First Step is a treatment clinic located in St.Kilda that specialises in team care for people suffering from mental ill-health and substance use disorders.
St.Kilda
Joined April 2017
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Today is #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay . Chloe and Patrick from First Step made a timely podcast with the marvellous @J_DiMeglioTrang that was released yesterday to align with IOAD: youtu.be/kQzcfCi-8mw?si=eFKv…
Take care of yourselves and reach out when you need support.
DepSec Anders speaking at #vaada on Vic Gov AOD Strategy: new GHB clin guidelines, support of medical specialists, true costs of delivering care (funding model review te complex needs), access to pharmacotherapy (inc low dose m’done) @VAADAENEWS
At #vaada conference @IngridStitt reflects on new naloxone vending machines, AOD hubs in 4 hospitals, Cmty Health Hub in Flin. St (promised later this year), LLE, Nth Rich. MSIR, continued support of harm reduction, funding of First Step and other harm reduction initiatives.
Clare Davies @WeAreSHARC at #FirstStepFuturesForum
“True transformation requires real risk.”
Meaningful reform demands not just structural adjustments, but courage.
#LivedExperience #MentalHealthReform #HarmReduction
We welcome the Victorian Government’s support for First Step in last week’s State Budget providing critical funding that helps people access integrated care when they need it most.
Thanks to @NinaTaylorMP, @rachelpayneMP and @georgievpurcell for your ongoing support.
Clare Davies @WeAreSHARC spoke about long-term change and courage.
“It is a radical act to build something that outlasts the current system.”
Long term change is radical.
#FirstStepFuturesForum #LivedExperience #MentalHealthReform #HarmReduction
First Step retweeted
ALT Informative image about First Step's expanded mental health services in St Kilda. Includes vivid wall art and text.
ALT A bus image with text highlighting upgrades to bus routes in Casey, Dandenong North, and Springvale. The mood is informative and welcoming.
ALT Two people smiling and wearing sunglasses stand outside, beside a promotional banner for the Vic Pill Testing Service. The banner highlights drug-checking trial successes and expansion plans.
ALT A group of people smiling under rainbow flags at a pride event, emphasizing community and support for LGBTQIA+ programs.
Sheree Lowe @VACCHO_org
spoke about treaty not as symbolism, but as structural change.
“Treaty is an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to affirm the rightful place of First Peoples.”
Listening must lead to shared decision-making, accountability and self-determination.
Last week we welcomed the Governor of Victoria.
It was a moment to reflect, not just on how far we’ve come, but on what still lies ahead.
In his latest blog, Patrick reflects on where things are at, and why the work is far from done.
firststep.org.au/ceoblog_apr…
Clare Davies @WeAreSharc challenged the #FirstStepFuturesForum to consider what true inclusion means.
“Inclusion has too often been a tick-box exercise rather than a redistribution of power.”
Equity requires shifting decision-making authority, not simply widening consultation.
Closing the #FirstStepFuturesForum, Rev Tim Costello AO quoted Desmond Tutu in reflecting on collective responsibility.
“Optimism and hope aren't a preference. They're a choice.”
Choosing hope means continuing the work, even when progress feels fragile.
At #FirstStepFuturesForum, @Paul4Frankston reflected on lived realities:
“People do not experience mental health issues or AOD issues in a vacuum.”
Housing stress, trauma, poverty and legal issues intersect, and services must respond accordingly.
#DrugPolicyReform
At #FirstStepFuturesForum @PatMcGorry
@orygen_aus highlighted a national contradiction.
“Mental illness is the major cause of disability in Australia by far.”
Yet funding and system design do not reflect that scale.
#MentalHealthReform #MentalHealthPolicy
Reflecting on deinstitutionalisation and community reform, @PatMcGorry @orygen_aus described unfinished change.
“They built foundations and no one ever built the rest of the building.”
Without sustained investment, reform stalls at intention.
#MentalHealthReform
#Integratedcare is everywhere right now - policy, strategy, sector reports.
But turning it into something real takes more than words.
Read Patrick’s latest blog: All roads lead to integrated care here:
firststep.org.au/ceo_blog_ma…
Opening her address at #FirstStepFuturesForum, Sheree Lowe @VACCHO_org reminded the audience that reform spans generations.
“Twenty-five years is a generation.”
The decisions we make now shape the lives of children not yet grown.
#TreatyVictoria #FirstPeoples
Clare Davies @WeAreSHARC reflected on the emotional toll placed on lived experience communities repeatedly asked to co-design reforms that stall or retreat.
“We cannot keep inviting people into broken systems.”
Trust depends on systems that change.
#FirstStepFuturesForum
Lead one of Australia’s pioneering Health Justice Partnerships. We are recruiting a values driven Director for First Step Legal. Check out the PD and please share with your networks firststep.org.au/careers
Applications close: April 10, 2026
Sheree Lowe @VACCHO_org shared reflections from Victoria’s historic #treaty process at the #FirstStepFuturesForum.
“Treaty is how we make the future possible.”
A shared future requires truth, accountability and self-determination.
#SelfDetermination #FirstPeoples
Sheree Lowe, @VACCHO_org, spoke directly about systemic harm at #FirstStepFuturesForum.
“Racism is one of the leading factors that are killing our people.”
Health reform cannot ignore structural injustice.
#TreatyVictoria #SelfDetermination #FirstPeoples
