Workforce support

The Aboriginal Corporation Drug and Alcohol Network of NSW is a network run by Aboriginal drug & alcohol workers for Aboriginal drug & alcohol workers

The Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Network (ADAN) was established in 2003 as a result of a recommendation from the "Talking about Grog" summit. ADAN consisted of Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers from different parts of NSW. It was guided by an elected ADAN leadership group until February 2020, when ADAN came to an end.

In April 2020, recognising the lack of a support network for the Aboriginal alcohol and other drugs (AOD) workforce in NSW, the previous leadership group of ADAN established the Aboriginal Corporation Drug and Alcohol Network of NSW (ACDAN) as an incorporated body. The purpose of ACDAN is to carry on the work of ADAN in providing support to the Aboriginal AOD workforce in NSW.

The ACDAN aims to provide forums for Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers to network, share information and resources, provide professional and cultural support, and to provide other opportunities for Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers to further develop their skills.

The ACDAN's Key priority and focus areas and associated activities revolve around 5 major themes:

1. Regional Networks – provide a support network to support Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers from across NSW.
   

2. Bi-annual symposium.
   

3. Information sharing – Provide up to date information and resources through an email network.

4. Provide professional development opportunities and information.

5. Advocacy and Leadership – Represent the sector for Aboriginal AOD workers and AOD issues for Aboriginal communities and people.
   

ACDAN also provides an important role in the development of Aboriginal alcohol and drug related policy and state-wide projects. ACDAN aims to strengthen and build regional networking, provides professional development opportunities for ACDAN members, advocates for enhanced drug and alcohol services for Aboriginal people and provides consultation for key stakeholders. Since 2003 the ADAN now ACDAN has built relationships at local, regional, state and national levels.

ACDAN Members
ACDAN members consist of Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, Aboriginal Residential Rehabilitation Services, Local Health Districts and Non-Government Organisations.

ACDAN members can provide input into drug and alcohol issues they are experiencing through their work and communities as workers to ACDAN or the bi-annual Symposium or at the regional forums and at regional workshops and training.  As an incorporated body ACDAN is governed by a board of directors, who are elected at an AGM  for a term of three years.

ACDANs role is to advocate and provide leadership for the AOD sector in NSW by:

• representation;

• providing advice to state peak bodies;

• representation on key stakeholder groups; and

• working in collaboration with other key stakeholders.

ACDAN members are also added to the ACDAN e-list, which is used to distribute information, resources and provide a forum for networking.

To enquire about ACDAN Membership or for more information contact admin@adan.org.au.

Aboriginal Workforce in NSW Health
Aboriginal Workforce is part of the Workforce Planning & Development Branch of the NSW Ministry of Health.

Aboriginal Workforce’s core business is to:

• Increase the number of Aboriginal health workforce across NSW Health services
• To develop policy and strategies for Aboriginal workforce growth, capability and supply and
• The development and management of strategic relationships with Aboriginal stakeholders including education providers, professional associations and NSW Health Aboriginal workforce managers

The Aboriginal Health College offers:

• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol and other drugs)
• Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and Mental Health)

The University of Sydney offers:

• Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Indigenous Health - Substance Use

Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga offers:

• Djirruwang (Bachelor of Health Science-Mental Health) which also encompasses AOD content.
  

Every Moments Matter is an online course that has been developed by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education and covers the risks of consuming alcohol during pregnancy, how to talk about drinking alcohol during pregnancy sensitively and effectively, and how to assess this using a prescribed assessment model.