On behalf of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs I am pleased to invite you to join us in wonderful Melbourne, Victoria, from 18 to 21 November 2012 for our annual conference.
“Culture of Change” is the overriding title of the conference and our program includes keynote presentations on emerging issues and developments in the treatment of alcohol and other drug related problems. There will be ample opportunity for discussion and debate, with interactive symposia, dedicated poster sessions, and late breaking research presentations featuring alongside oral paper sessions. Presentations will address practice, policy and treatment areas, as well as population trends and co-morbidities.
Melbourne has thrice been voted as the world’s most livable city in the past decade, a reflection of its diverse, multi-layered culture and society. There are many museums and galleries, events and festivals, independent music and fashion outlets to enjoy.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is centrally located on the banks of the Yarra on South Wharf, with sweeping views of the city skyline and river and easy access to many local attractions. Within minutes you can be strolling along Southbank, hopping on to the tram to Brunswick Street’s boutique shopping strip, or admiring the distinctive architecture of Federation Square.
While you’re here I hope you can take some time out to visit some of our renowned tourist attractions, such as the Great Ocean Road and Philip Island. Please consider staying just a little longer to explore the wine and deli trails in picturesque Gippsland or the Yarra Valley, among the many options on offer in rural Victoria, while sampling the best coffee in Australia.
Together with the APSAD Council and the Local Arrangements Committee, I look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne for this important event.
Dr. Lynda Berends
APSAD 2012 Convenor
Conference Convenor
Lynda Berends, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Scientific Program Committee
Amanda Baker, University of Newcastle, APSAD President
Liz Baxter, Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs
Lynda Berends, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Raimondo Bruno, University of Tasmania (2011 Convenor)
Adrian Dunlop, Hunter New England Area Health Service
Matthew Dunn, Deakin University
Diane Forsyth, (2013 Convenor)
Jennifer Harland, Department of Defence/Drug and Alcohol Nurses of Australasia
Stephanie Leung, University of Sydney
Lynne Magor-Blatch, University of Canberra/Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association
David McDonald, Social Research and Evaluation Pty Ltd (2010 Convenor)
Rose Neild, University of Adelaide
David Newcombe, University of Auckland
Janie Sheridan, University of Auckland
Robert Tait, Australian National University
Victorian Local Committee
Lynda Berends, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Sam Biondo, Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association
Paul Dietze, Burnet Institute
Cathie Garrard, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Jeff Gavin, Association of Participating Service Users
Anna Guthrie, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Cherie Heilbronn, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
Peter Higgs, Kirby Institute
Elizabeth Manton, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
David Moore, Curtin University
Sharon O’Reilly, SouthCity GP Clinic
Mark Stoové, Burnet Institute
Organising Committee
Amanda Baker , University of Newcastle, APSAD President
Liz Baxter, Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs
Lynda Berends, Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre
Raimondo Bruno, University of Tasmania (2011 Convenor)
Diane Forsyth, 2013 Convenor
David McDonald, Social Research & Evaluation Pty Ltd (2010 Convenor)
