Hamilton Centre Podcast | Exploring Mental Health & Addiction

In this special episode, we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Hamilton Centre with two leaders at the forefront of integrated mental health and AOD care: Professor Margaret Hamilton AO, the inspiration behind the Centre’s name, and our Clinical Director Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri.They discuss the evolution of care models, the importance of addressing stigma and the future of integrated healthcare in Australia. Prof Margaret reflects on her long-standing career, including her foundational work at Turning Point, and the shifts in public attitudes towards addiction and co-occurring disorders. A/ Prof Shalini shares her insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector, as well as the critical role the Hamilton Centre plays in driving system change.This episode explores collaboration, policy change and advice for clinicians on the frontlines of mental health and addiction care. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation and a look ahead at how comprehensive care can transform the landscape of mental health and AOD services.Our guests:Professor Margaret Hamilton has over 50 years of experience in the drug and alcohol field. With a background in social work and public health, she has worked across a wide range of research, including epidemiology and policy. She has held several notable roles: Executive Member of the Australian National Council on Drugs, President of the Cancer Council Victoria, Board Member of VicHealth, Patron of DANA (Drug and Alcohol Nurses of Australasia), and Life Governor of the Australian Drug Foundation. Margaret was also the founding Director of Turning Point in Victoria.Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri is the Clinical Director at both the Hamilton Centre and Turning Point, as well as a clinical researcher at Monash University. Her research focuses on co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. As an educator, Shalini is passionate about inspiring the next generation of medical professionals and actively promotes addiction psychiatry as a career to the medical students and junior doctors she mentors.

In this episode, we’re joined by two passionate advocates, Benn Veenker and Tharindu Jayadeva, who share their lived experiences and expertise in the mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors.They discuss how their journeys have shaped their work supporting others through recovery, the challenges they face and the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. From the role of lived experience workers to systemic service gaps, they explore how communities can better support individuals and the importance of inclusive, trauma-responsive care. Tune in for powerful insights on improving services, reducing stigma and creating more compassionate communities for those facing mental health and AOD challenges.Our guests: Benn Veenker is the Manager for Lived Experience Workforce and Advocacy at Turning Point, Australia’s leading national addiction treatment, training, and research centre. Benn is a passionate recovery advocate, dedicated to breaking down the stigma associated with substance use and mental health. With over 10 years of sharing his lived experience, he aims to reduce the time it takes for individuals to seek help for their substance use and/or mental health challenges.Tharindu Jayadeva is a lived experience worker with a public health and community engagement background, working towards more meaningful and trauma-responsive care practices. Tharindu has designed, delivered, evaluated and advised on health projects at local, national and international organisations, including Orygen, Headspace, Batyr and Oaktree, and now works with the Butterfly Foundation, Mental Health Victoria and Alfred Health to bring a focus on co-design, lived experience storytelling and community participation.

In this episode, Hamilton Centre Relationship and Partnership Lead Annie Williams is joined by A/Prof Brendan O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow and former Head of Practice and Service Development at The Bouverie Centre (La Trobe University), and Robert Campbell, Programme Manager at Family Drug and Gambling Help (SHARC), as they explore the complex challenges families and carers face when supporting loved ones with mental health, substance use and gambling issues.They discuss how stigma, cultural perceptions and a lack of resources can impact family wellbeing, and share insights on creating more supportive services that empower families through compassion, connection and shared experience.Support available for families and carers:Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect - This service is dedicated to those who are supporting people living with mental health and substance use challenges or psychological distress. Support is free of charge, and you don't need a referral from your doctor or health professional. Family Drug & Gambling Help - Family Drug and Gambling Help provides practical help, information and support to families and friends affected by someone’s drinking, drug use or gambling.Tandem - Tandem provides phone support, information and referral to anyone supporting someone with mental health challenges in Victoria.For more services, visit our website: https://www.hamiltoncentre.org.au/help/family-and-carers

In this episode hosted by Annie Williams, Hamilton Centre’s Relationship and Partnership Lead, we’re joined by two guests from Thorne Harbour Health: Molly (AOD Counselling Practice Lead) and Keiran (Peer Support Worker). They discuss the intersection of mental health and substance use issues with LGBTIQA+ people.They explore the stigma these communities face, the challenges in seeking support, and how we can work together to create more inclusive and supportive services for people living with these experiences.

Welcome to the Hamilton Centre podcast, where we delve into integrated care within mental health and addiction services across Victoria, Australia.In this episode hosted by Annie Williams, our Relationship and Partnership Lead, we’re joined by Sally Thomas (Senior Social Worker) and James Steevenson (Senior Psychiatric Nurse) from the Hamilton Centre Advice Line Team. This team plays a crucial role in providing navigation, advocacy, support and referrals for individuals facing complex and high-risk alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and mental health issues.Takeaways:The Hamilton Centre Advice Line offers vital support and expertise to AOD and mental health workers, helping them connect clients with the appropriate services.They offer support to clinicians dealing with complex cases, providing expert guidance on addiction and mental health services.Developing a strong therapeutic alliance between clinician and client is key to achieving successful outcomes.