Current Members
The membership of the Change Agent Network consists of leaders within the AOD sector with a wide range of experiences and professions and who work in various services including community health, women’s services, family services, addiction medicine, treatment services, Aboriginal services and youth services. The Change Agent Network believe in ‘leadership without authority’ and thus many of the members are not necessarily in formal positions of authority.
Members of the Change Agent Network went through a rigorous selection process where they were required to show a commitment to broadening and strengthening their leadership skills, as well as deploying their skills, experiences and values to create positive impact within their organisation, catchment and the AOD sector. Each member completed formal leadership training through Leadership Victoria.
Convenor Gillian is a social worker with 16 years’ experience working predominantly in the AOD and mental health sectors in Victoria and the United Kingdom. She is currently employed in the Victorian Dual Diagnosis Initiative (VDDI) through Latrobe Regional Hospital in Gippsland and is therefore currently focussed on capacity building the mental health and AOD sectors in their response to those affected by co-occurring mental illness and substance misuse.
Deputy Convenor Youth Support + Advocacy Service - Workforce Development Jo is a social worker and has 15 years experience in the AOD and other community sectors. She was responsible for developing the Youth AOD Toolbox, OoHC Toolbox and the Youth AOD Learning Hub and is the driving force behind the Australian Youth AOD Conference, an annual sector event. Jo supports the activities of Research and Practice Development at YSAS, and co-ordinates the training team.
Psychologist, The Royal Women’s Hospital Antoinette has worked as a Psychologist at the Royal Women’s Hospital in The Women’s Alcohol & Drug Service for over eighteen years. She has worked previously in residential and community facilities. She also has extensive experience with homeless clients and marginalised adolescents in the child protection system. Antoinette has completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology/Sociology and also a Graduate Diploma in Business Leadership and Management
Manager, Star Health