Syphilis rates have tripled in Australia over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across a range of health and community settings. People accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services often face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including syphilis. Staff working in these settings are uniquely positioned to support timely access to testing, treatment, and care. 

ASHM – the peak body for the sexual health and blood-borne virus (BBV) workforce in Australia – is delivering a workshop designed for both clinical and non-clinical staff in AOD services. This workshop explores the current syphilis landscape in Australia and its relevance to AOD settings, with a focus on practical, whole-of-service strategies to support timely access to sexual health care. Participants will learn how to recognise risk factors, identify signs and symptoms and when to screen, navigate referral pathways, and use trauma-informed approaches to initiate sexual health conversations and reduce barriers to care. 

This is an APSAD 2026 Conference Associated Event.

Date, Time & Venue:

• Date: Sunday 8 November 2026
• Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm (AWST)
• Venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, Walyalup, WA, Australia

Speakers:

• Julie Byrne-King | Nurse Practitioner Candidate | Harm Reduction WA 
• Jöel Murray | Policy and Evaluation Specialist | AVIL 
• Additional speakers TBC

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

• Describe the current syphilis context, including current trends and concerns 
• Recall priority populations for syphilis and relevant considerations in AOD settings 
• Recognise signs and symptoms, and how to support or initiate sexual health conversations, screening and referral 
• Identify practical strategies, models of care and trauma-informed approaches to reduce barriers and support access to care 
• Reflect on peer perspectives to strengthen responses to syphilis in AOD settings 

Course Components:

• One 2-hour workshop
• Post course survey

Recommended Resources:

• Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care  | ASHM
• Could It Be Syphilis? Clinical Indicator Tool | ASHM
• Guide to Discussing Syphilis Testing  | ASHM

CPD & Endorsement:

Endorsement is currently pending with RACGP and ACRRM. This activity may be suitable for self-claiming CPD hours with your professional body. An estimated equivalent of 2 CPD hours applies. A statement of attendance will be provided for full attendees.

Funding:

This course received funding from the Australian Centre for Disease Control.

Target Audience:

Clinical and non-clinical staff working across AOD care