National Drug and Alcohol Awards

Celebrating Australian achievements to prevent
and reduce alcohol and other drug use and harm

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Major Sponsors

Supporter

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Local Moreland program ‘finalist’ in 2007 National Drug & Alcohol Excellence in Youth Services Award

UnitingCare’s Moreland Hall Youth Art Therapy program has been selected as a finalist in the 2007 National Drug and Alcohol Awards Excellence in Youth Services award.

The value of integrating visual artwork into therapeutic approaches has been extensively documented. Research has shown that creative work allows youth to take control of the communication process, feel respected by staff honouring their work and help externalise problems as they present situations to the world.

The need for activity-based treatment programs arose out of an external evaluation and from client feedback. They found that boredom was a frequent factor in youth exiting treatment programs. This service was identified by the Moreland City Council as part of its living in Glenroy program as a key opportunity for young people. Moreland Hall gained funding and created an outdoor gallery area.

The youth art program has exceeded its goals of skill development, increasing self-esteem and sense of belonging for Moreland youth. A formal evaluation by the Council showed enhanced community appreciation and recognition of young people by the broader community.

The winner of the Excellence in Youth Services Award will be announced on June 22, 2007 in Sydney at a gala dinner being held at the Four Seasons Hotel..

“Every day of the week I see the ravages of drug and alcohol abuse on good Australians and their families. As a nation we lose about $1.2 billion and 7.5 million working days due to the effects of alcohol abuse alone. The emotional cost of drug and alcohol abuse to families includes domestic violence, suicide, depression, plus health issues such as brain, liver and heart damage. To meet the devastation brought on by drug and alcohol abuse are thousands of dedicated professionals, researchers, organisations and volunteers doing work that is world leading throughout all States of Australia. These Awards go some little way to recognizing the fantastic, innovative work they do with such passion and conviction. We applaud them,” says Wesley Noffs, Chair of the NDAA 2007 Awards.

“It is a great privilege to support the national alcohol and other drugs sector in celebrating the achievements of their unsung heroes, said Daryl Smeaton, CEO of the AER Foundation. As the major sponsor of these awards, AER congratulates all the winners, finalists and nominees.”

The National Drug and Alcohol Awards are a collaborative effort of the Ted Noffs Foundation, The Australian Drug Foundation, The Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia and the Australian National Council on Drugs.

It is estimated around 10,000 Australians now work directly in drug and alcohol treatment across Australia with a further 8,500 in associated sectors.
Sponsors of the awards are the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (Principal sponsor), the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (major sponsor); Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training (major sponsor) and NSW Health — ActNow (supporter)

To interview the finalist please contact Sam Hunt on 02 6122 8600. For more information about the National Drug & Alcohol Awards go to http://www.drugawards.org.au/