Shaping Australia’s response to methamphetamine (ice): Celebrating 15 years
Over the past 15 years, 360Edge has been at the forefront of Australia’s response to the complex issue of methamphetamine, commonly known as ice. We’ve been privileged to partner with peak bodies, health services, and government agencies to build capacity, enhance knowledge, and create genuine change.
Our CEO, Professor Nicole Lee: Australia's leading ice expert
Central to our work in the ice space has been the leadership of our CEO, Professor Nicole Lee, who is renowned as one of Australia’s leading authorities on ice policy and practice. Nicole continues to significantly influence Australia's response strategies through extensive research and public discourse.
With more than 20 peer reviewed journal articles, six book chapters and monographs, and five clinical guidelines and training manuals published, Nicole has substantially shaped best practices in responses to ice. Nicole’s expertise is highly sought after, and she has delivered more than 45 keynote presentations and 35 conference and seminar presentations on ice.
Professor Nicole Lee presenting at the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction’s National Methamphetamine Symposium, 2015
Building workforce capacity to respond to ice
Between 2017 and 2020, we delivered targeted face to face training to more than 17,000 frontline workers across Victoria. These workshops reached diverse groups from healthcare professionals and educators to transport and welfare providers, significantly boosting their skills and confidence in responding to ice. Our workshops covered critical topics like identifying patterns of use, managing intoxication and psychosis, and exploring effective treatment and recovery pathways.
Our commitment to building workforce capacity extends beyond training. In 2017, our ice experts CEO Professor Nicole Lee and Paula Ross authored Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg: A Practitioner’s Guide to Ice, synthesising the latest research to equip professionals with practical strategies to better support individuals and families affected by ice. This resource has become an essential guide, deeply valued across health and community sectors.
Evaluating the National Ice Action Strategy
A pivotal milestone was our comprehensive evaluation of the National Ice Action Strategy, commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health from 2020 to 2021. This evaluation examined 30 initiatives aimed at reducing demand, supply, and harm related to ice use.
Our rigorous, evidence based evaluation highlighted significant achievements, including improved community access to accurate information, expanded treatment services (especially in regional and remote areas), and improved community harm reduction and prevention capacity. Importantly, our findings have informed ongoing policy and service delivery, advocating for stronger coordination and integrated monitoring to enhance the future effectiveness of responses to ice.
Reflecting on 15 years, we’re proud to have contributed meaningfully to Australia’s collective effort to address the harms of ice use, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
