Significant discussions continue in the community regarding a needle and syringe program in the ACT. Some recent media includes:
It’s no secret that prisoners inject drugs. And because they don’t have access to sterile needles, inmates not only share needles – they share infectious diseases as well.
to support the safety and efficacy of needle and syringe programs in correctional settings. A review of interventions to reduce the transmission of HIV in prisons, published in
, found prison needle exchange programs reduced the sharing of needles and syringes. The programs halted the spread of HIV and hepatitis (with no new cases found) and improved staff safety. There was also a reduction in overdoses.
A Canberra corrections officer, former prisoners and health experts are warning of a looming HIV epidemic in Australia's prisons. It comes as 40 per cent of inmates at a correctional centre in Canberra tested positive to Hepatitis C as part of a voluntary testing program undertaken in August.
One Canberra corrections officer says there are more dirty needles within the Canberra prison now than ever before.
ABC news programs discuss the need for needle exchange programs in Australian prisons and the potential for a trial beginning in Canberra's Alaxander Maconochie prison.
While we debate in the Australian Capital Territory whether a needle exchange program would be a sensible approach to reduce health risks of intravenous drug use in our prison, a scheme in Switzerland has been running for over 15 years.
The program has been very effective in cutting down on the transmission of viruses between prisoners by shared needle use, as well as a reduction in illness caused by the spread of bacteria from unsanitary syringes.
The evidence from the program does not support fears of needles being used as weapons against prison guards and other inmates.
A community health organisation, Directions ACT, has written to the ACT Chief Minister offering to conduct a supervised drug injection program in Canberra's jail.
Directions ACT president Gerard Rees says his organisation has run a needle exchange program for nearly 20 years.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell says the Government is considering the proposal from Directions ACT.
Former ACT chief minister Jon Stanhope has attacked unions campaigning against a proposed needle exchange program in Canberra's prison.
On Tuesday 25 October the ACT Legislative Assembly passed the
Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking Bill) 2010. This has been a significant and complicated piece of policy work for the sector for over 14 months, which has sought to balance protecting vulnerable people from harm and ensuring a diverse and viable sector that is inclusive of people with 'lived experience'. This work also represents significant collaboration between ATODA and the Mental Health Community Coalition - see
http://www.atoda.org.au/policy/wwvpcs/ for representation and other background.
The legislation, and subsequently the scheme, is much improved on when it was first presented in the Assembly in August 2010 – with many amendments proposed by ATODA and MHCC were incorporated into the legislation, including the ATOD sector and justice facilities being introduced in the final implementation year and following a review of the scheme.
ATODA would like to acknowledge the work of all those involved, particularly the support provided to the ATOD sector by the Minister for Health, the Minister for Community Services, the Health Directorate, the Community Services Directorate, the Office of Regulatory Services and the Public Interest Legal Clearinghouse.
Other information:
· Hansard proof:
http://www.hansard.act.gov.au/hansard/2011/pdfs/P111025.pdf
· Canberra Times report (Tuesday 25 October):
http://goo.gl/B4RY5
· ACT Greens media release (Tuesday 25 October):
http://goo.gl/9csiO
· The legislation as presented, with amendments:
www.legislation.act.gov.au/b/current/w.asp
· Background information at the CSD website:
www.dhcs.act.gov.au/home/publications/wwvpc
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Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT
A program is being designed to expand the availability of naloxone (Narcan ®) in the ACT. The purpose of expanding naloxone availability is to further reduce and prevent death, disability, and injury from opioid overdoses through provision of training and resources to opioid users and their friends and family members who could be potential overdose witnesses.
Update: Expanding Naloxone Availability in the ACT (ENAACT) Committee
Ethics clearance has been obtained for the evaluation of an ACT program. The Committee meets next at the end of November to finalise the training program. For more information, evidence and background visit:
www.atoda.org.au/policy/naloxone
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Health Reform Update
Medicare Local: Membership
Medicare Local ACT
The ACT Medicare Local is now seeking expanded membership from:
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Primary Health Care Practitioners in two classes – GPs and other primary health care clinicians
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Organisations in three classes – Health Care Peak Bodies, Consumer Organisations and Service Provider Organisations.
The organisational class can now include ACT ATOD services.
