BUPERENORPHINE NALOXONE Suboxone Suboxone is the more widely used of the two formulations of buprenorphine available to opiate pharmacotherapy consumers in Victoria. Subutex is the other. Buprenorphine is increasingly popular as an alternative to methadone. Suboxone contains a 4:1 ratio of buprenorphine/naloxone . Naloxone, an opiate antagonist, reverses the effects of opiates. Under the brand name Narcan, it is used intravenously to assist overdose victims, and is only present in Suboxone as a deterrent to injection (see below). When Suboxone is taken sub-lingually (beneath the tongue), the naloxone has no pharmacological effect. Only 1-4% of the naloxone is absorbed by the system, and after an hour this small amount has left the system. Film & Tablets: Suboxone is available in in 2mg and 8mg strengths, coming in two forms: a sub-lingual tablet and, more recently, a sub-lingual film (similar to a Listerine strip). Both are placed beneath the tongue, where they are absorbed directly into the blood-stream through the mucous membrane. (In the case of the film, the inside of the cheek may also be used.) The effects of the tablets and the film are effectively identical, though trials of film showed a slightly higher bioavailability (i.e. just a little more reaches the system.) NB: The tablet form of Suboxone will not be available in Victoria after 31 Aug 2013. Basic Pharmacology of Buprenorphine Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds strongly to the same receptors as other opiates, but stimulates them only weakly, producing very little of an opiate effect. Once the buprenorphine molecule is locked onto the receptor, it remains there much longer than other opiates like heroin and methadone. If such drugs are taken while on buprenorphine, their effects will be much reduced. Buprenorphine’s affinity for the receptor is powerful enough to displace opiates like heroin and methadone. For this reason, the initial dose of buprenorphine should be low (i.e. < 8mg) and, ideally, the client should be in the first stages of opioid withdrawal. If a dependent client takes a large dose of buprenorphine after recent use of heroin – or before the onset of withdrawal – the buprenorphine can precipitate immediate and full withdrawal. This is an extremely unpleasant, uncomfortable experience to be avoided at all cost. The Ceiling Effect An interesting feature of buprenorphine is its ceiling effect. Up to a certain point, the more buprenorphine that is taken, the greater the opiate effect. Past that point, increasing the dose only results in a longer duration of action and no increased opiate effect. This means that some people can have their daily dose increased (usually doubled) and the dose will last for two days instead of one. This can be very useful for those who have difficulty reaching their dosing points, and can remove the need for take aways during the first month of treatment. NB: Suboxone take aways are not available in these two day doses, i.e. if you are on 8mg, and receive 16mg to take away, it counts as two take-aways, not one. Though scientific evidence is scant, this ceiling effect presumably varies with the individual. The maximum allowable dose of buprenorphine is 32mg. If Suboxone is taken as recommended, the naloxone should have no effect. Any small amount that is absorbed will leave the body within one hour of dosing. Injecting Suboxone If Suboxone is injected, the naloxone and buprenorphine will compete to occupy the receptors, causing an uncomfortable delay before any effects are felt. The buprenorphine will eventually displace the naloxone, but up to twenty minutes may pass before this occurs. If another opiate, like heroin or oxycodone, is present in the system when injecting Suboxone, precipitated withdrawal will result, as the opiate will be rapidly displaced by both the buprenorphine and naloxone. Injecting Suboxone carries serious health risks and is not recommended. If the medication is removed from the mouth prior to injection, these risks are compounded. For more information about the harms associated with injecting Suboxone, please contact PAMS. Take Away Doses of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) The number of take away doses available for those taking Suboxone depends on their stability and how long they have been on the program. For the first two weeks of treatment, clients must attend each day for their dose. After this, if the client is considered stable, some take-away doses may be prescribed, see below for further details: After two weeks of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 2 take away doses per week After two months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 5 take away doses per week After six months of continuous treatment and considered stable (on the correct dose and not missing doses) – eligible for up to 6 take away doses per week Minimal Supervision Regime The Minimal Supervision Regime or MSR is an additional category of of take away doses available to people who have been receiving Suboxone for a considerable period of time, and who have been assessed as very stable by their doctor. Under the MSR consumers may receive up to a 28 day supply of Suboxone at any one time. This type of supply can be dispensed like any other medication in a single, labelled container. To access the MSR a client must arrange to have their GP consult with an Addiction Medicine Specialist (AMS). If satisfied that the client is stable, the specialist will then sign off on a separate, dedicated permit. It may also be neccessary for the client to have a one-off consultation with the AMS.

