Self Help Addiction Resource Centre - SHARC

24/08/2026

Cam is a member of the SHARC team and recently shared his story on a podcast.

He speaks candidly about his experiences of addiction, time in jail, navigating his identity, and what recovery looks like for him today.

Cam now works as Peer Services Coordinator at SHARC - we appreciate the insight, authenticity and lived expertise Cam brings into his role each day, and the way he draws on his own experiences to support others in the community.

We know that sharing your story publicly like this is not easy and takes a lot of courage. Thank you for sharing your story, Cam, and for showing others what recovery can look like.

In this episode/podcast, Cam McNair strips away the polished resume...

13/08/2026

Last week, our APSU Manager Emer Diviney presented with Tharindu Jayadeva and Anita Conlon, facilitated by Mary O'Hagan, at Conference about the importance of meaningful lived experience participation.

Together, they led a discussion with members of the audience about what our role is, as individuals and as a collective, in making sure people impacted by systems and services are genuine partners in shaping them. Together with people in the audience, they explored how we can better ensure services reflect people’s real-life experiences and embed what matters to them.

Meaningful lived experience participation involves creating spaces where people feel safe to speak honestly, where their experience is valued, and where they can have a real say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Rather than talking 'at' attendees, Tharindu, Emer and Anita engaged with the expertise in the room through a facilitated discussion - taking a step towards practising what they preach!

11/08/2026

Glenn and Laura from Family Drug and Gambling Help (FDGH) at SHARC recently had the privilege of attending community events in Hamilton and Heywood, hosted by Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation

The visits meant we could listen, learn and connect with First Nations communities and hear about the experiences of families impacted by alcohol, other drugs and gambling. We were warmly welcomed by community members and explored ways to listen, connect and strengthen pathways to support.

A huge thank you to Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation for inviting us and creating space for these conversations. We look forward to continuing to build respectful, culturally responsive relationships grounded in trust and listening.

Read more about our visit to Heywood and Hamilton on our website: https://f.mtr.cool/ecrmyfyktq

29/07/2026

Last week, our Residential Support Services (RSS) team from SHARC had the pleasure of visiting the incredible team at Midsumma FestivalMidsumma to explore volunteering opportunities.

Midsumma creates inclusive spaces that celebrate LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, and community. Volunteering is a great way for our residents to engage in their projects, develop new skills, connect with others, and be part of one of Melbourne's most vibrant festivals.

A huge thank you to the Midsumma team for generously taking the time to meet with our residents, sharing their experiences, answering questions, and making everyone feel so welcome (and for the delicious snacks!) It was wonderful to see how easily they connected with our residents and inspired them to get involved.

We did try to get a serious group photo, but were laughing too much❤️🌈

27/07/2026

At 2:00 pm today AEST, compatible mobile devices across Australia will receive a test AusAlert Critical Alert. Devices will vibrate, sound a loud siren-like alert for around 10 seconds, and display a test message. Critical Alerts override silent and Do Not Disturb settings.

We're sharing this information because the alert may affect some people who keep a hidden or secondary phone for safety. If this alert could affect you or someone you know, turn the device off or switch it to aeroplane mode before 2:00 pm, and leave it off for at least one hour.

For more information about the alert, visit the official website: https://f.mtr.cool/bmsvlquimh

23/07/2026

A big congratulations to Jennifer Black, Katie Larsen and all those appointed to lead Victoria's Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission and the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

We're especially delighted to congratulate our former CEO of 15 years, Heather Pickard OAM, on her appointment to the Victorian Collaborative Centre Board. Heather is a passionate champion of lived experience leadership and has made a significant contribution to mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) reform in Victoria. We know she'll make an incredible contribution in this role.

Read more:

Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt announced the appointment of Jennifer Black as Victoria's next Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioner, alongside Katie Larsen as Deputy Commissioner.

13/07/2026

"I had never painted in my life."

After a difficult period in his recovery, APSU member Duane found inspiration through Krishna, which led him to pick up a paintbrush for the first time.

What began as a way to find peace became a powerful therapeutic outlet and an important part of his recovery. Today, painting is one of Duane’s preferred tools when it comes to staying present and finding peace. Duane's artwork is the cover art of the latest edition of Flipside - a magazine written by consumers of alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, their families, friends and supporters.

Join APSU and be part of the community behind Flipside, a space where you can share your story make your voice heard: https://f.mtr.cool/asjkdyjvab

08/07/2026

Earlier this year, The First Step Program hosted a forum to explore what we want the mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), Aboriginal health, justice and lived experience sectors to look like over the next 25 years. SHARC CEO Clare Davies was one of five speakers contributing to this important conversation.

One message from the forum stood out across all speakers: the solutions being put forward aren't new - we already know what needs to be done.

You can read the briefing paper which summarises the key themes discussed on the day, here: https://f.mtr.cool/uyeyaewife

A big thank you to First Step for organising this event and facilitating this discussion.

06/07/2026

"While it is a time to celebrate, NAIDOC Week first grew from an Aboriginal political movement... That spirit of resistance and collective action continues to define NAIDOC today. While the week has evolved into a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and achievements, its foundations remain firmly rooted in the pursuit of justice, equality and self-determination."

In this article, First Nations Professor Bronwyn Carlson explains why this week - NAIDOC Week - has always been more than a celebration:

Naidoc Week is an invitation to engage with Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander history and reflect on the work that still needs to be done

25/06/2026

Last week, thanks in part to the funds raised through our Bunnings sausage sizzle, some of our residents were able to take part in a weekend of equine therapy.

Spending time with horses meant that our resi’s could slow down and practice emotional regulation and self-awareness. Activities like this are an important part of recovery - creating opportunities for connection, presence and growth.

A big thank you to Michael from Everwild Consulting for facilitating the equine sessions and sharing his knowledge, and to OzHarvest for helping make this experience possible.

We're thankful to everyone who supports us and helps create opportunities like this for our residents.