Reflecting on a Powerful WA Alcohol and Other Drug Conference 2025

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and actively participated in the insightful conversations at the WA Alcohol and Other Drug Conference 2025 last week in Fremantle/Walyalup.

Your contributions made all the difference and will help to shape the future of the alcohol and other drug sector in WA.

From inspiring keynote addresses to insightful panel sessions and engaging workshops and presentations by services, the conference highlighted the collective dedication to improving alcohol and other drug outcomes across our State and the nation.

Special thanks to our MC, Ingrid Cumming, for her ability to listen, warm humour, and engaging presence, which is always appreciated.

Thanks also to our sponsors including Mental Health Commission of Western Australia, Palmerston Association, Outcare, Mission Australia, Cyrenian House, Cancer Council Western Australia, Holyoake, Business Events Perth, Hope Community Services Ltd, Edith Cowan University, as well as our exhibitors for making this event possible, with special mention of Lotterywest for its support of bursaries for consumers and regional alcohol and other drug workers.

A special thank you to the Conference Steering Group members Ben Smith (Holyoake), Nicola Iannantuoni (Cyrenian House), Rachael Dalziell (Mission Australia), Teena Townsend (Hope Community Services), , Peta Gava (Peer Based Harm Reduction), Simone (Clinch-Moore (Wungening Aboriginal Corporation), Grant Akesson (Mental Health Commission), and Professor Tanya Chikritzhs (National Drug Research Institute), who not only contributed their sector knowledge but stepped up in practical ways before and during the event.

We also want to extend our gratitude to the incredible volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly.

Stay tuned for post-conference resources and highlights including keynote recordings and presentation slides.