WANADA 40th Anniversary: Celebrating 40 Years of Driving Positive Change

WANADA is proud to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2024. 

Western Australia’s alcohol and other drug agencies wanted a united voice and improved services when they established WANADA in 1984. A commitment to support the health and wellbeing of people impacted by alcohol and other drugs brought them together despite their different approaches and philosophies.

WANADA began in an environment of little or no government funding or planning, and limited community understanding of alcohol and other drug issues. Australia did not have a national strategy to address alcohol and other drug issues at the time, or any dedicated research institutions.  

WANADA – along with the Western Australian alcohol and other drug sector – has: 

• Advocated for government funding of alcohol and other drug services, for an effective service system, and for policies that support the improved health and wellbeing of people affected by alcohol and other drug issues   

• Prioritised quality improvement, developing the Alcohol and other Drug and Human Services Standard 

• Recognised the value of programs and services that are evidence-based and culturally responsive 

• Worked to address related issues such as mental health, and family and domestic violence, forming partnerships and building the capability of workers and services 

• Connected the alcohol and other drug sector workforce through events such as the WA Alcohol and other Drug Sector Conference and the Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Worker Forum 

• Promoted access to alcohol and other drug services 

• Shared information and resources 

Many of the challenges that faced our members in 1984 still exist. We know that there are not enough services to meet demand. Community awareness has grown but stigma and discrimination can still create barriers for people who want to access services. 

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we encourage you to reflect on 40 years of positive change, and on what we can achieve together in the years ahead.  

Thanks for Celebrating With Us 

A special event to mark the occasion was held at our 2024 Annual General Meeting and Sector Forum on Wednesday 13 November 2024, 12pm – 3.30pm, at the Perth Town Hall.

Your Stories

Many people have contributed to WANADA and the WA alcohol and other drug sector over our forty years. If you have experience of working with WANADA to effect positive change for WA’s alcohol and other drug services and the wider community, we’d love to hear from you.

Hear from Steve Allsop as he reflects on the evolution of the alcohol and other drug sector in WA. Steve offers valuable insights into the sector’s early days, the challenges it faced, shifts in drug policy, issues surrounding stigma, funding models, and the critical role of self-determination and Aboriginal leadership. Please visit WANADA’s Youtube channel to view the full video

Please contact WANADA’s Communications Team on (08) 6557 9400 or via [email protected]. 

Show Your Support with a WANADA 40th Anniversary Shirt 

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to show your support for WANADA and the WA alcohol and other drug sector with our limited edition 40 Years Strong shirts.

Available from WANADA at cost price (plus administration fee). Available in men’s and women’s sizes. Submit your order now.   

WANADA: Looking Back

Check out some of our milestones and achievements in the timeline below or read the accessible PDF WANADA 40 Year Timeline.