In this episode, Hamilton Centre Relationship and Partnership Lead Annie Williams is joined by Nathan Abaloz, Youth Advisor and member of The CREW at Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), and Donna Ortiz, parent advocate and member of the YSAS Family Reference Group.

They explore how youth voice and family perspectives are shaping more responsive mental health and AOD services.

Nathan shares insights from his work with the YSAS Youth Advisory Committee (The CREW), including harm reduction, media literacy and amplifying young people’s voices through a range of initiatives.

Donna reflects on her journey as a parent supporting a young person through complex challenges, the isolation carers can face and the power of hope and peer connection.

This episode discusses what it takes to embed genuine partnership with young people and families.

Guests:

Nathan Abaloz is a Youth Advisor with YSAS who is passionate about supporting and advocating for young people to have the best possible future, especially those who are marginalised. He works with the YSAS Youth Advisory Committee, known as The CREW, which consists of a diverse group of young people sharing their lived and living experience and expertise to help shape and improve services and policy. Nathan's areas of interest include harm reduction, destigmatisation, youth justice and reforms.

Donna Ortiz is a parent and carer with lived experience supporting young people through mental health and substance use challenges. Donna became involved with YSAS in 2021 when her youngest son engaged with their services during COVID. Donna now contributes to the YSAS Family Reference Group, a small team of parent carers and staff working to provide feedback and improve services for families. She is passionate about giving back and helping shape how YSAS supports young people and their families.

This panel discussion was recorded on 11 December 2025 at an in-person event that brought together leaders and workers from Victoria’s mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. The event was hosted by the Hamilton Centre in partnership with Mental Health Victoria and the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

The panel unpacks what it takes to translate investment in people into real-world impact. They discuss emerging models that embed lasting change, persistent barriers to progress and how we can strengthen the link between capability building and better outcomes for individuals, services and systems.

Guests

A/Prof Ravi Bhat AM

Associate Professor Ravi Bhat is Clinical Director at Goulburn Valley Mental Health and Wellbeing service and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Department of Rural Health at The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Medical School. He was recently recognised by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) as a Rural Champion for 2025, for his leadership of mental health services in rural and regional settings.

Ms Madeleine Harradence

Ms Maddy Harradence is the branch secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and is a registered nurse with extensive emergency department experience. Maddy has previously held the AOD portfolio with the ANMF and led the Branch’s education and advocacy work in AOD nurse and midwife training.

A/Prof Lee Allen

Associate Professor Lee Allen is a Deputy Chief Psychiatrist at the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist at Safer Care Victoria. She has chaired the RANZCP Victorian Branch training committee for psychiatry trainees for over a decade. She has an interest in wellbeing and curriculum design, sexual safety, mental health workforce, collaboration with primary mental health care and the voice of lived and living expertise in the community.

Moderator

Professor Dan Lubman AM

Executive Clinical Director at Turning Point and Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Monash University.

Professor Lubman has worked across mental health and drug treatment settings in the UK and Australia. His research is wide-ranging and includes investigating the harms associated with alcohol, drugs and gambling, the impact of alcohol and drug use on brain function, the relationship between substance use, gambling and mental disorder, as well as the development of targeted telephone, online and face-to-face intervention programs within school, primary care, mental health and drug treatment settings.

They discuss the evolution of care models, the importance of addressing stigma and the future of integrated healthcare in Australia. Prof Margaret reflects on her long-standing career, including her foundational work at Turning Point, and the shifts in public attitudes towards addiction and co-occurring disorders. A/ Prof Shalini shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector, as well as the critical role the Hamilton Centre plays in driving system change.

This episode explores collaboration, policy change and advice for clinicians on the frontlines of mental health and addiction care. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation and a look ahead at how comprehensive care can transform the landscape of mental health and AOD services.

Our guests:

Professor Margaret Hamilton has over 50 years of experience in the drug and alcohol field. With a background in social work and public health, she has worked across a wide range of research, including epidemiology and policy. She has held several notable roles: Executive Member of the Australian National Council on Drugs, President of the Cancer Council Victoria, Board Member of VicHealth, Patron of DANA (Drug and Alcohol Nurses of Australasia), and Life Governor of the Australian Drug Foundation. Margaret was also the founding Director of Turning Point in Victoria.

Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri is the Clinical Director at both the Hamilton Centre and Turning Point, as well as a clinical researcher at Monash University. Her research focuses on co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. As an educator, Shalini is passionate about inspiring the next generation of medical professionals and actively promotes addiction psychiatry as a career to the medical students and junior doctors she mentors.