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News from the ACT ATOD Workers Group
The ACT ATOD Workers Group met on 6 October 20111, and are progressing work across a range of areas. If you would like to get involved, please review the information below and liaise with the Workers Group representative from your agency. Activities include:
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Organising a meeting for training coordinators to map individual, agency and sector training priorities and future planning.
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Coordinating the sectors contribution to the new Health Services Directory.
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Providing support to the ATOD NRT Project.
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Nomination processes for the new Workers Group representative appointment to the ATODA Board.
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Contributing to key policy activities including ATODA Submissions to the ACT Government Budget, NSP in the AMCconsultations and Working with Vulnerable People Checking System Consultations.
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Monitoring processes regarding the establishment of the ACT Youth Alcohol and Drug Court.
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Progressing the collation of information regarding support for people that are intoxicated accessing homelessness and related services.
News from the ACT ATOD Executive Directors' Group
The ACT ATOD Executive Directors’ Group met in October to discuss a range of sector priorities, including:
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Developing strategies to expand northside ATOD service provision including public dosing and NSP coverage
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Needle and syringe program in the AMC
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Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Bill 2010
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Meeting with the Department of Health and Ageing NSW/ACT Office and Central office to discuss upcoming sector reforms.
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ACT Budget 2012/13 sector priorities
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Participating in the proposed expanded availability of naloxone program.
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Upcoming Sector Annual General Meetings
MHCC
Date:Thursday 3 November 2011
Venue:Room 6, Griffin Centre, 20 Genge St Canberra City
Time:4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Frank Quinlan - Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Council of Australia
For further information or to RSVP your attendance please contact MHCC ACT on 6249 7756 or
admin@mhccact.org.au.
ACT Shelter
Date: 7 November 2011
Venue: Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Ave, Turner.
Time: 12pm
Will include a consultation on the current Inquiry into the Provision of Social Housing to inform ACT Shelter's submission.
For more information contact
admin@actshelter.net.au.
ACTCOSS
Date: 21 November 2011
Venue: ACT Legislative Assembly.
Time: 2pm
Features guest speaker Chief Minister Ms Katy Gallagher MLA. Nominations are being accepted for the General Committee, including for Executive positions. For more information contact (02) 6202 7200.
The Youth Coalition of the ACT Inc.
Invites you to attend their November Monthly Forum and Annual General Meeting. A panel of local academics and experts will discuss
'The Future of Youth service Provision and Practice in the ACT'.
Date: Thursday 17 November 2011
Venue: Youth Coalition of the ACT, 46 Clianthus Street, O’Connor ACT
Time: Forum 9 - 11am, AGM 11am - 12pm
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Sector Development, Activities and Events
What can we learn from the Portuguese decriminalisation of illicit drugs?
Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform
You are invited to this special public meeting hosted by Ms Amanda Bresnan MLA, ACT Greens Member for Brindabella.
Date: Thursday 17th November 2011
Time: 12.30 pm
Venue: Reception Room, ACT Legislative Assembly, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City.
Speaker: Dr Caitlin Hughes,Criminologist and Research Fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre.
Enquiries: 6254 2961 or
mcconnell@ffdlr.org.au
Comorbidity Interagency Day: Book Your Information Stall Now
CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn, ATODA and MHCC ACT
ATOD and mental health services are invited to host information stalls at the 4th Annual Comorbidity Interagency Day. Building on the success of previous years the Interagency Day will seek to provide the following for participants:
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Access to information about ATOD and mental health services;
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Networking opportunities;
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Increase knowledge regarding referral and support opportunities for clients.
Date: 30 November 2011
Time: 12 - 2pm
Venue: Blackfriars Fountain Garden, 127 Philip Ave, Watson
Don’t miss your chance to book your information stall. Contact Jobu Jacob, CatholicCare on
jobu.jacob@catholiccare.cg.org.au.
Cannabisaurus
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre
The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) has recently launched its ‘Cannabisaurus’, an online dictionary of cannabis-related terminology, including everything from scientific definitions of cannabinoids to slang words used by the cannabis-using community. Members of the public are able to edit and contribute to this resource, making it a truly interactive, evolving online tool. Other features available include examples of how words are used, where they originated from and synonyms. Feel free to browse, edit or contribute new terminology to the Cannabisaurus at:
www.ncpic.org.au or
http://cannabisaur.us/
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Training and Professional Development in the ACT
October - November 2011 Training and Professional Development Calendar
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The ACT Training and Professional Development Calendar collates training and professional development opportunities for workers in the alcohol and other drug, youth, mental health, family support and community sectors.
Download the training calendar at
http://www2.atoda.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Oct_Nov_2011_TPDC.pdf.
To include your training in the December 2011 – January 2012 calendar, email
katrina@youthcoalition.net or call the Youth Coalition on (02) 6247 3540. Training details are required by
Monday 14 November 2011.
ACT Comorbidity Bus Tours – Remaining Tours for 2011
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and the Youth Coalition of the ACT
The Comorbidity Bus Tour seeks to increase the capacity of frontline workers to support people experiencing co-occurring alcohol, tobacco and other drug and mental health issues (comorbidity). The Comorbidity Bus Tour visits a variety of services in the ACT from the alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD), mental health and youth sectors.
Upcoming tour dates:
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Tour B - Wednesday 9 November 2011
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Tour C - Wednesday 23 November 2011
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Tour A - Wednesday 7 December
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Tour B - Wednesday 14 December
Cost: Ranges from $50 - $70.
Registration:Contact Katrina on (02) 6247 3540 or
katrina@youthcoalition.net.
For more information visit
http://www.atoda.org.au/activities/comorbidity-bus-tour/
Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act Workshop
ACT Human Rights Commission
Date: Tuesday 15 November, 2011
Venue: Level 9/12 Moore St, Canberra City
(morning tea provided)
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Click here to go to enrol in this course.
Disability Discrimination Workshop
ACT Human Rights Commission
Date: Tuesday 22 November, 2011
Venue: Pilgrim House, Uniting Church, corner of Rudd St and Northbourne Ave, Canberra City (moring tea provided)
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm
Click here to go to enrol in this course.
Safe TALK
OzHelp Community Services
In only a few hours, you will learn how to provide practical help to persons with thoughts of suicide. Expect to leave safeTALK more willing and able to perform an important helping role for persons with thoughts of suicide.
Date: 18 November 2011
Venue: OzHelp Foundation, Fyshwick
Time: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Cost: $85 or $65 concession
Morning Tea will be provided. Registration cut-off date is
11 November 2011.
Website: http://www.ozhelp.org.au.
Email: ocs@ozhelp.org.au
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Interstate Conferences and Symposiums
Cannabis Policy: Where to from here?
Australian Research Council, The University of Melbourne Microeconometrics Research Unit and The Social Justice Initiative
There are a limited number of places available for a two-day symposium on cannabis policy being held in Melbourne. The symposium includes a line-up of outstanding international and national researchers, with extensive expertise in studying cannabis, notably from an economics perspective. A copy of the program can be found at:
http://www.economics.unimelb.edu.au/MicroEco/2011Conference.html
Date: 7
th and 8
th November, 2011
Venue: Graduate House, University of Melbourne, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria
There is no cost to register but due to limited space, registration is required for attendance. To register, please e-mail Kathryn Perez on
klperez@unimelb.edu.au
International Federation of Non-Government Organisations (For the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse) Conference
Australian National Council on Drugs co-hosted by PEMADAM
This conference aims to provide a forum for decision makers and professionals to gain an understanding of NGO issues and needs in relation to addressing alcohol and other drug use and associated harm, with a particular focus on the Asian and Pacific regions.
Date: 8 – 11 November 2011
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Cost: Varies, between US$100 - US$350.
For more information visit
http://www.ifngoconference.org/index.php.
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) 2011 Conference
Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
This conference will provide insights into neuroscience, interventions, policy innovations and emerging challenges for the ATOD sector. The conference will feature both Australian and International speakers.
Date: 13 – 16 November
Venue: Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania
Cost: $720 member, $820 non-member early bird
For further information on the Conference visit
http://www.apsadconference.com.au/.
2011 National Hepatitis Health Promotion Conference
Hepatitis Australia
The conference will demonstrate and explore programs, projects and practices that use a mix of collaboration, interventions and/or capacity-building strategies to deliver successful viral hepatitis health promotion.
Date: 24 & 25 November 2011
Venue: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Brisbane.
Cost: $120
For more information visit
http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com.
Beyond 2012: Leading the Way to Action
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC)
This conference aims to highlight how the sector is able to lead the way to action in addressing the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs and its associated harms among Indigenous Australians.
Date: 6 - 8 June 2012
Venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, Western Australia
Call for Papers and online registration is now available at
http://www.nidac.org.au/.
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Policy Activities
Inquiry into the Provision of Social Housing in the ACT
Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services
The Standing Committee on Health, Community and Social Services of the Legislative Assembly for the ACT is conducting an inquiry into the provision of social housing in the ACT. Social housing is provided by the ACT Government through Housing ACT to low income households and those people who are unable to find appropriate accommodation in the private rental market.
The Committee is inviting written submissions to its inquiry from interested organisations and individuals. The closing date for submissions is
Friday 18 November 2011. The terms of reference are available from the committee website at the following link:
http://www.parliament.act.gov.au/committees/index1.asp?committee=115&inquiry=1022.
For more information contact the committee secretary on 62050127 or by email at
committees@parliament.act.gov.au.
Housing ACT Consultation - Antisocial Behaviour Specialist Response and Support
Directorate of Community Services, Housing ACT
Housing ACT is undertaking initiatives to better manage antisocial behaviour in public housing. One of these is to employ 3 specialist workers to address the causes of this behaviour. They are seeking feedback into ways to reduce antisocial behaviour and are particularly seeking feedback on the development of the model under which the specialist response workers would be working.
Click here for more information and to view the discussion paper. The Youth Coalition is developing a submission, for more information contact Adelaide on 6247 3540 or
adelaide@youthcoalition.net.
Consultations close
25 November 2011.
ATODA Submission to the ACT Budget 2012/13
ATODA works with stakeholders to develop an annual submission to the ACT Budget. This inclusive process seeks to identify sector priorities for funding and develop specific proposals on how priority areas could be progressed. ATODA is focusing its budget submission on some key proposals and initiatives coming out of the sector, including:
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Expanded northside ATOD service provision
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Alcohol ignition interlocks for high range and repeat offenders
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Expand access to residential rehabilitation services for clients on opioid maintenance therapy
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ACT coordination for tobacco management activities
Other possible priority areas are also being discussed with stakeholders. For further information or to provide input please contact Carrie Fowlie, Executive Officer, on
carrie@atoda.org.au or (02) 6255 4070.
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Consumer Participation
ACT Mental Health Consumer Scholarship Scheme: Expansion to include ATOD Training
ACT Government Health Directorate
The ACT Mental Health Scholarship Scheme began in 2010 and has been a great success. The scholarship scheme is for people who are 17 years or older, have a mental illness or mental disorder, and would like the opportunity to undertake studies in the Centre of Health, Community and Wellbeing at the CIT.
How does it work?
As a small group, the students start their studies with two core subjects. These units are the 'Mental Health Basics' and 'Introductions to Addictions'. After the students complete these units they gain a Statement of Attainment and are eligible to continue their studies in any of the following Certificate IV courses under the consumer scholarship scheme:
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Alcohol and Other Drugs
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Mental Health
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Community Development
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Youth Work
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Community Services Work.
The scholarship covers the course fees only. There is extra tutorial and pastoral support if needed and flexibility in the course.
For further information visit
http://health.act.gov.au/health-services/mental-health-act/act-mental-health-consumer-scholarship-scheme/
Applications close 22 November 2011.
AIVL Veincare Guide
AIVL
AIVL’s 'Hepatitis C and Vein Care' on-line resource was produced by and for people who inject drugs. The Guide contains information on why looking after your veins is an important part of preventing hepatitis C and other BBV transmission. You can access the site at
www.aivl.org.au/veincare.
The Guide Contains information under five easy to understand headings including:
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Vein Care and Injecting Related Issues;
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Vein Care and Injecting Sites on the Body;
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Injecting Myths and Bad Habits;
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Vein Care and Safer Injecting; and
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Vein Care and the Circulatory System.
The Guide also contains animations depicting how abscesses are formed, how repetitive use of a needle can cause vein damage, as well as how veins collapse.