CHANGING LANES Deciding to go onto pharmacotherapy- whether it's methadone, suboxone or the new long acting buprenorphine injection- is no small decision. Our PAMS program has put this series of 4 videos together- covering every aspect of pharmacotherapy- from the real voices of real pharmacotherapy consumers to you to assist you in making that decision. Changing Lanes Changing Lanes Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing 20211015 720p INHSU Comm Rapporteur 08:07 Play Video Now Playing E01 Deciding To Go On Treatment 04:59 Play Video Now Playing E02 Accessing Treatment 05:31 Play Video

Information about differents drugs. Substance education. Names, chemical make-up, effects, administration, harm reduction suggestions. More info available in our substance specific brochures. Substances Information DRUGS LIST DXM MORE 2C-B MORE Nangs MORE GHB MORE ' Poppers ' MORE Nitazenes MORE Cocaine MORE LSD MORE MDMA MORE Heroin MORE In Progress.

Acerca de Annual General Meeting December 4 2024 @ 3pm Dear members, Harm Reduction Victoria would like to remind you of our 2023-2024 Annual General Meeting which will be happening on: Wednesday DECEMBER 4th 2024 at 3:00pm to 5:00pm. This year we are holding the meeting at Harm Reduction Victoria’s office at: 299-305 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056. We are also able to offer online access to the AGM via Teams. If a vote is needed for Board positions, we will arrange a process and let online attendees know on the day. We are a community, peer organisation and as such it is important that all members get a chance to be involved in our future, so please do join us if you can. Nominating for the Board of HRVic Have you ever thought of being on the Board of a not for profit organisation who advocates and works for something you are passionate about? Being on the Board of a peer-based, membership-based community organisation is a great way to contribute to your community and it can be rewarding and enjoyable. Being on the Board is also a responsibility and requires a level of commitment to attend regular meetings and do some reading and preparation for these meetings . Realistically, participating on the Board will take about 4-5 hours each month. HRVic seeks people who may currently use drugs or have used drugs in the past, and others who support HRVic’s mission and purposes, to join the Board. We want people who are passionate and willing to participate in governance or willing to learn. If you are thinking about nominating to join the Board, HRVic requires that you meet with the CEO and a member of the Board executive before submitting your nomination form. The Board nomination form needs to be received by HRVic no later than one week before the AGM. This year, forms have to be received at HRVic before midnight on the 27th of November 2024. Please organise to meet with the CEO and a member of the Board a few weeks before this date. The meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions about HRVic, the Board and what’s involved in being a Board member. It’s also an opportunity for HRVic to find out more about you – your experiences, skills and reasons for wanting to join the Board of HRVic. Based on our legal obligations and organisational needs, HRVic reserves ththe right to not accept a Board nomination. What happens if my nomination is accepted? 1. You need to provide a short statement about who you are and why you want to join the Board. This will be sent out to the members so they can learn about the candidates. 2. You will have to complete the Board nomination form and you will have to have another member of HRVic formally second your nomination (this means having another member signing the form to say they support your nomination). 3. You then attend the AGM and speak to your nomination. Members attending the AGM vote to appoint the Board members, with a ballot if the number of nominees is greater than the number of vacant positions. Voting at the HRVic AGM HRVic members attending the AGM are asked to vote to accept the minutes of the previous AGM, vote to accept the Financial Report, vote to approve the appointment of Auditors for the forthcoming financial year and vote to appoint the nominees to the Board of HRVic. You will leave a voting expert if you came a voting virgin. Only members of HRVic are allowed to vote at the HRVic AGM. This year the HRVic AGM will be hybrid- meaning voting will be held both online and in person. If an election needs to be held to vote for members of the Board of HRVic (i.e. when the number of people nominating to the Board is higher than the number of vacant positions on the Board), we will run hybrid voting where HRVic members can vote for candidates during the meeting either online or in-person. VOTING BY PROXY If you are not able to attend the AGM, you can vote by proxy. This means you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf (using the Appointment of Proxy form). You can appoint as your proxy the Board Secretary or another HRVic member. Any HRVic member can only be a proxy for TWO other HRVic members. You can allow your appointed proxy to choose how to vote on your behalf or you can indicate your preferred candidates. The names of candidates who have nominated to the Board will be emailed to members on Thursday, 28th of November 2024 and also posted to the HRVic website. Please email admin@hrvic.org.au if you need a proxy form. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not on the list of members (including where we have your name as a nickname), you will not be able to vote. PLEASE ENSURE WE HAVE YOUR DETAILS CORRECT TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN VOTE. This is especially important for members voting online and will only be able to do this if the name they use when they join the online AGM is the same as the name we have on our list of members. If you are not sure if you are a member, it is important that you confirm your membership before the AGM. You can email us at admin@hrvic.org.au to confirm your membership. If you would like to become a vote at an AGM, HRVic must receive your membership application 30 days before the AGM. AGM Forms Available Here INVITE AGENDA NOMINATION FORM 2023 Minutes VOTING INFO 2022/23 Annual Report For Online Attendees: TEAMS LINK to Join AGM 2023-24 Join AGM Online Notes For TEAMS Meeting Attendees We will have a waiting room system and will admit people from 2:30pm onwards. All attendees will be muted on entry by default. As per normal practice, we will check off members as we admit attendees into the virtual 'meeting room'. If you are a member, please ensure your TEAMS nameplate reflects your member name so we can count your vote if needed. We will assign members an “M” in their TEAMS nameplate, so that we can identify members easily during the proceedings. Members who are sharing a computer: Please message us at the start of the meeting at the HRVic Zoom Account so the Secretary can count your vote JOIN HRVIC (to Vote NEXT year) Board Nominees

Useful Links This is your About Page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your website has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. CanTEST The CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service , also known as pill testing, is a free and confidential health and harm reduction service. NUAA The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer-based drug user organisation. QuHIN Office Manager Lisa Rose Product Manager Kevin Nye HR Lead Alex Young Customer Support Lead Our Clients

HRVic's PAMS service provides info and help with and around Methadone/Suboxone/Subutex programs in Victoria PAMS Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation Support A phone service that assists with methadone / Suboxone / long-acting bupe injection (Buvidal / Sublocade) issues between clients and prescribers and dispensers. FREE CALL 1800 443 844 HRVic's PAMS service is Victoria's only pharmacotherapy advocacy and mediation service. PAMS is a telephone service ONLY. You will need to call the PAMS phone line if you have any enquiries or issues that are not in the Client or Providers FAQ sections. Please note: As we are a state-wide phone service, please be patient- you may get the answering machine when you call. If you do- PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE -include your first name, and a short message about your issue and a CONTACT number we can reach you on. *If your issue is URGENT, or you are calling from a prison or detention facility where a call back is difficult, please state that in your message along with a time you will call back or we can call you. Please do not keep calling if you get the answer machine as this only takes up our time checking messages when we could be calling you or someone else back. PAMS is a confidential service – we do not discuss you or your situation with any other party without your consent. (As we are a telephone service, consent is, in most cases, provided verbally.) CLIENTS New or Existing Patients SERVICE PROVIDERS Prescribers / Dispensers WHAT IS PHARMACOTHERAPY? Pharmacotherapy, when used with regard to substance use refers to the replacement of a person’s drug of dependence with a legally prescribed and dispensed substitute. HISTORY OF PAMS The information provided here is for people whose opioid dependency has currently become problematic or unmanageable for them. The most commonly used opioids in Australia today are prescription formulations (codeine, oxycontin, morphine, fentanyl, etc), illicit opioids such as heroin, and the pharmacotherapy medications methadone and buprenorphine. All opioids have the potential to produce physical dependence. Pharmacotherapy for opioid users is sometimes referred to as Opioid Replacement Therapy/Treatment (ORT), Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program (OPP), or Opioid Substitution Therapy/Treatment (OST) and now Medically Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependency (MATOD). Though maybe not for everyone, many find that pharmacotherapy has the ability to stabilise their condition, allowing them to devote more time to managing or repairing their lives. Once stabilised, clients may find they wish to strive for a drug-free existence by slowly reducing their dosage – or else they may be satisfied with a maintenance program and stay stable. Pharmacotherapy has been found to reduce opiate-related harm to both the individual and society. Though other treatments exist (cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) , drug detoxification and (rehab) treatment centres etc., being on a pharmacotherapy program is at present our most effective answer to the problems associated with opioid dependence. Pharmacotherapy programs are available throughout most of Australia. However, each state or territory has its own pharmacotherapy policy and programs can vary considerably. CLICK HERE for PAMS During COVID19 INFO PHARMACOTHERAPY CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN VICTORIA (AUSTRALIA) There are four different pharmacotherapy drugs available in Victoria. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding with your doctor which is right for you, it may be helpful to check out our fact sheets below: METHADONE Methadone Syrup , Biodone Forte (liquid) Physeptone* (tablet) *Only available for travel SUBUTEX Buprenorphine (sublingual tablet) SUBOXONE Buprenorphine / Naloxone (sublingual film) NALTREXONE (tablet, subcutaneous implant, injection) BUVIDAL™/ SUBLOCADE™ Depot Buprenorphine (long acting buprenorphine injection) VICTORIA REASONS TO CALL PAMS: • you can’t get a dose or a number of doses • you have been told to get a new prescriber or pharmacy due to a problem • you feel you have been discriminated against or treated unfairly by your pharmacist or GP • are thinking of starting or resuming a pharmacotherapy program and have any questions or there is a problem or concern you are travelling inter-state or overseas and are on a pharmacotherapy program and need more information travelling OR If you are a prescriber or dispenser in need of information or advice, on ANY client related issue or concern All calls are entirely confidential. PAMS is a free, partially government-funded service. HOURS OF OPERATION PAMS is open from 11 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday. INTERSTATE PHONE: PH: 03 93291500 or Email us: pams@hrvic.org.au NB: Email enquiries MAY take up to 72 hours for a response as we prioritise telephone enquiries. *Please note that our 'free-call' number is unfortunately NOT free from mobile phones. If you are calling from a mobile, let us know and we will call you straight back. OTHER STATES PHARMACOTHERAPY SERVICES NOT IN VICTORIA? If you are NOT in Victoria and you have a problem with your program, your local your state or territory drug-user organisation may be able to help you. QLD – Queensland Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation & Support Service (QPAMS) PH: 1800 175 889 – a program of the Queensland Drug User Organisation (QUIVAA) WA – Opiate Replacement Pharmacotherapy Advocacy and Complaints Service ( ORPACS) PH: (08) 9321 2877 – a program of the WA Drug User Organisation (WASUA) NSW – MACS a program of Rankin Court (public clinic) PH: 1800 642 428 SA- DASSA Drug & Alcohol Services SA PH: 1300 13 1340 Check the AIVL (the national drug user organisation) website or phone AIVL directly on 02 62791600 for more info on your state.

WHACK magazine is HRVic's flagship publication. 37 Issues and 30 years deep, made by drug users for drug users. GET IT AT YOUR LOCAL DRUG USER FRIENDLY SERVICE, NSP OR CLINIC OR COME GET IT FROM THE HRVIC OFFICE! WHACK Magazine is HRVic’s FREE educational and informational community zine. A zine written for and designed BY people who use drugs FOR people who use drugs. WHACK is not for public consumption or sale. WHACK Magazine WHACK is an integral part of Victoria's community of people who use drugs. Our mission to advance the health and human rights of people who use drugs by sharing information, supporting and empowering each other. Currently WHACK magazine comes out, IN PRINT ONLY, EVERY QUARTER - Spring, Summer, Autumn and WInter. Due to increases in printing and postage prices and staff workloads, HRVic does it's best to keep to this timeline but can occasionally be held up. Please be patient when ordering more WHACKs for distribution and consider our back catalogue if you've run out. By providing our community with a free platform to be able to express our thoughts and feelings and that delivers factual, relevant information about issues that directly relate to our lives including up to date information about substances, and reducing the harms associated with drug use – in particular reducing the risk of HIV, hep C and hep B. Due to the diverse & marginalised nature of our community, we do our best to present the info in such a way as to have wide appeal & lasting impact & to represent the different perspectives of a wide range of contributors – from peers to researchers to carers and allies to workers and back to peers.. The information takes on an array of forms- from the informative to the ridiculous – and everything in between. We are constantly on the search for new ways to share our harm reduction messaging and to extend the reach of that message- all while staying true to our roots. HOW TO SUBMIT TO WHACK Send images or stories to samj@hrvic.org.au Back Issues - Late 1980's to TODAY! We are 50 magazines deep! The library of FREE community made magazines you see before you represents the vast body of work that HRVic’s dedicated community have created over the last 30 years plus! Back issues of the magazine are available to read in person in our library in HRVic's Community room at 299-305 Victoria St Brunswick Vic. We can provide you with a pdf of stories if you know what you are after. WHACK magazine is NOT for PUBLIC CONSUMPTION OR FOR SALE.

HRVic's latest program brings people with lived experience and authentic, relevant, real-world, CURRENT experience with: substance use - various substances, injecting and otherwise experience with Hepatitis B - living with and treatment of experience with Hepatitis C- living with and treatment of experience with HIV - prevention and treatment experience with stigma & discrimination in healthcare settings, in the workplace etc. as a person who uses drugs in Victoria/Australia, and/ or as a person with a BBV HRVic's lived experience speakers are trained, remunerated and given ongoing support by HRVic and choose to speak candidly of our experiences publically at forums, conferences, panels and presentations. We at HRVic and we as peers and speakers feel that sharing real experience and putting real faces to real stories is the only way educate, enlighten and inform health workers and to challenge and combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs and people with BBVs. For More Information about booking a 'Speaking Peer- spectively ' lived experience speaker or to enquire about becoming a speaker on HRVic's 'Speaking Peer-spectively' team please email admin@hrvic.org.au or call 9329 1500.

