07/05/25 - National Conference Champions Prevention for Social Change
As nearly 300 community health experts gather in Melbourne today for the Prevention in Place Conference, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is calling on the returned Federal Government to put early intervention and long-term solutions at the heart of health and social policy.
Hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the two-day conference brings together prevention practitioners, researchers and community leaders from sectors including youth services, justice, disability, mental health, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drugs.
“Prevention is a powerful tool – it addresses the drivers of disadvantage and helps create environments where people can thrive before problems take root,” said Dr Erin Lalor AM, CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
“By uniting leaders from a range of sectors, this conference creates space to learn from one another and strengthen our collective impact in using place-based approaches to strengthen prevention and address complex social issues.”
One area where prevention can make a profound difference is in reducing alcohol and other drug-related harm – a key focus of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s work.
“For alcohol and other drug harm, prevention means addressing the root causes like disconnection, trauma and stigma, and investing in evidence-based strategies that strengthen protective factors, particularly for young people,” Dr Lalor continued.
With the Federal Election held just days ago, the Foundation says now is a critical opportunity for the returning government to embed prevention into long-term policy and funding commitments.
“At the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, our call is clear: we need greater investment in prevention to address alcohol and other drug harm at the source, before it impacts individuals, families and communities,” Dr Lalor emphasised.
“That means supporting programs that build social connection, strengthen community engagement, and offer positive role models.”
Despite strong evidence of its effectiveness in addressing alcohol and other drug harm, prevention efforts remain underfunded in Australia.
The Foundation is calling for:
- Increased, sustained investment in prevention programs that reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors.
- Greater support for local, place-based initiatives tailored to community needs.
- Targeted, stigma-reducing education campaigns for at-risk populations and the broader public.
“We urge the Albanese Government to lead with vision. Investing in prevention now will help reduce harm, ease pressure on systems and build healthier, more resilient communities across Australia,” Dr Lalor concluded.
-ENDS-
Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0430 948 380 or media@adf.org.au.
Conference information: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/adfconference