds.org.au
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/international-family-drug-support-day-2025-melbourne-vic-2/
LOCATION:Legislative Council Committee Room (LCCR)\, Parliament House\, Spring St\, East Melbourne\, 3002
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IFDSD-2025-jpg-1.jpg
GEO:-37.8116355;144.9732505
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Legislative Council Committee Room (LCCR) Parliament House Spring St East Melbourne 3002;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Spring St:geo:144.9732505,-37.8116355
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250224T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250224T133000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250113T050107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T050107Z
UID:58363-1740394800-1740403800@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:International Family Drug Support Day 2025 - Melbourne VIC
DESCRIPTION:Aims to reduce stigma & discrimination regarding drug use in families & raise importance of families in drug policy discussions. \nEvents are being held around the country to mark International Family Drug Support Day in February 2025. \nInternational Family Drug Support Day first started in 2016 to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs\, including the benefits of supporting families\, friends and supporters. When families are given education\, awareness and tips on coping and keeping safe\, the outcome for everyone is improved. From small beginnings it has grown to international events in most Australian major cities and several overseas. These events are held annually on or around 24 February. \nThe theme for the 2025 event is ‘Support the Family\, Improve the Outcome – Time for Change‘.\n\nLight lunch provided.\n\nFREE EVENT – Registration by Friday 21st Feb is essential. Register HERE\n\nUpon arrival\, arrive 15 minutes early and bring a photo ID to facilitate a security check.\n\n“Any family anywhere\, regardless of background\, economic and other circumstances can be affected by drugs. We hope this annual event will reach members of the community and change some of the negative attitudes that exist.” Tony Trimingham\, Founder and CEO of Family Drug Support \n“The weight of the world was on my shoulders. We were so ashamed and alone – then we found support and things changed” Viola – Mother \n“What a difference it made being able to talk and have someone listen with empathy\, and not tell me I was a bad parent or my approach was wrong. I can ring anytime and get stuff off my chest” Carlos – Father \n“Family Drug Support helps by having you focus on helping yourself\, but also by putting you in contact with other families who are suffering and afraid. Feeling like you are not alone gives you strength.” Denise – Mother \nFDS would like to thank Aiv Puglielli MP of the Victorian Greens for hosting the VIC IFDSD event.\nFor any further information\, please contact Chloe\, 0448 177 083 / chloes@fds.org.au
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/international-family-drug-support-day-2025-melbourne-vic/
LOCATION:Legislative Council Committee Room (LCCR)\, Parliament House\, Spring St\, East Melbourne\, 3002
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IFDSD-2025-jpg-1-1.jpg
GEO:-37.8116355;144.9732505
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Legislative Council Committee Room (LCCR) Parliament House Spring St East Melbourne 3002;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Spring St:geo:144.9732505,-37.8116355
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250218T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260417T063259
CREATED:20250113T050225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T050225Z
UID:58333-1739901600-1739908800@www.vaada.org.au
SUMMARY:Stepping Forward: Dealing with Conflict
DESCRIPTION:Free education session for families and friends\, delivering useful information to those supporting someone using alcohol and other drugs \nIs someone in your family or a friend taking drugs and/or alcohol? Are you looking for practical down-to-earth information and support? Stepping Forward aims to increase people’s confidence and competence in supporting a family member or partner with alcohol and other drug issues. \nFREE education for families and friends\, delivering practical information and strategies to those supporting someone using alcohol and other drugs. Stepping Forward aims to increase people’s confidence and competence in managing alcohol and other drug issues by providing: \n\nClear and practical information sessions\nA safe place to share and feel supported\n\nDealing with Conflict\n\nDiscussing what is conflict\nUnderstanding conflict where substance use is involved\nStrategies on how to deal with conflict and negotiate\nExploring conflict and anger\n\nPresented by Family Drug Support – a national\, non-religious not-for-profit organisation. Each session is designed so that you will have something of value to take away to help you on your journey. \nYou can register for this event for FREE via Eventbrite \nFor more information\, please contact Chloe VIC & ACT Clinical Services Manager on 0448 177 083 or email chloes@fds.org.au
URL:https://www.vaada.org.au/event/stepping-forward-dealing-with-conflict/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom
CATEGORIES:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vaada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-SF-photo-2.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR