About us

Who are we?

Photo Courtesy Andrew Hyde

Peter Burnheim,
Executive Officer

Katie Flynn,
Coordination and Communications Manager

The Association of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies Northern Territory (AADANT) Incorporated is the peak body for Alcohol and Other Drugs treatment services in the Northern Territory.

As an independent, membership-driven, not-for-profit association, we work with our members to support and strengthen Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) service delivery for people who experience harmful substance use in the Northern Territory.

Our mission is to build and maintain a strong, sustainable and culturally diverse AOD sector that works together to reduce alcohol and drug-related related harm across the Northern Territory.

AADANT acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and walk

Our Board

Chairperson - Jill Smith, CEO CAAPS

Jill moved to the Territory from NSW 2011, and brings many years of senior leadership experience in the youth, AOD and community services sectors.

Holding Master's level qualifications in child and adolescent welfare, Jill has a background working to promote social justice and children's rights, and continues to advocate for people in our community who do not have the strongest voices when it comes to public debate and policy development.

As the CEO of the Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Jill shares a particular interest ensuring Territorians have access to quality services, our workforce have opportunities to access professional development along with best practice resources, and collectively we maintain a strong commitment to improve the lives of our most vulnerable people.

Deputy Chair - Pauline Lewis, CEO BRADAAG

Pauline has worked in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and Addiction field for over 6 years, primarily in Central Australia.

She is a passionate and committed specialist AOD Nurse. Pauline completed her Graduate Diploma in AOD and Mental Health in 2016, and her love for learning has influenced both colleagues and staff alike. Pauline demonstrates an excellent understanding and application of governance structures, promoting quality improvement, workforce capacity building, and the strength of collaborative inter-sectoral relationships.

Pauline has a strong focus on client outcomes and ensuring the systems and processes within an organisation support the workforce to deliver the treatment and care necessary for positive client outcomes. In 2017, Pauline was the recipient of “Excellence in Alcohol and other Drugs Nursing Award”

Treasurer - Carole Taylor, CEO DASA

Secretary - Vacant

Public Officer - Stephen Versteegh, ED FORWAARD

Stephen has been embedded in the Northern Territory community for more than 40 years, having lived in Alice Springs and now residing in Darwin.

He is the Executive Director of FORWAARD Aboriginal Corporation, previously occupying several senior positions within the Employment and Training sector. Stephen is an accomplished senior leader, with over 20 years’ experience in the corporate arena.

Stephen has strong credentials as a board member. He has previously completed five years as a member of the Electrical Workers and Contractors and Licencing Board, as well as holding committee positions on several of the Northern Territory’s Training Advisory Boards.

Stephen brings to the AADANT Board, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, he also has a solid understanding of corporate governance and has leadership proficiency. He is well qualified for the role, having gained a Batchelor of Education as well as having Diploma qualifications in Education, Business, Leadership and Management and Human Resource Management.

Stephen is an advocate for the AOD sector and is steadfastly resolved to building enterprise capability, to ensure that clients continue to receive high-quality, relevant treatment and support.