First Step

Sheree Lowe, @VACCHO_org, spoke directly about systemic harm at #FirstStepFuturesForum. “Racism is one of the leading factors that are killing our people.” Health reform cannot ignore structural injustice. #TreatyVictoria #SelfDetermination #FirstPeoples

In considering what success looks like in 25 years, @Paul4Frankston reframed the goal at the #FirstStepFuturesForum. “It will be how much harm we have reduced.” Progress is measured in lives stabilised, dignity restored and preventable deaths avoided. #DrugPolicyReform

At the #FirstStepFuturesForum @paul4frankston addressed the reality often avoided in political debate. “Substance use will always exist in our society.” The question is not whether it exists, but whether we respond with punishment or with evidence-based care.

Clare Davies @WeAreSHARC on reform and lived experience: “We don’t just have a policy problem. We have an implementation problem.” The challenge now is implementation, not intention. #FirstStepFuturesForum #LivedExperience #MentalHealthReform #HarmReduction

Looking to 2050 at the #FirstStepFuturesForum, @paul4frankston imagined: “Integration is not a pilot, but the default setting.” Real reform means designing systems that recognise whole lives, not isolated issues. #HarmReduction #AODSector #DrugPolicyReform

@PatMcGorry @orygen_aus at #FirstStepFuturesForum: “2% of health budgets around the world are spent on mental illness.” If we are serious about reform, investment must match the scale of the problem. #MentalHealthReform #MentalHealthPolicy

Clare Davies #VicIn25years wants pollies refusing $ from alcohol/gambling, addiction met w kindness&support, services designed w communities, not delivered 2 them, IT strengthening human connection, not replacing it, OD seen as a systems failure. @APSUonline @mhvic @VAADAENEWS

Sheree Lowe at #VicIn25years "I hope [my grandchildren] can walk in two worlds and . . . be safe . . . Healing is different for everyone. . . Culture and cultural practice is integral to healing safely and there is no end point to that journey." @VACCHO_org @mhvic @VAADAENEWS

Our 25th Anniversary #FuturesForum is TOMORROW! Don’t miss this live, in-the-round conversation on the next 25 years of care, justice & community. 🎟️ Final release tickets: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut… 🕒 3–5pm | 🏛️ St Kilda Town Hall

What do we want our sectors to look like in 25 year? And what will it take to get us there? Join @FirstStep for the #FuturesForum with sector leaders incl. Sheree Lowe, Patrick McGorry AO & Clare Davies. 11 Feb 3pm St Kilda Town Hall Free, register: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut…

The time to ask big questions is now. With the new Vic AOD Strategy 2025–2035, the future of our sectors is on the table. Join #FuturesForum to shape what comes next. 🗓️ 11 Feb | 🏛️ St Kilda Town Hall 🎟️ Free, register: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut… @VAADA @MentalHealthVic

What does the future look like when lived experience leads? Clare Davies, CEO of @SHARC, joins the #FuturesForum to ask what must change for systems to reflect the people they serve. 🗓️ 11 Feb | 🏛️ St Kilda Town Hall 🎟️ Free, register: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut…

We’re asking one big question: What do we want our sectors to look like in 25 years? Join us for First Step’s #FuturesForum - bold convos on care, justice & equity. 🗓️ 11 Feb | 🏛️ St Kilda Town Hall 🎟️ Free, register now: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut…

We’re asking one big question: What do we want our sectors to look like in 25 years? Join us for First Step’s #FuturesForum - bold convos on care, justice & equity. 🗓️ 11 Feb | 🏛️ St Kilda Town Hall 🎟️ Free, register now: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut…

What do we want our sectors to look like in 25 years? Join us for a bold conversation on the future of mental health, AOD, justice + lived experience. 11 Feb 2026 3pm St Kilda Town Hall Free but registration essential: events.humanitix.com/first-step-fut… @VAADAENEWS @MentalHealthVic

Integrated care can make a real, meaningful difference for young people experiencing mental ill-health and substance use concerns. @FirstSteptweets is bringing together leading voices including Orygen's Prof. @PatMcGorry to envision the future of care: bit.ly/4b6fKgj

@VicGovDH has released its first-ever AOD Strategy - a long-awaited and welcome step for our sector. In this month’s CEO blog, Patrick reflects on what it gets right, where it aligns with First Step’s approach, and why investment now really matters. firststep.org.au/ceoblog_dec25

Proud to be featured in @VAADAENEWS as part of our 25th anniversary reflections. Grateful to be part of a sector working toward smarter, kinder, more connected care. Read more: …anddrugassociationinc.createsend1.com/t/j-e-ydldlddk…

Victoria’s new #AODStrategy puts health first: #harmreduction, #stigmareduction & culturally safe care. We welcome @IngridStittMP’s leadership and look forward to working with government and community to make this real. health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/…

Know what's in your gear: vaada.org.au/drug-alert-hig… #harmreduction @VAADAENEWS