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

Geelong youth services project in the running for national award

YSAS (Youth Substance Abuse Service) Geelong’s Youth Residential Withdrawal Pathways Project is a finalist in the Excellence in Services to Young People category at the National Drug and Alcohol Awards

The Barwon South-West Youth Residential Withdrawal Pathways Project is a psycho-educational, therapeutic and recreational approach to youth residential withdrawal that is client-centred, client-focused and client-driven. Feedback from service-users and evidence-based practice are used to identify and implement strategies and interventions that reduce the risk of harm from problematic substance use and enhance general health and well-being.

YSAS CEO, David Murray, said that the nature of young people accessing the organisation’s withdrawal units was becoming increasingly complex.

“Its important that we constantly look at new ways of integrating young people into service evaluation, delivery and program development so that we can deliver effective programs and positive outcomes for young people.

“With so many worthy entrants to the National Drug and Alcohol Awards, we are delighted to see this project has been recognised as a finalist in the Excellence in Services to Young People category,” said Mr Murray.

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 call Charlotte George or Johanna de Wever on 03 9278 8122. For more information about the National Drug & Alcohol Awards go to http://www.drugawards.org.au/