National Drug and Alcohol Awards

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

Principal Sponsor

Major Sponsors

Supporter

Collaborating organisations

Central Victorian youth project in the running for national award

“YOUthinc”, a youth-focused alcohol program run by Cobaw Community Health, is a finalist in the Excellence in Prevention section at the National Drug and Alcohol Awards

"YOUthinc: An Underage Alcohol Diversion Program" is a prevention and education program developed by Cobaw Community Health with Victoria Police and Castlemaine District Community Health in rural Victoria,. "YOUthinc" is a prevention and community education program aimed at young people under 18 years who are diverted by police for public misuse of alcohol. The model responds to both the education and health needs of young people. Sessions include parents, who are fundamental in guiding teenagers' knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol.

“The YOUthinc project in the Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires demonstrates that a local partnership between the police and the drug and alcohol agencies can work” says Gavan Thomson, from Cobaw Community Health.

“By diverting young people into a community program, the underlying concerns of young people and their parents about alcohol can be addressed and prevention can occur. As part of a community-wide approach to under age alcohol use, it is clear that diversion can play a vital role in reducing the heavy costs associated with young people consuming alcohol in public.” Mr Thomson adds.

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. They aim to support and encourage people working to prevent drug problems in Australia. 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. Winners will be announced at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne, on Friday 27 June 2008.

“As a nation we lose about $1.2 billion and 7.5 million working days due to the effects of alcohol abuse alone” says Wesley Noffs, Chair of the NDAA 2008.

“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. Tackling the devastation brought on by drug and alcohol abuse are thousands of dedicated professionals, researchers, organisations and volunteers. These Awards go some little way to recognising the fantastic, innovative work they do. We applaud them.”

Sponsors of the awards are the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation (Principal sponsor), Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Department of Health and Ageing, VIC Department of Human Services, VIC Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and NSW Department of Health.

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

To interview the finalist please contact Charlotte George or Johanna de Wever on 03 9278 8122 or 0432 915 383. For more information about the National Drug & Alcohol Awards go to http://www.drugawards.org.au/