Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia)

18/03/2026

NCCRED, AIVL, CAHMA and Harm Reduction Victoria are running a study to better understand the experiences of people who’ve used benzodiazepines sources from dealers or online markets in the past 12 months. The study involves a short screening survey, with some people who complete screening invited to also complete a confidential 60–90-minute interview. Find out more here-

https://nccred.org.au/research/our-research/current-research-projects/the-navigating-novel-benzos-study

21/02/2026

🚧COMMUNITY DRUG ADVISORY🚧
A large quantity of alkaloid poppy plant ‘heads’, that are grown for the pharmaceutical industry, were recently stolen from a property in Victoria.

WHY ITS A PROBLEM?
🚨These poppies are very different from traditional opioid poppies and contain dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine,
with risk of life-threatening toxicity. 🚨

Remember back In 2022-2023 when 40+ people experienced life-threatening effects following the consumption of thebaine-contaminated poppy seed ‘tea’.??!☕😭🤢☠!

Effects included agitation, muscle twitching, high body temperature and seizures.
The effects may be unpredictable, particularly when combined with thebaine.

🤷🏼‍♂️WHAT IS IT?🤷🏾‍♀️

THEBAINE:
Unlike morphine, thebaine has stimulatory effects rather than depressant effects and can lead to seizures, high body temperature, and life-threatening toxicity. Thebaine does not produce pain relief, sedation or euphoria.
Any exposure to thebaine may cause poisoning.

ORIPAVANE:
Oripavine can produce opioid-like effects such as sedation, slowed breathing, and small pupils, however, it's is not used medically for these effects because it can also cause severe toxicity (agitation, seizures) and life-threatening complications at high doses.

🤔WHAT NOW?
Be cautious of ANY dried, powdered, sticky or liquid poppy plant product.
AVOID ACQUIRING OR USING any dried poppy pods / heads, ground or powdered plant material, or liquid / tar-like preparations.

REDUCING POSSIBLE HARMS
☎️Call ‘000‘ immediately if you see or feel any unexpected or adverse effects .
👭Avoid using alone. Surround yourself in people you trust who can help if things
go sideways! 😵‍
🕘Start Low- Go Slow. Use less than your usual dose- wait until you feel the
effects before re-dosing.
💉Carry Naloxone- even if you aren't planning on taking an opioid.

To talk to someone who has living/lived experience of drug use, call Harm Reduction Victoria for any drug advice or information.
No judgement. No names. No cost. No BS.

E: [email protected]
W: www.hrvic.org.au
Ph.(03) 9329 1500
Visit 299-305 Victoria St Brunswick Vic.

18/02/2026

Have you used ketamine recently?
We're excited to be partnering on the first Australian Ketamine Survey!

We want to better understand how people use K, why we use K, and how using K has affected us all – both the good and the bad and the k-hugly ;-) !

We want to improve community health and inform ketamine harm reduction.

If you are interested in finding out more, please use the link in bio: https://redcap.link/CompletetheAustralianKetamineSurvey

29/01/2026

TONIGHT!!! 9PM (AEST)🕘
TUNE IN TO 🏳️‍🌈🎙📡📻JOY FM's online streaming health extravaganza, 'Well, Well, Well' 👨‍⚕️🎤👩🏽‍⚕️to hear our good mate, colleague and all round legend- Sarah Hiley, the Director of the Victorian Pill Testing service, talk to Jack Crnjanin about harm reduction and how drug checking at both events 🕺🏻🎪 and in the community is a game changer!

9PM TONIGHT on JOY FM !! Tune in NOW! and click on 'LISTEN LIVE' on the 404 page

https://joy.org.au/wellwellwell/2026/01/pill-testing-at-street-party/

22/01/2026

FORECAST THIS WEEKEND for VICTORIA :
PARTIES, FESTIVALS and EVENTS WITH A PROBABILITY OF HEAT HEAT HEAT!!!

As of Thursday 22 at 12:50pm the weather calls for:
Fri- ☀26 degrees Sat- ☀☀39 degrees!! Sun- ☀27 degrees

Heat and substances don't mix well! 🌞 + 💊🍻🥂= 🤒🤢☠
If you are attending one of the many big parties or events on this weekend, remember that mixing M**A or other stimulants with heat, humidity, and dehydration and dancing can cause hyperthermia (overheating).
Hyperthermia has led to deaths and hospitalisations at Australian festivals.
This risk is increased at outdoor events in hot weather with big crowds and little shade with banging music you just have to dance to!

Ways to reduce the risk of hyperthermia or heat exhaustion:
* Take Breaks & Hydrate🌴🚰- regularly, in the shade, and rest often.
* Avoid OVER Hydrating! - Sip water slowly but regularly. When Active: no more than 500ml/hour. At Rest: no more than 250ml / hour
* "Start Low & Go Slow" 💊- Take 1/2 your usual dose. Re-dose AFTER the peak (+2hrs) You can always take more but you CANT take less after the fact.
* Wait to 'drop' until AFTER the hottest time of the day. 🌜
* Get your drugs checked! - The Victorian Pill Testing service's fixed site at 95 Brunswick St, Fitzroy is FREE, LEGAL and ANONYMOUS! and is open longer over summer- THURS 10am-4pm, FRI 1pm-7pm and SAT 1pm-7pm

The Victorian Pill Testing Service Pill Testing Mobile Service will be at Dangerous Goods from 2:30pm-8:30pm. They will be located next to our very own Dancewize tent. Drop in if you need to refill your water, or need advice from peers. or just to say g'day!

Look after yourselves and eachother! ❤💞❤

05/01/2026

Apologies for any disruption but the online Naloxone `training due today @ 4:30pm has been CANCELLED. We will resume our usual training starting Wed 21st Jan . see our website for the link and join on the day. No need for bookings.

18/12/2025

Wreaths have been used for centuries by many different cultures and belief systems and religions as symbols of welcome, protection, unity and continuity.
Their circular or Ouroboros shape — with no beginning and no end — represents togetherness and enduring connection. Traditionally made from evergreens, wreaths also symbolise hope, resilience and life continuing through the seasons. Just like us.
At this holiday time of year- which can be easy to forget that it's sometimes the most dreaded time of year for many in our communities - that meaning feels especially fitting.
Our wreath quietly says:
"You’re welcome here"
"This is a place of no judgement"
"The door is open"
"Here, we are equal"

Harm Reduction Victoria wishes everyone a Safe fun filled holiday break and and a healthful New Year!

We are CLOSED from 5pm on Friday, 19th December 2025 until 10am Monday, the 5th January 2026.

*There will not be a Naloxone training on Jan 1 this year, but we'll be back mid-January on Wednesday, 14th Jan at 8pm for Naloxone at Night.
*Hep C testing will restart up from the first week back but email [email protected] to confirm availability.
* The PAMS phone service will remain open until Tues 23 December and then return after a short break on the 5th January with the rest of the team.
* Dancewize will be attending events throughout the break because it's festival season and we don't sleep!

See you next year!
Carry naloxone, be kind to eachother and to yourself. xo

17/12/2025

Last online naloxone training for 2025 is tonight at 8pm.

Learn how to recognise and respond to opioid overdose - it could help you save a life, and might even get you onto Santa's "nice" list!

Zoom details are at hrvic.org.au/training.

First online naloxone training of 2026 will be on Monday 5th January at 4.30pm.
nice

30/11/2025

Drug checking has NEW EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS to match your extended partying hours! Get at it- test it!
Victorian Pill Testing Service

30/11/2025

A small group of protesters standing up for public housing residents in Flemington. Give them a honk of support. If uou drive past!! 🎉🎉🚕

30/11/2025

https://youtube.com/shorts/aLbgkp4WWi0?si=0v8xQK1yHWc89ecw

Real world parent problems 🤣🤣🤣

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