Harm Reduction Victoria is a community based, not-for-profit organisation. Our membership, staff and supporters include current and former people who use drugs. An Authentic Voice Of & For Victorians Who Use Drugs HARM REDUCTION VICTORIA PEER LED HARM REDUCTION: EDUCATION. ADVOCACY. OUTREACH. ADVICE. SUPPORT. INFORMATION. TRAINING. Some of HRVic's Projects & Programs All of HRVic's projects, programs, training, events and happenings are peer led- meaning that they are all led by people with living and lived experience of substance use and whatever that project involves ie. stigma or opioid dependance treatment or BBV testing/treatment or overdose. This is what makes all that HRVic does unique from other orgs/services that may provide a similar service. #nothingaboutuswithoutus PAMS- Pharmacotherapy Advocacy Mediation & Support A phone only service for people on pharmacotherapy (opioid dependancy treatment (ODT) who need assistance or mediation to navigate and/or remain on the program within Victoria. DanceWIze P2P Festival & Event care services On site roving & outreach Peer Led harm reduction training for event service providers & workers Health Promotion & Education Blood Borne Virus Overdose-Recognise & Respond Naloxone Administration Stigma & Discrimination VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Latest Substance News & VIC Alerts News Drug Alert-May 1 2025 Metonitazene may be being sold as ketamine/heroin News .07. 2024 VIC DRUG ALERT News 03.2024 VIC DRUG ALERT Drug Alerts DRUG ALERT- 01.2024 White powder mis-sold as Cocaine-contains synthetic opioid ‘metonitazene’ News COMMUNITY CAUTION 07.2023-Cocaine News DRUG ALERT Dec 31-2022 Drug Alerts AUS DRUG ALERT NOV 2022 Drug Alerts Ketamine Alert -NSW/Canberra/Vic News VIC DRUG ALERT JUNE 2022 News DRUG ALERT- FAKE XANAX Lived & Living Experience of drug u The Inquest into the death of Ronnie Nelson Began This Week.... Lived & Living Experience of drug u February 24 is Family Drug Support Day Events Resources HRVic's harm reduction and safer using resources available for you: *Substance Information *Naloxone *Overdose Response *BBV Prevention & Treatment Order Print On Demand or Download .pdfs Find Here Wominjeka. Harm Reduction Victoria acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the original and continued Custodians of these beautiful, unceded Lands and Waters that nourish and inspire us - where we live and work. We pay our respects to the Culture and to Elders - past and present. GET UP. STAND UP. SHOW UP. HRVic is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and is a proud supporter and ally of all communities- and recognise that people who use drugs come from all cultures, all ethnicities, all genders, all economic 'classes' and all mental and physical abilities. “Dance fused us, magical and cleansing. We were all in a swirl of color and light. It was like a rainbow,” said Baker. “A rainbow. That’s the moment when I knew exactly what kind of flag I would make.” Gilbert Baker worked tirelessly to ensure that the rainbow flag would become a universally recognised, global emblem of the LGBTQIA+ community and its proud legacy. The original 1978 flag initially had a total of eight stripes, each one symbolising an aspect of the LGBTQIA+ movement. The rainbow flag became synonymous with the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and our struggles. These included pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic and art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit. This iconic symbol and its evolution have become an intrinsic part of LGBTQIA+ identity, culture, politics and society.

