Associated Events
Sunday Pre-Conference Workshops
Hepatitis C Intervention Symposium: Real-world lessons for implementing and scaling HCV care delivered by INHSU
Sunday 8 November 9:00am - 3:00pm AWST
FREE Workshop
Join the International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) for a free workshop focusing on the practical aspects of implementing interventions for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hear from local and national experts on what works in real-world settings, including best practice models of care, cross-sector collaboration and strategies to reduce stigma and improve engagement and treatment outcomes. The program is implementation science informed and will provide actionable tools to support linkage to care, and strengthen service delivery. Open to anyone working with people who use drugs, this event offers practical tools, real world insights and opportunities to network.
ASHM Health Workshops
Opportunities for Sexual Health in AOD Settings: A Whole-of-Service Response to Syphilis delivered by ASHM Health
Sunday 8 November 1:00pm - 3:00pm AWST
FREE Workshop
Syphilis rates have tripled in Australia over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across a range of health and community settings. People accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services often face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including syphilis. Staff working in these settings are uniquely positioned to support timely access to testing, treatment, and care.
ASHM – the peak body for the sexual health and blood-borne virus (BBV) workforce in Australia – is delivering a workshop designed for both clinical and non-clinical staff in AOD services. This workshop explores the current syphilis landscape in Australia and its relevance to AOD settings, with a focus on practical, whole-of-service strategies to support timely access to sexual health care. Participants will learn how to recognise risk factors, identify signs and symptoms and when to screen, navigate referral pathways, and use trauma-informed approaches to initiate sexual health conversations and reduce barriers to care.
Hepatitis C in AOD Settings: Practical Strategies and Service-Level Solutions delivered by ASHM
Sunday 8 November 3:30pm - 5:00pm AWST
FREE Workshop
People accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C, yet many continue to face barriers to testing, treatment and ongoing care. AOD services and needle and syringe programs are uniquely positioned to change this, playing a critical role in Australia's hepatitis C elimination efforts.
Join colleagues from across the AOD and health sectors for a practical, interactive workshop focused on what works in real-world settings. Through discussion, case examples and implementation-focused strategies, participants will explore how to strengthen hepatitis C prevention, testing, treatment and referral pathways within their own services.
Whether you're new to hepatitis C care or looking to improve existing approaches, this session will provide practical tools, current clinical updates and achievable service-level solutions that can be applied immediately in practice. You'll also connect with others working towards better outcomes for people affected by hepatitis C.
Who should attend?
This workshop is suitable for:
- AOD clinicians and counsellors
- Nurses and nurse practitioners
- General practitioners
- Peer workers
- Care coordinators and case managers
- Needle and syringe program (NSP) workers
- Program leads, coordinators, and service managers
- Other health professionals working with people affected by hepatitis C
No specialist hepatitis C experience is required.
Participants will gain practical knowledge and skills to:
- Understand current hepatitis C transmission risks and harm reduction approaches
- Navigate testing, assessment, treatment, and referral pathways
- Communicate about hepatitis C in clear, supportive, and non-stigmatising ways
- Identify opportunities to strengthen hepatitis C responses within their service
- Support improved engagement, access to care, and continuity of treatment
What to expect
This is a highly practical, discussion-based workshop that combines key clinical updates with implementation-focused strategies. Participants will leave with practical ideas they can implement in their own settings, greater confidence to discuss hepatitis C and support access to care, and valuable connections with colleagues working across the AOD and health sectors. As the final session of the pre-conference program, this workshop is designed to be practical, engaging and solution-focused, helping participants finish the day informed, connected and ready for the conference ahead.
Conference Social and Networking Functions
APSAD 2026 EMCR Networking Event
Monday 9 November 5:05pm - 7:00pm AWST
This session is designed specifically for Early- to Mid- Career Researchers (EMCRs) working across the alcohol and other drugs sector in Australasia. We follow the NHMRC's self-identification model, meaning you assess which stage best reflects your current career position.
Who should attend
- Early Career Researchers (ECRs): Students or those within 5 years of PhD conferral (or equivalent research doctorate)
- Mid-Career Researchers (MCRs): More than 5 years but not more than 15 years since PhD conferral
- Includes students, post-doctoral researchers, research fellows, senior research fellows and those in equivalent early-to-mid-stage research roles
What Will Be Covered: Each year we'll cover networking strategies, funding opportunities beyond traditional grants, mentorship pathways, building collaborative teams, publication strategies, and navigating workplace challenges specific to early- and mid- career research life in the AOD field. Topics are tailored to those still establishing their research independence. The format and speakers will be announced closer to the event.
Who May Find Other Events and Sessions More Relevant: Established researchers more than 10 years post-PhD (excluding disruption extensions), full professors, department heads, chief investigators on major programs, those focussed solely on clinical work or program managers. We encourage you to explore our other events designed for established researchers and clinical leaders.
Registration is essential to help us manage numbers and ensure a focused environment for all attendees. If you fall outside the eligible categories, we appreciate you selecting alternative events.
Register for this function during registration or email apsadconference(at)ashm.org.au to add to an existing registration
APSAD Social Function
Tuesday 10 November 6:30pm - 11:00pm AWST - just in time for sunset!
Set along the iconic sands of Bathers Beach, we invite you to join us at Bathers Beach House for the 2026 APSAD Social Function. Bathers Beach House is Walyalup's (Fremantle) only absolute beachfront restaurant and bar - where laid-back coastal vibes meet elevated dining. With uninterrupted ocean views, it’s the perfect spot to connect with peers beyond the conference program, whilst enjoying some substantial canapes, food stations and maybe even a dance! Bathers offers a quintessential Walylup experience that feels like a mini escape by the sea. The ticket includes substantial canapes, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.
Register during registration or contact apsadconference(at)ashm.org.au to add to an existing registration.
Date: Tuesday 10 November
Time: 6:30pm - 11:00pm
Location: Bathers Beach House
Your ticket includes: Grazing table, live food stations, substantial canapes and soft drinks (cash bar operating for alcoholic beverages) and Entertainment
Cost: $99pp for conference delegates, $135pp for guests
Conference Sponsored Symposia
Stories that shape care: prioritising women with opioid dependence delivered by Camurus
Monday 9 November
Drinks and canapes from 5:00pm AWST for a 5:30pm AWST Symposium start
Registered HCP's only
Join a multidisciplinary panel discussion exploring the unique considerations for women living with opioid dependence across the lifespan. Grounded in clinical experience, research insights and lived expertise, this session will examine the biological, psychological, and social factors that shape treatment access, engagement, and outcomes for women. Aligned to the APSAD theme of storytelling, this symposium will bring together diverse perspectives to explore how individual journeys can inform more responsive, person-centred care.
Register for this session during registration or email apsadconference(at)ashm.org.au to add to an existing registration
Key Deadlines:
Scholarship Application Deadline: 5 July 2026
Late Breaker Abstract Deadline: 27 July 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline: 31 August 2026
Accommodation Deadline: 28 September 2026
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APSAD acknowledges that the conference is being held on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. APSAD acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
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