Alison joined DAMEC in 2013 and has a background in social science. In her role Alison responds to AOD-related needs identified by CALD communities through community education and development projects across NSW, as well as through DAMEC’s Transitions program, which supports the reintegration of Vietnamese and Arabic-speaking ex-offenders. She also supports mainstream services through workforce development projects to enhance these organisations’ capacity to assist CALD communities. Prior to joining DAMEC Alison worked in the mental health and vocational support sectors.

Natalie Wloch is Project Lead & Peer Educator at the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC). Natalie first came to know of SHARC when she undertook the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) Peer Helper Training. Upon completing the training, Natalie became a member of APSU and shortly after accepted a short-term employment position. Now, more than four years later, she enjoys multiple roles at SHARC that also includes Funding Officer. She has graduate qualifications in marketing and journalism.

I have worked in Drug & Alcohol services for a period in excess of 30 years with experience in Mental Health and Justice Health Services. I have an ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap in relation to Aboriginal People in my everyday life.

Dr Julie Mooney-Somers is a social researcher at the Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Sydney. Her research examines equity in health and health services in relation to sexuality, gender, indigenous status, and youth. She is the joint coordinator (with Rachel Deacon) of SWASH, the lesbian, bisexual and queer women's health survey.

Garth Parkhill is the AOD Team Leader at the Victorian AIDS Council. Garth is an experienced Group Facilitator, HIV Educator, Counsellor and Care and Recovery Coordinator, with a background in LGBTI mental health and HIV counselling. Garth has previously presented at VAADA on interventions for men who have sex with men and who use methamphetamines.

Jeremy Wiggins is the Trans Projects Lead and AOD Projects Lead for the Victorian AIDS Council and currently sits on the LGBTI Taskforce and Health and Human Services Working Group for the Victorian Government. An experienced project manager, Jeremy currently specialises in LGBTIQ, sexuality, transgender and gender diverse community development and project management with a focus on mental health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, HIV/STI prevention, suicide prevention, resource development, capacity building, education and training.

Cassandra de Lacy-Vawdon is a Research Officer with the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC) where she contributes to a range of gambling-related research projects. Graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) from Monash University in 2015, Cassandra comes from a public health research background.

Karen Sherlock is a Counsellor with the Stimulant Treatment Program in Newcastle, a specialist counselling clinic for people experiencing difficulties with methamphetamine and other stimulants. Karen has worked in the Alcohol and Other Drug field for over 20 years, and has been with the Stimulant Treatment Program for the past 6 years