PAMS HISTORY The Long & Short of it...... The Short...... Since its beginnings in 2000, PAMS has evolved on a number of fronts. The service was originally established to help express consumer-related complaints and grievances, but has moved on to the negotiation and solving of these issues. This development was driven by service users, most of who are less interested in making a complaint than having their problem actually solved, usually within a short space of time. Other developments since the service first began include: the number of cases dealt with by PAMS has increased annually the name of the service has changed from MACS (Methadone Advocacy and Complaints Service) to PAMS the method of data collection and analysis has been computerised the service has become more widely known across the drug treatment sector the service has become increasingly professional. From small beginnings, PAMS has grown into a established service that plays a vital role within the Victorian opiate pharmacotherapy system. The Long..... The Pharmacotherapy, Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service was conceived by a small group of methadone consumers who used to meet regularly at the office of VIVAIDS (the Victorian Drug User Organisation) in the mid to late 1990s. A number of people in this group had experienced a range of problems with their methadone program they were not able to address effectively on their own. Further still, the group members felt there was no avenue through which they could get these issues addressed in a timely and effective manner. As a result, VIVAIDS undertook some qualitative, action based research to investigate the nature of these pharmacotherapy consumer concerns. This report ( ‘pale blue report’ by Kirsty and Nicola) is available upon request from pams@hrvic.org.au . In the year 2000, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre was funded by the Commonwealth Government to run a number of trials of ‘new’ pharmacotherapies, including buprenorphine (mono formulation), slow release oral morphine and leva alpha acetyl methanol (LAAM). These trials were undertaken as part of the ‘National Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence’ (NEPOD). Turning Point then agreed to fund VIVAIDS to pilot a telephone service for the pharmacotherapy consumer group to address the need for any of the following: Information and support Resolution of complaints and grievances Advocacy Mediation Referral Although the service was funded by Turning Point, it was available to any pharmacotherapy consumer in Victoria. The service focussed on the resolution of pharmacotherapy consumer related complaints and grievances and was called the ‘Methadone Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (MACS) and located at the VIVAIDS office in Carlton. MACS was promoted to the methadone consumer group at pharmacies, GP clinics, community health services, NSPs, welfare services, community legal centres and housing agencies. MACS initially operated from a mobile number, it was run by one staff member (who coordinated the service) and was available from 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday. A steering group was established to provide advice and strategic direction for MACS. Members of the steering group included: A GP (experienced pharmacotherapy prescriber), A pharmacist (experienced in the dispensing of methadone), A consumer representative (on a methadone program), The coordinator of MACS, A representative from Turning Point (clinical services), The manager of VIVAIDS Representatives from other relevant alcohol and drug services. In keeping with the other VIVAIDS programs and projects, MACS maintained a strong focus on peer support and representation. The methadone consumer group had access to a peer support worker (from MACS/VIVAIDS), GPs had access to another GP prescriber and pharmacists had access to a pharmacist (pharmacotherapy dispenser) through MACS. The GPs and pharmacists who provided support to their peers involved in a MACS case were available on an ‘on call’ basis. VIVAIDS chose to operate MACS in this way because peers have credibility amongst their peer group. It was also because MACS was new and unknown to GPs and pharmacists and the best way to promote it was again, through the respective professions (peer groups). In practice, this resulted in MACS operating in the following way: A methadone consumer contacted MACS because he felt that his GP (prescriber) did not understand his need for more than one methadone TAD per week. The consumer maintained that he had just been offered part-time work in a family company; nobody in his family knew he was on the program and he said he could not get to his pharmacy during working hours. The consumer said that if he disclosed to his family that he was on the program, any offer of work would be withdrawn. The MACS worker would discuss the issue with the consumer and try to work out a possible solution. The consumer said he would require a minimum of 3 TADs per week in order to work for his family. The MACS worker established that the current dosing point was the only pharmacy with a vacancy in the area. The MACS worker would ensure that permission was obtained from the consumer to contact their GP. The MACS worker would then contact the GP prescriber who provides peer support to other GPs involved in any MACS ‘case’ (MACS GP). This GP then contacts the consumer’s prescriber and discusses the issue. The MACS GP then calls the MACS worker and a course of action is agreed upon. For example, a compromise in this scenario might be that the consumer can have a total for 3 TADs per week, but not for 3 days in a row. The MACS worker then puts to possible solution to the consumer and the MACS GP suggests the same solution to the consumer’s GP prescriber. If all parties agree, no further negotiation is required, if not then both the MACS worker and the MACS GP may go through the same process again until an agreement has been negotiated on behalf of the consumer and his service provider. Theoretically, this was an equitable, unique and supportive way to operate the service. However, due to the need to depend on the availability of the MACS GP (also a current prescriber with his/her own case load) and the MACS Pharmacist (also running his/her own pharmacy) and to resolve the cases quickly, (often so