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 free 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. Conference registration is not required to attend this workshop.
Date, Time & Venue:
- Date: Sunday 8 November 2026
- Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm (AWST)
- Venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, Walyalup, WA, Australia
Speakers:
- Bianca Davidde | GP and Addiction Medicine Specialist, SA Prison Health Service, Drug and Alcohol Services SA
- Ele Morrison | Deputy Chief Executive Officer | AVIL
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
Target Audience:
Clinical and non-clinical staff working across AOD care
CPD & Endorsement:
RACGP
This is an approved activity under the RACGP CPD Program. Activity number 1724710.
- 1.5 Educational Hours
- 0.5 Reviewing Performance Hours
ACRRM
This event has been accredited in the 2026-2028 ACRRM CPD Program. Activity number 43246.
- 1.5 Educational Hours
- 0.5 Reviewing Performance Hours
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
Funding:
This course received funding from the Australian Centre for Disease Control.