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Youth, Mental Health and Allied Sectors
Rainbows 10th birthday celebration
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation’s Rainbow program will be celebrating its 10th
birthday in November.
Date & time: 4th November 2011, arrive at 6:30pm for a 7pm start
Venue: Canberra Technology Park, Phillip Avenue, Watson.
Attire: after 6 wear.
Dining costs: $30 for attendees, $20 for Rainbow members.
RSVP: COB Wednesday, 26 October by calling 6242 6575 or email:
rainbow@mfh.org.au.
Understanding the Mental State Examination (MSE): a basic training guide
Perth Co-occurring Disorders Capacity Building Project
A new training resource for the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector:
This
free DVD and accompanying booklet is an instructional training tool that is designed to build the capacity of AOD clinicians to complete a baseline MSE on their clients. It contains three visual case study scenarios that clinicians can use to test their knowledge and skills in conducting an MSE.
To request an order form for this resource please email:
mail@palmerston.org.au or call Palmerston Association on (08) 9287 5400.
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Employment Opportunities
Queanbeyan Drink Drive Offender Education Program Facilitators
Southern NSW Local Health District
The Drink Drive Prevention Team of Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to become facilitators of the Queanbeyan drink drive offender education program. They are looking for people with experience in either the drug and alcohol field, road safety or legal fields. Experience working with young people and experience in facilitation of groups is also an advantage.
Facilitators will work as independent contractors on a sessional basis. Successful facilitators will be paid a set fee of
$175.00 per course (approximately 5 hours per course). Payment will be provided to facilitators to attend a one day training session. Please forward a brief expression of interest, plus a short CV, to
kimberley.clarke@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au outlining your experience and interest.
For further information please contact Kimberley Clarke 6124 9914 (Thursday & Friday), or Jess McNeill 4474 1588 (Monday to Thursday)
Note: employment opportunities in the sector are also promoted on the Jobs of Substance website at
www.jobsofsubstance.com.au
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Grants and Funding Opportunities
Many of the Grants listed in this section can be found at the ACT Government Grants portal online at
http://www.grants.act.gov.au/ or through the Australian Government Grantslink at
http://www.grantslink.gov.au.
Youth Homelessness and Housing Support Service
Housing ACT, Community Services Directorate
The ACT Government is inviting services to tender for a range of youth homelessness and housing services, including: housing support service, crisis mediation service, emergency accommodation service, friendly landlord service, youth identified accommodation and support program, mentoring and life skills program, and parents accommodation and support program.
Click here for more information.
Applications close 2 November 2011.
FARE Grants Program
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education
Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to community organisations to strengthen their capacity to respond to alcohol related harms at a local level. The following types of projects are encouraged: public education and awareness projects, health promotion and prevention initiatives, projects developed by young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the development and implementation of Community Alcohol Management plans.
Click here for more information.
Applications close Wednesday 30 November 2011.
Women’s Grants 2011-12
Office for Women
Funding is available under two categories:
Capacity Building Projects
Up to $5000 for individual projects that aim to strengthen the capacity of the community group or organisation to implement and advance the identified social objectives and priorities of the ACT Women's Plan.
Special Projects
Up to $25,000 for individual projects which contribute to research based on gender equality or projects which seek to advance public policy or service development which will implement and advance the identified social objectives and priorities of the Women's Plan. Projects supporting the Prevention of Violence of against Women and Children Strategy will be highly regarded.
In the coming month, information sessions will be held around Canberra at various locations. To find out more, contact the ACT Office for Women at
www.women.act.gov.au or by visiting the ACT Government's Grants Portal at
www.grants.act.gov.au. Phone enquiries can be made on 6205 0515.
Applications close on 9 December 2011.
ACT Health Promotion Grants Program 2012-2013 Community Funding Round
Health Promotion Branch, Health Directorate, ACT Government
The 2012-2013 community funding round is open to community groups, not for profit organisations and government agencies. The funding round is calling for projects that focus on the Health Directorate's key priorities including physical activity, healthy nutrition, mental health promotion, smoking prevention, reduction and cessation along with responsible use of alcohol. A general information session will be held:
Date: Thursday 10 November 2011
Time: 4-5pm
Venue: Seminar Room, Rheinberger Centre; corner of Weston and Loch Streets, Yarralumla.