a consumer could dose within 24 hours), it simply became impractical. As the number of cases dealt with by the service rapidly increased, there was simply not enough time to utilise the services of the MACS GP and Pharmacist. Over time MACS gradually became known to GPs, Pharmacists and the methadone consumer group. After running the pilot for 12 months, (funded by Turning Point), VIVAIDS had collected enough data to indicate that MACS was a useful and effective service. VIVAIDS took the data to the Victorian Department of Health, (Drugs Policy and Services) and they agreed to fund the service. The Victorian Department of Health (DoH) have continued to fund the service to this day. After buprenorphine was approved by the TGA and registered on the PBS, meaning it became available as a treatment for opioid dependence in Victoria, MACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy and Complaints-resolution Service’ (PACS). However, PACS had a problem in as the name included the word ‘complaint’. Unfortunately, this resulted in GPs and Pharmacists feeling that “somebody had complained” (about them). This left providers feeling ‘on the back foot’ and defensive before any conversation had taken place. PACS was also compromised by the fact that it had no powers of enforcement to effectively deal with consumer complaints and grievances. If a pharmacotherapy provider did not want to negotiate with the PACS worker, there was often very little the service could do resulting in consumers feeling frustrated, powerless and that they had wasted their time. Interestingly enough, the majority of consumers in direct contact with PACS did not want to make complaints as such, they had problems they wanted resolved effectively and efficiently. These issues culminated in the name and the focus of the service changing. PACS changed its name to the ‘Pharmacotherapy Advocacy, Mediation and Support’ (PAMS) Service. This new name accurately reflects the role of the PAMS Service. PAMS SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION ADVOCACY The PAMS service primarily works on resolving individual pharmacotherapy consumer-related problems and concerns. Through its work, the service develops a unique perspective into and an understanding of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Service System. This specific knowledge and insight is often requested by policymakers, researchers and professional groups. For example PAMS has been involved in the following: Research Sub-Optimal Dosing of Methadone in Victoria Role of Methadone Take Away Doses in NSW and Victoria Post-Surveillance Marketing of Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone) Pharmacotherapy Funding Models Study Reviews Review of the Pharmacotherapy Rural Outreach Workers (PROW) Review of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Program (2010) Review of the Specialist Pharmacotherapy Service (2013) Committees Harm Minimisation Committee (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Victorian Branch) Victorian Department of Health – Pharmacotherapy Reform Advisory Committee Inner East Medicare Local Pharmacotherapy Committee Policy Development Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2008) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Pharmacotherapy Policy for Maintenance Pharmacotherapy for Opioid Dependence (2013) – Victorian Pharmacotherapy Guidelines Buprenorphine-Naloxone Prescribing for Non-Registered GPs (2013)

Fixed Site service Info Victoria’s free pill testing service is now open at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Hours are: Thursdays 10am - 4pm Fridays 1pm - 7pm Saturdays 1pm - 7pm Extended Summer Hours Victoria's new fixed site for drug checking (aka. pill testing) has opened at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. The Victorian Government is trialling this new health service to reduce possible drug-related harm. The service will be able to provide health and safety information about drug use by peer harm reduction workers. It is expected to open by August 2025, and the trial will operate for up to 12 months. This follows the successful launch of a mobile drug checking service at five music festivals from December 2024 to April 2025 . The Victorian Pill Testing Service is a free and confidential service that analyses your drugs and tells you what’s in them. We provide accurate information and non-judgmental health and harm reduction advice to help you make safer decisions about drug use. Funded by: How it works Everyone is welcome to use this service. When you arrive, you’ll provide a small sample of your substance for testing. While waiting for results you can chat with peers or health workers about harm reduction, have a cuppa or just hang out and watch the chemists at work. When the chemist has completed the tests, you’ll get your results in a private consultation room where a peer harm reduction worker will explain what was found and if needed, provide health and safety advice. Important to remember No identifying information is collected during ANY of the process. You can’t be arrested or charged for using the service. However, protections ONLY apply WITHIN the service area, so please ONLY BRING A VERY SMALL sample (less than a traffickable amount). If you are unsure what that is, see below. We can test most substances in pill/tablet form, powders, capsules, crystals and liquids. We can’t test plant material, highly diluted substances, or edibles. The Law Use Trafficking Possession The trafficable quantities are: • amphetamine: 3 grams • cannabis: 250 grams or 10 plants • cocaine: 3 grams • GHB: 50 grams • heroin: 3 grams • ketamine: 3 grams • MDMA (ecstasy): 3 grams • methylamphetamine (ice) : 3 grams These quantities include the drug plus any ‘cutters’. These trafficable quantities can change if the law changes. If you have less than a trafficable quantity of a drug, the police could still charge you with possession, or with trafficking if it looks like you were selling it. ie. in separate baggies etc. _________________ * 'Drugs ,the Law and Safer Substance Use' resource by Victoria Legal Aid Drugs & The Law resource Possession The police can charge you with possession (outside the pill testing service) if you have a drug: • on your body • in your house • in a car that you own or are driving. Possession of prescription drugs like