Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for AOD workers

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for AOD workers, presented by Lauren Zelunka & Sheridon Byrne

2 Day Workshop
Monday 22nd June & Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 9:30am to 4:30pm

Curious about Motivational Interviewing (MI) or looking to build your confidence in having conversations about change? This practical, hands-on workshop is designed especially for those working in Department of Health funded AOD positions who want to learn (or re-learn) how MI can make everyday client interactions more effective and meaningful.

Motivational Interviewing is a simple yet powerful approach that helps people find their own reasons for making positive changes — without pressure or persuasion. It’s about working with clients, not on them, and creating space for open, respectful conversations about change.

Across two days, you’ll have the chance to:

• Learn what MI is and how it supports real-world AOD work

• Experience the “spirit” of MI — collaboration, acceptance, and compassion

• Practice using questions, reflections, and summaries to keep conversations flowing

• Explore ways to respond when clients feel unsure or stuck

• Build skills you can take straight back into your day-to-day work

Lauren Zelunka has over 10 years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector, with the past five years focused primarily on AOD education and training. She is passionate about equipping professionals with the skills and confidence to use Motivational Interviewing effectively in their work. Lauren is currently involved with the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers Oceania (MINTO) as a Friend of MINTO and is working toward becoming a registered member in the coming years.

Sheridon Byrne is an Education and Training Officer within the workforce development team, with over two decades of experience in capacity building across family violence and AOD. Her work focuses on strengthening practitioner confidence and capability in having effective, respectful conversations about change. Her work includes private consultation and the design of tailored training programs that support sustainable skill development. Sheridon is deeply committed to fostering systemic change and supporting practitioners to use MI with clarity, confidence, and compassion in their day‑to‑day AOD work.

Who should attend? Victorian Department Health funded AOD workers new to their role and/or those looking to refresh and update existing knowledge.

Date: 2 Day Workshop - Monday 22nd June & Tuesday the 23rd June 2026
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Turning Point, 110 Church St, Richmond 3121, Level 1, Training Room Two
Cost: Free
Enquiries: [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE: This workshop is only available to staff who are working in a Victorian Department of Health (DH) funded AOD organisation.

ATTENTION: your registration will be cancelled if you do not register with your WORK email.

Getting to Turning Point: Turning Point is located at 110 Church Street, on the corner of Church Street and Tweedie Place. Entrance is via the front of the building, to the right of the Skoda car dealership. Please take the lift to the first floor and visit reception.
Cancellation policy: This workshop is a free event, however if your circumstances change, please log into your Eventbrite account and cancel your registration or alternatively email [email protected] no later than 7 days prior to advice of your inability to attend.

If you register and do not attend on the day your organisation will receive a fee, places are limited in these free workshops.

Event Venue

Turning Point, 110 Church Street, Richmond, Australia

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