Click here for more information and to access the funding guidelines and application forms.
Applications close 19 December 2011.
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Media
After-hours bail support service for youths begins today
Joy Burch, MLA
28 October 2011
A new $2 million after-hours bail support service aimed at minimising short periods of remand for young people in the youth justice system has begun.
Funded in the 2011-12 ACT Budget, the new program is part of a $3.9 million investment to help ensure the youth justice system continues to improve the way it helps young people who have come into conflict with the law.
"Remanding young people in custody should be one of the last resorts of any legal system," Ms Burch said.
"Staff in the service will assist in identifying alternative accommodation for young people if required, and will also be able to assist young people to comply with their bail conditions."
The after-hours bail service will support young people who are already on bail and those facing fresh charges outside of daytime business hours, where bail is being considered.
View the full media release at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=11068
Cancer law centre opens to fight big tobacco
Sydney Morning Herald
24 October 2011
THE name of anti-tobacco litigant Rolah McCabe, who died from lung cancer, will live on in a unique new Melbourne legal centre that will explore using the law as an instrument to fight all cancers.
The McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer will employ up to six lawyers and has backing from the Cancer Council of Victoria, where it will be based.
It has been funded partly though personal donations from the family of the late Mrs McCabe and her solicitors, including leading plaintiff lawyer Peter Gordon.
Mr Gordon, who played a key role in initiating Mrs McCabe's fight against British American Tobacco, said it was important not to cede the law in this area to well-funded corporations.
View the full story at
http://m.smh.com.au/victoria/cancer-law-centre-opens-to-fight-big-tobacco-20111023-1memb.html
Smoke with Kids in the Car and Cough up a Fine
Katy Gallagher, MLA
20 October 2011
The 'Smoking in Cars with Children (Prohibition) Act 2011' has been passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly. "While it is an adult's right to choose to smoke, vulnerable groups who cannot always speak for themselves have a right to be protected from second hand smoke, particularly when exposure can increase the risk of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and middle-ear infections." The Minister said. "So if you smoke with kids in the car and you're caught, you will cough up a $250 fine. The Act also provides for a higher fine of up to $5500 if the offence goes to court".
View the full media release at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=11043&m=52
41 New Health Professionals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services Across Australia
The Hon Warren Snowden MP, Media Release
20 October 2011
Health checks and access to health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will be easier with the announcement new positions across Australia. These cover outreach workers, practice managers and health professionals to be based in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
View the full media release at
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr11-ws-ws052.htm
Foundation announces new initiatives
to change the way we drink
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE)
19 October 2011
The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) has launched the
Professor Ian Webster Scholarship to recognise his outstanding achievements over many years.
FARE Chairman Cheryl Bart said the
Professor Ian Webster Scholarship aims to support the building of leadership and management capacity in the alcohol and other drugs sector.
The scholarship will be awarded on a competitive basis and will benefit one post-graduate research scholar a year who has demonstrated a long-term commitment the sector.
View the full media release at
http://www.fare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/191011-Media-Release-Foundation-announces-new-initiatives-to-change-the-way-we-drink.pdf?9d7bd4
Ice use increasing in ACT: study
The Canberra Times
18 October 2011
More than half of injecting drug users in the ACT are using the drug ice, a new study has found.
The report from the University of NSW National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre revealed that 57per cent of injecting drug users had used crystal methamphetamine - or ice - in the previous six months, up from 48 per cent at the same time in 2010.
View the full story at
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/ice-use-increasing-in-act-study/2327014.aspx.
Note:this media report is based upon the
National Drug Trends Conference 2011: Key findings handout, available online at
http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/resource/national-drug-trends-conference-2011-key-findings-handout .
Government to recognise Dr Peter Sharp's legacy through $50,000 annual scholarship
Katy Gallagher, MLA
18 October 2011
ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher, today announced that the ACT Government will be providing $50,000 per annum towards an ANU Medical School scholarships program in recognition of Dr Peter Sharp AM.
Ms Gallagher made the announcement during a condolence motion for Dr Sharp AM in the Legislative Assembly.
"Dr Sharp was an exceptional man, a much-loved and admired Canberran who was a passionate advocate for Indigenous health," the Chief Minister said.
View the full media realease at
http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=11038
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