Workforce support

Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Network of NSW

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 is comprised of Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers from across NSW, and includes an annual symposium, an elected Leadership Group, a Managers Forum and an email network.

The ADAN aims to provide a forum 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.
An ADAN Senior Project Officer is employed at the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW, the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

ADAN members consist of AOD workers from Aboriginal Community Controlled Service, Local Health Districts and other NGO’s.

The ADAN’s focus areas and associated activities revolve around 6 major themes:

1. Supporting Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers from across NSW
2. Facilitating an annual symposium
3. Coordinating an elected Leadership Group
4. Facilitating a Forum for Managers of Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers
5. Sharing information and resources through an email network.
6. Provide professional development opportunities and information.

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

ADAN Members
ADAN 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. Since 2003, the network has expanded from some 20 members to almost 100 members.

ADAN members provide input into drug and alcohol issues affecting them at the annual Symposium, and at regional workshops and training. A Leadership Group is elected by ADAN members at the ADAN Symposium. The ADAN Leadership Group provides feedback, advocates at a state level and is a key consultative body for key stakeholders and peak bodies.

ADAN members are also part of an e-list which is used to distribute information, resources and provide a forum for networking.

To enquire about ADAN Membership or for more information contact adan@ahmrc.org.au or phone (02) 9212 4777.

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.