methadone, steroids or benzodiazepines is okay if you have a prescription. The prescription must be up-to-date and made out to you. It is legal in Victoria to possess new or used syringes. Try not to carry drugs on you when you are carrying syringes. ________________ * 'Drugs ,the Law and Safer Substance Use' resource by Victoria Legal Aid Drugs & The Law resource Using Drugs The police can charge you if they see you using or you admit to using: • an illegal drug, or • a drug you do not have a prescription for. Use includes smoking, inhaling fumes, injecting, swallowing, or consuming a drug in other ways. If you admit to injecting someone else with a drug, the police can charge you with ‘introducing a drug into the body of another person’. If that person dies, you may be charged with a serious criminal offence. _________________ * 'Drugs, the Law and Safer Substance Use' resource by Victoria Legal Aid Drugs & The Law resource Contact Us Address 95 Brunswick Street Fitzroy Contact Phone: 1 800 762 844 Email: info@vicpilltesting.org.au Website: www.vicpilltesting.org.au Opening Hours from AUGUST 2025 Thurs. 12pm-4pm Fri. 3pm-7pm Sat. 1pm-7pm Sunday to Wednesday CLOSED Like, Follow & Comment

In 2016, DW expanded its services in response to a need and partnered with a range of collaborators to provide support and infrastructure to festivals to respond to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (GB,) other onsite traumas and psychological distress. DanceWize's NEW Gender Based Violence and Mental Health Services In November 2016, DW expanded its services in response to a need and partnered with a range of collaborators to provide support and infrastructure to festivals to respond to Gender Based Violence (GBV,) other onsite traumas and mental health/psychological distress.  The service acknowledges that there are often disclosures of GBV in the DW space due to the reputation of DW as a safe and non judgmental place where patrons can discuss any issues relating to their drug use and wellbeing. The service also supports the psychological wellbeing of patrons, event staff and volunteers. DW acknowledges that responding to GBV, trauma and psychological distress at music festivals is unique and requires specialist knowledge about responding to AOD, trauma and mental health presentations and the service is provided by peers with appropriate qualifications and extensive experience in the fields of sexual assault, family violence, AOD, trauma and mental health. The services offered are tailored to the industry and acknowledge the unique social, cultural and individual factors of a festival that may result in GBV and psychological distress, paying particular attention to breaking down the barriers to disclosing in the festival context. The service focuses on primary and secondary prevention – providing consultation to festivals about ways to reduce the risk of GBV that includes training and reviewing of policies and procedures, and offering onsite services that are designed to respond to and lessen the immediate and long term of harm of GBV, respond to more complex mental health presentations or onsite traumas, and provide debriefing to staff and volunteers, The service is trauma-informed, focusing on responding to and supporting people in care through establishing safety and trust, valuing client centred care, upholding victim survivor rights, and is guided by the national standards for the delivery of sexual assault services. Pre-event capacity building and consultation Provision of training on Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault at Music festivals (DanceWize and CASA House training) and training booklets Provision of training on Bystander Intervention and Understanding trauma A library of resources available to festivals – brochures for appropriate mental health, sexual assault and family violence services from all across Australia A library of posters available to festivals on consent, supporting survivor’s, responding to disclosures of sexual assault and bystander intervention -developed in collaboration with WestCASA and designed for the music industry Expert consultation on festival sexual assault and harassment policies and procedures, including the provision of templates Festival social media/public messaging advice about consent, GBV and harassment Ability to foster a festivals relationship with local SOCIT’s and CASA’s to ensure that local services are aware of the festival operating Advise event staff of risk factors of GBV at festivals at pre-event planning meetings; Expert advice about the development of processes and procedures relating to the removal of alleged perpetrators Development of flow charts, cheat sheets on responding to sexual assault for event staff Onsite Service Delivery Provision of a separate safe space behind the DW Chill Area Provision of qualified counsellors who work collaboratively with EMT’s to manage risk of wider festival safety Provision of temporary accommodation Resources, and counselling and support provided to people in care Ability to engage with the event’s local CASA, to ensure that local area SOCIT teams are aware of the event and DW counsellors. Local CASA’s have at times been present onsite with a resource table and as part of the DW team. Ability for counsellors to provide secondary consultation and debriefing to all event staff and volunteers who may have witnessed GBV, other traumas or have been a first responder Ability for counsellors to respond to other festival incidents at request of EMT/ECC Provision of active bystander rovers, who role model bystander intervention and provide education about consent Let's Work Together DW’s GBV and Mental Health Service is offered as an additional fee for service to festivals and events and is meant to complement and enhance DanceWize core operations. When the service is requested, the DW GBV and Mental Health service works in collaboration with core operations staff and volunteers to enhance the overall well-being of patrons and staff at festivals and events. The GBV and Mental Health Service offers a comprehensive suite of services, and festivals can choose which activities they would like to engage with. The service is focused on interventions that target the whole festival community.   More information about the service can be requested by emailing  info@dancewize.org.au