A statement from SHARC on the Entities Bill
In 2021, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system set a clear vision for mental health reform grounded in lived experience, accountability and independent oversight.  The changes now proposed by the Labor government risk undoing that progress. SHARC, along more than a dozen organisations including Mind Australia, VMIAC, Tandem, the Health and Community Services Union, […]
Celebrating the first cohort of the Learning Collaborative (TLC) graduates
The Learning Collaborative (TLC) is Australia’s first dedicated program supporting the Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) in AOD and mental health services. This round, 11 organisations completed the program: Anglicare Victoria Ballarat Community Health Bayside Health Alfred Better Health Network Latrobe Regional Health Mind Odyssey Victoria St Vincents Hospital (Melbourne) The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Wellways Youth […]
A statement from SHARC about the Victorian government’s apology to First Nations people
SHARC stands in support of today’s apology to First Nations people. We recognise the profound harm inflicted on First Nations people by the state and colony – both historic and ongoing – and welcome this step towards justice.   This moment is a testament to the strength, resilience, and activism of First Nations people, whose voices […]
A statement from SHARC about the Silver Review
SHARC has serious concerns about the implications of the Silver Review and its associated reforms on the inclusion of lived experience leadership within Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system. Released last Thursday, the Review proposes cuts to Victoria’s public service, including a tranche of money-saving measures related to mental health. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s […]
Strategy charts ambitious path for system reform
SHARC welcomes the launch of the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025–2035. The strategy, released yesterday by Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, is designed to reduce the incidence and impact of AOD-related harms in Victoria. It also aims to equip the AOD system to meet the needs of individuals, families, supporters, and diverse communities. The focus […]
The Regina Brindle Grant Program is now open!
SHARC is supporting consumer-led projects, with grants of up to $5000 for people with lived and living experience of alcohol, drug, gambling, or mental health challenges, with family members and supporters also welcome to apply. This grant honours Regina Brindle’s work in promoting consumer voices and supports projects that reduce stigma, foster community and uphold […]
Lived experience projects evolve thanks to agency insights
Participants in The Learning Collaborative, the landmark Lived and Living Experience Workforce initiative led by SHARC, have reached a significant milestone. The 11 alcohol and other drug and mental health agencies taking part in the 12-month pilot have successfully completed the first half of the project. In addition to an ongoing formal learning program, the […]
Gathering to remember on overdose awareness day
The lives of those lost to overdose will be honoured at an event hosted by SHARC on 1 September 2025. The gathering is being held to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. This initiative acknowledges the profound impact of the loss of loved ones to overdose, while raising […]
Acknowledging our Volunteers
This week is National Volunteer Week. SHARC would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful volunteers who support our Family Drug and Gambling Helpline, support groups and other program areas. Every day our volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of so many.  Our volunteers in addition to connecting with communities, are able to continue […]
Lived experience learning ramps up for LLEAH
The testing and pilot phases of the Lived and Living Experience at Heart program, or LLEAH, are well underway. Launched in November 2024, LLEAH is an organisational support program for Victoria’s mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. It aims to ensure the invaluable contributions of Lived and Living Experience Workers (LLEW) are […]