2023 Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Award Winners

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists in the 2023 Strong Spirit Strong Mind Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Awards, held at a breakfast event on Friday 19 May 2023 at The Westin Perth. The awards acknowledge and recognise the outstanding contributions made by organisations and individuals in the alcohol and other drug sector.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Mr Yaz Mubarakai MLA presented the winners and finalists with their awards and certificates.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the awards and congratulations again to the worthy winners and finalists.

WA Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Worker of the Year

The WA Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Worker of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation.

Winners:

• John Campbell – Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation, and
• Leslee Skuse – Wungening Aboriginal Corporation

Finalists:

• Wayne Rider – Aboriginal Project Officer, Palmerston Association
• Roberta Brown – Aboriginal Diversion Officer, Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service
• John Albert – Community Drug Service Worker, Kimberley Community Alcohol and Drug Service
• Rohan Collard – Executive Manager – Cultural Lead, Palmerston Association
• Leslie Thompson – Aboriginal Liaison & Advocacy Officer, Yaandina Community Services
• Ricky McLean – AOD Diversion Officer, Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service
• Uncle Rod Ogilvie – Aboriginal Project Officer, Palmerston Association

Outstanding Student Award

The Outstanding Student Award is proudly sponsored by Palmerston Association.

Winner:

• Ricky McLean – Strong Spirit Strong Mind / Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service

Finalists:

• Reuben Hayden-Nelson – Certificate IV in Mental Health, Marr Mooditj / Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
• John Albert – Community Drug Service Worker, Strong Spirit Strong Mind / Kimberley Community Alcohol and Drug Service

Partnership Award

The Partnership Award is proudly sponsored by Cyrenian House.

Winner:

• Men’s Bush Trips – Hope Community Services, in partnership with Goldfields Rehabilitation Services, Yorgum Healing Services, HOPE’s Goldfields Community Alcohol and Drugs Service, Aboriginal Legal Service, Community Mental Health, Integrated Team Care, WA Police Force (Goldfields), Goldfields Land & Sea Council Rangers and the Step Up/Step Down AOD Program.

Finalists:

• Moorditj Benang (Solid Futures) Palmerston Association, Stuart Roberts and Impact Services

Innovative and Culturally Responsive Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Program Award

The Innovative and Culturally Responsive Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Program Award is proudly sponsored by Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation.

Winner:

• Cultural Immersion on Country – Palmerston Association

Finalists:

• The Good Way – Hope Community Services
• Aboriginal Assertive Outreach Program – Cyrenian House
• Solid Steps AOD Program – Palmerston Association and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
• Two Way Health and Healing – Keeping Lore and Culture Strong – Local Drug Action Groups

Organisation Recognition Award

The Organisation Recognition Award is proudly sponsored by Beyond Bank.

Winner:

• Wungening Aboriginal Corporation

Finalist:

• Yaandina Community Services

More Information

Download the 2023 Strong Spirit Strong Mind Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Awards Program.

The awards formed part of the Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Worker Forum 2023, held over 18 and 19 May 2023 at The Westin Perth.

For more information, please contact WANADA Organisation Coordinator Stefanie Palmer on (08) 6557 9400 or via [email protected].