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Multi-agency drug and alcohol approach - an award winner

The infatuation with ‘drinking-to-get-drunk’ and poor decision-making fuelled by alcohol can result in life changing experiences – sometimes for the worse. Programs such as the National Drug and Alcohol Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of many groups - including police - who work tirelessly to reduce alcohol and drug-related harms.

Jon White , CEO of ANZPAA, the agency that serves Police Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand says; “the Awards are a great opportunity for people and organisations in Australia to be acknowledged for their efforts in preventing the harms associated with drug and alcohol misuse.”

The nine category awards include Excellence in Law Enforcement. This Award recognises a program, policy or resource that makes a significant contribution to law enforcement efforts to reduce the harmful impact of alcohol and other drug use.

This year’s Excellence in Law Enforcement was awarded to The Bourke Alcohol Working Group for their collective efforts to reduce drug and alcohol-related crime and associated health issues in the Bourke region in New South Wales .

The Bourke Alcohol Working Group comprises police, Aboriginal Health, NSW Health and Bourke Shire Council. As a result of this co-ordinated approach, crime statistics show a reduction in assault, domestic related assault, intoxicated persons and malicious damage.

“The Bourke Alcohol Working Group is particularly significant in that it highlights how effective individuals and groups working together can make a difference It is an outstanding example of a multi-agency approach having a positive influence, particularly in a rural area.

“The success of this program is a lesson to all of us on how organisations can work together to encourage community attitudinal changes towards alcohol consumption,” says Mr White.

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

Other winners of the awards announced included:
• Judge Roger Dive – Parramatta Drug Court - Prime Ministers Award for Excellence
• Professor Robyn Richmond and Dr David McDonald - Awards Honour Roll
• Ms Jill Stark, The Age - Excellence in Media Reporting
• The W.A. Department of Health's Multi-systemic Therapy (MST) Program - Excellence in Prevention and Community Education
• AERF, The Range and Magnitude of Alcohols’ Harm to Others - Excellence in Research
• Catalyst, Uniting Care Moreland Hall, Victoria - Excellence in Treatment
• Wollumbin High School - Excellence in School Drug Education
• Hello Sunday Morning - Excellence in Services to Young People
• Eastern Football League - Excellence in Creating Healthy Sporting Communities

ENDS

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