They discuss how their journeys have shaped their work supporting others through recovery, the challenges they face and the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. From the role of lived experience workers to systemic service gaps, they explore how communities can better support individuals and the importance of inclusive, trauma-responsive care. 

Tune in for powerful insights on improving services, reducing stigma and creating more compassionate communities for those facing mental health and AOD challenges.

Our guests: 

Benn Veenker is the Manager for Lived Experience Workforce and Advocacy at Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, training, and research centre. Benn is a passionate recovery advocate, dedicated to breaking down the stigma associated with substance use and mental health. With over 10 years of sharing his lived experience, he aims to reduce the time it takes for individuals to seek help for their substance use and/or mental health challenges.

Tharindu Jayadeva is a lived experience worker with a public health and community engagement background, working towards more meaningful and trauma-responsive care practices. Tharindu has designed, delivered, evaluated and advised on health projects at local, national and international organisations, including Orygen, Headspace, Batyr and Oaktree, and now works with the Butterfly Foundation, Mental Health Victoria and Alfred Health to bring a focus on co-design, lived experience storytelling and community participation.

They discuss how stigma, cultural perceptions and a lack of resources can impact family wellbeing, and share insights on creating more supportive services that empower families through compassion, connection and shared experience.

Support available for families and carers:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect - This service is dedicated to those who are supporting people living with mental health and substance use challenges or psychological distress. Support is free of charge, and you don't need a referral from your doctor or health professional. 

• Family Drug & Gambling Help - Family Drug and Gambling Help provides practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling.

• Tandem - Tandem provides phone support, information and referral to anyone supporting someone with mental health challenges in Victoria.

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

They explore the stigma these communities face, the challenges in seeking support, and how we can work together to create more inclusive and supportive services for people living with these experiences.

In this episode hosted by Annie Williams, our Relationship and Partnership Lead, we’re joined by Sally Thomas (Senior Social Worker) and James Steevenson (Senior Psychiatric Nurse) from the Hamilton Centre Advice Line Team. This team plays a crucial role in providing navigation, advocacy, support and referrals for individuals facing complex and high-risk alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health issues.

Takeaways:

• The Hamilton Centre Advice Line offers vital support and expertise to AOD and mental health workers, helping them connect clients with the appropriate services.

• They offer support to clinicians dealing with complex cases, providing expert guidance on addiction and mental health services.

• Developing a strong therapeutic alliance between clinician and client is key to achieving successful outcomes.

• Integrated care is crucial for individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues, as it improves prognosis and coordination of care.
• Including people with lived experience in interdisciplinary teams brings authenticity, validation, and a unique perspective to the care provided.
• The role of clients in their own treatment is increasingly recognised, with a shift towards a more human-centred approach.
• The staffing profiles for alcohol and drug services have evolved to include a more diverse range of professionals, promoting a holistic and collaborative approach to care.

They highlight the importance of collaboration between the mental health and addiction sectors in delivering integrated care, discussing barriers to seamless integration and the need for education and stigma reduction. The Hamilton Centre plays a pivotal role in treating patients with co-occurring conditions and amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals. 

Including people with lived and living experiences in the interdisciplinary team is crucial for promoting integrated care. The guests advise service providers seeking to implement or improve integrated care initiatives, emphasising the importance of involving individuals with lived experience in the planning and decision-making process. They also express excitement about the Hamilton Centre's future expansion into rural and regional areas, aiming to reach and support more people. 

Takeaways:

• Collaboration between the mental health and addiction sectors is vital for integrated care delivery.
• Education and stigma reduction are crucial for overcoming integration barriers.
• The Hamilton Centre plays a pivotal role in treating patients with dual diagnoses and advocating for marginalised individuals.
• Involving people with lived experience in the interdisciplinary team is essential for promoting integrated care.
• Service providers should involve individuals with lived experience in planning and decision-making for integrated care initiatives.

Takeaways

• Building relationships and understanding the needs of individuals and services are key to providing effective integrated care.
• Addressing stigma and unconscious biases is crucial in the healthcare system.
• Working in Victorian rural and regional areas presents unique challenges and rewards.
• Education and training in the mental health and substance use fields need to be improved.
• Integrated care requires collaboration and a client-focused approach.

Takeaways

• Integrated care is crucial in addressing the complex needs of individuals with mental health and addiction issues.
• Workers need support and upskilling to effectively provide care for individuals with co-occurring conditions.
• Data collection and evaluation are essential for driving improvement and addressing gaps in the system.
• The Hamilton Centre aims to expand its services statewide and create a unified approach to care.
• The ultimate goal is to provide meaningful support to all individuals seeking mental health and addiction services.