The annual Victorian AOD Service Providers’ Conference is a free event and brings together Alcohol and Other Drug workers, CEOs and managers from state-funded services to hear informative keynote presentations, share practice wisdom, and connect with peers across the AOD sector.

On Friday 12 June, more than 300 alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector leaders, practitioners, researchers and partners came together for VAADA’s 2026 Service Providers Conference, Shaping the Future: Culture, Connection and Innovation.

The conference explored the opportunities and challenges ahead as the sector moves into implementation of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy. Across a diverse program of keynote presentations, panel discussions and yarning sessions, delegates engaged with themes of cultural safety, social and emotional wellbeing, service integration, innovation, research and emerging technologies. A recording of the sessions held within the Main Plenary is available to view on the VAADA YouTube channel.

The event provided the ideal opportunity to publicly launch VAADA’s new Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan outlines VAADA’s vision and priorities for the coming years, reaffirming our commitment to strengthening the AOD sector, advocating for evidence-informed policy and practice, and supporting a system that is equitable, sustainable and responsive to community need.

We’d like to thank all our speakers, exhibitors and attendees who contributed to a successful event. The conversations and ideas throughout the day will continue to shape the future of Victoria’s AOD sector. A special thank you to the Victorian Department of Health who continues to support this important event.