It’s been a positive start to 2026, and we’re already seeing the year take shape as another important period of learning, collaboration and implementation.

Our focus remains on translating research into practical training and initiatives that support the mental health and AOD workforces across Victoria, and we’re looking forward to continuing this work together over the coming months.

• In January, I had the opportunity to join the Mamamia Well Podcast for a conversation about addiction, substance use, mental health and when and how to seek support. It’s a timely listen with International Women’s Day approaching, including reflections on women’s health and the importance of accessible support options such as online services, which can help reduce barriers to care.
  
  I’m also pleased to be contributing to the Women’s Mental Health in Bloom 24-hour global webathon on Saturday 7 March, where I’ll be speaking on women, substance use and addiction alongside colleagues from around the world. This free event will bring together international perspectives on women’s mental health, and registrations are now open.
  
  

• I recently attended the Chief Psychiatrist’s Quality and Safety Forum focused on complex mental health, highlighting the range of services involved in supporting people with complex presentations, including co-occurring substance use disorders – often alongside housing, justice or disability challenges. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues across Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services and Statewide Specialist Services, and to discuss how the Hamilton Centre and our clinical network can continue supporting better care.
  
  

• This week’s Hamilton Centre webinar on Integrated Care for Young People reflected themes we’ve been hearing consistently in sector surveys and conversations with colleagues: strong interest in practical approaches to supporting people with co-occurring needs. It was fantastic to see hundreds of workers join the session.

  Thank you to our partners at Mental Health Victoria, Orygen and the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for collaborating with us. If you missed the session, the recording will be available on our website in the coming days.
  
  

• I also encourage you to join the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Summer Series session today on AOD pharmacotherapy in integrated care. Hamilton Centre Senior Pharmacist and Acting Clinical Lead Alice Frank will be presenting on the bidirectional relationship between mental health and substance use and the implications for treatment outcomes.

As always, thank you for your ongoing engagement with the Hamilton Centre. I hope 2026 brings many opportunities for connection and continued collaboration across the sector.