WANADA acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and its waters. WANADA wishes to pay respect to Elders past and present and extends this to all Aboriginal people seeing this message.
Guided by the themes Listening, Yarning, and Working our Ways, the Forum will provide a culturally safe space for workers and community members to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen culturally responsive approaches to reducing alcohol and other drug–related harms.
The forum will highlight and support a strong, skilled Aboriginal workforce that continues to drive positive change across communities and regions.
KEY DATES
Sponsorship Opportunities |
Open! |
Bursary Applications Close |
4 September 2026 |
Registrations Close |
14 October 2026 |
Forum |
29-30 October 2026 |
REFERENCE GROUP MEMBERS
A reference group comprising Simone Clinch-Moore (Wungening Aboriginal Corporation), Andrew Amor (Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation), Wayne Ryder (Palmerston Association), David Shakespeare (Cyrenian House), Cliff Collard (Mental Health Commission), and Wayne Flugge (Mental Health Commission) has met regularly since August 2025 to guide the planning and delivery of the Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Workers Forum.
We sincerely thank each of them for their valuable insights, generous time, and guidance throughout the process. Their leadership and cultural expertise will ensure the planning and delivery of the Forum is culturally secure, respectful, and grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing.