ADAN was established in 2003 as a result of a recommendation from the Talking about Grog summit held in 2002.
ADAN members consist of Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Workers from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs), Local Health Districts (LHDs), Non Government Organisations (NGOs) and the private sector from across NSW as well as some members from the ACT. The AH&MRC is funded by the NSW Health Ministry of Health through the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Office (MHDAO) as well as contributory funding from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to assist with the annual ADAN Symposium.
MHDAO funds the AH&MRC to employ the ADAN Project Officer to support the ADAN network, to facilitate the ADAN Leadership Group and to coordinate the annual ADAN Symposium. Key functions of the ADAN Project Officer and Leadership Group include:
- Annual, state-wide ADAN Symposium/Regular coordination and support of the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network.
- To provide opportunities for Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol workers skills development.
- To provide advice and expertise on a number of key NSW Health Ministry plans and programs
ADAN Leadership Group
The ADAN Leadership Group was formed to guide the activities of ADAN, represent ADAN members at a state-wide level, and provide advice to the Mental Health & Drug & Alcohol Office (MHDAO) on Aboriginal drug & alcohol workforce issues.
Become a Member
To register as a member of ADAN, please follow the below link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ADAN_Membership_Application_2014
Membership Criteria
Full Membership:
- Aboriginality (the term Aboriginal is used in NSW & includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), and
- Holding a specific drug and alcohol role providing services in NSW (ACT included). *Please note that if a worker moves out of a drug and alcohol role they will no longer be a full member.
Associate Membership:
- Non-Aboriginal workers who work in a specific AOD role and primarily with Aboriginal clients and or communities, or
- Aboriginal workers who work in a related role e. g. mental health, that also work across the drug and alcohol sector.
Events
State & National peak Committees and Organisations
- National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
- Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA)
- National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC)
- National Centre for Drug and Alcohol Research (NDARC)
Information Hotlines
- ADIS - Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) phone 02 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599
- DASAS - Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service
Education and Training
- The Aboriginal Health College offers a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and a Diploma of Community Services (Alcohol, other drugs and Mental Health)
- The University of Sydney offers a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Indigenous Health - Substance
- The Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga offers the Djirruwang (Bachelor of Health Science-Mental Health) which also encompasses AOD content
- Aboriginal Health Info Net
- National Centre for Drug and Alcohol Research
