Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Workers Forum 2026: Strong Spirit Strong Mind Award Winners

WANADA is proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals, programs and partnerships recognised at the 2026 Strong Spirit Strong Mind Awards, which were held at the Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Workers Forum: Communuity First. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who was nominated this year. The dedication, leadership and commitment demonstrated across all nominations reflects the incredible work being undertaken to support Aboriginal people, families and communities throughout Western Australia.

Please join us in congratulating:

WA Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Worker of the Year

Winner: Donna Garcia, HepatitisWA

Finalist: Jaide Morgan, WACHS MidWest CADS

WA Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Worker of the Year

Winner: Derek Woods (DJ), Great Southern Community Alcohol and Drug Service, Palmerston Association

Finalist: Dylan Stack, South Metro Community Alcohol and Drug Service, Mandurah, Palmerston Association

Innovative and Culturally Responsive Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Program Award

Winner: Deadly Peer Mob, Peer Based Harm Reduction WA

Finalist: Kongal Wirren Program, Cyrenian House

Partnership Award

Winner: Kununurra Withdrawal and Intervention Centre (KWIC), a partnership between Wunan Foundation and Cyrenian House

Finalist: Cultural Awareness and Cultural Security Program, a partnership between Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and Hope Springs Therapeutic Community

Outstanding Student Award

Winner: Stacey Boota, Wungening Aboriginal Corporation