Prevention in Place Conference 2025

Event Details

DATE / TIME to

Event Series External event

Location In-person

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC, Australia

Register

Hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, the national Prevention in Place Conference spans multiple sectors dedicated to strengthening protective factors for better outcomes, in particular youth services, justice, disability, suicide prevention, mental health and alcohol and other drugs.

This two-day event will bring together experts, practitioners and community groups to strengthen capacity for using place-based approaches to address complex social issues impacting people experiencing, or at risk of, disadvantage, or poor health outcomes. 

Conference themes

  • Systems Thinking – Addressing interconnected social issues.
  • Data – Using insights to inform decisions.
  • Co-design and Consultation – Engaging communities in meaningful ways.
  • Leadership and Partnerships – Building sustainable change.
  • Evaluation – Measuring the impact of interventions.

The soon-to-be released program will comprise of thought leaders and exemplars of best practice, including practical stories from local community speakers.

Ample time will be provided on the program to allow participants to mingle, build their networks and workshop issues relevant to their work.

What are place-based approaches?

“Place-based approaches (PBAs) are collaborative, long-term approaches to build thriving communities delivered in a defined geographic location. This approach is ideally characterised by partnering and shared design, shared stewardship, and shared accountability for outcomes and impacts. PBAs are often used to respond to complex, interrelated or challenging issues.”

Dr Jessica Dart 2018. Commonwealth Government (Department of Social Services) and the Queensland Government (Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors).