First Step

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.

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

Clare Davies @WeAreSHARC at #FirstStepFuturesForum

“True transformation requires real risk.”

Meaningful reform demands not just structural adjustments, but courage.

#LivedExperience #MentalHealthReform #HarmReduction

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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.

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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 @FirstSteptweets]

@rachelpayneMP Two absolute champions for a safety-and-compassion-first approach to drug policy and our community. @georgievpurcell and @rachelpayneMP fighting stigma, reducing harm and saving lives!!

[Rachel Payne MP @rachelpayneMP]

The budget is in and here are some of the wins for our community.

#budget #auspol

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

@rachelpayneMP We are so grateful for the support of such a progressive and outspoken champion of drug law reform. Rachel and her team advocate for a compassionate approach to care and treatment. A great partnership!!

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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.

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

@PatMcGorry @orygen_aus urged governments to reassess mental health reform momentum.

“We have to rethink the set of priorities.”

Reform must focus on fundamentals, not symbolic gestures.

#FirstStepFuturesForum #MentalHealthReform #MentalHealthPolicy

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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.

https://t.co/N1VGGv2Ppt

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

@PatMcGorry @orygen_aus reflecting on global uncertainty and shifting assumptions at the recent #FirstStepFuturesForum

“The future ain’t what it used to be.”

Reform requires adaptability in an unpredictable world.

#MentalHealthReform #MentalHealthPolicy

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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.

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

@Paul4Frankston addressed ongoing public debate about harm reduction measures at #FirstStepFuturesForum:

“Harm reduction is healthcare, not a political football.”

Evidence-based approaches save lives.

#HarmReduction #AODSector
#DrugPolicyReform

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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.

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

@PatMcGorry @orygen_aus spoke about system failure and preventable tragedy at #FirstStepFuturesForum

“There are probably dozens of Bondi Junctions that could happen.”

Early intervention and continuous care are not optional, they are safeguards.

#MentalHealthReform

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

#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:
https://t.co/Cpv6KsW86u

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

@PatMcGorry @orygen_aus, argued that building services alone is not enough.

“We’ve got to turn off the tap.”

Prevention means addressing the social and economic drivers of mental ill-health, not only treating the consequences.

#FirstStepFuturesForum #MentalHealthReform

[First Step @FirstSteptweets]

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