The First Annual ACT Alcohol and other drug Awards (the Awards) were held from 10am - 12pm on Friday 11 December 2009 at the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Awards recognised individuals who, during the course of their careers, have made outstanding contributions: to improving the health and well-being of people affected by alcohol and other drugs issues; to reducing alcohol and other drug related harm; and towards developing the alcohol and other drug profession.
The Awards were based and judged, on the following principles: carer and consumer participation; diversity; evidence-informed practice; harm inimisation;
human rights; social determinants of health; social justice; and working in partnerships. Many impressive nominations were received reflecting the depth of talent, skill, knowledge and commitment of individuals in the alcohol and other drug field in the ACT; and the desire of workers to recognise the exceptional work of their colleagues.
Award recipients were presented with an award and $500 to spend on a professional development activity of their choice.
The Ceremony also highlighted the achievements of workers who had engaged in the ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Minimum Qualification Strategy Project in 2009, with certificates of participation being presented by Dr. Colin Adrian, Chief Executive Officer, Canberra Institute of Technology.
The Awards were generously opened with a Welcome to Country from Ms Agnes Shea (OAM), Ngunnawal Elder.
The Awards were also kindly presented by Ms Mary Porter, Member of the Order of Australia, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and Member for Ginninderra.
Awards Booklet:
Download the First Annual ACT AOD Awards Booklet.
Award Ceremony:
Download the Invitation to the First Annual ACT AOD Awards.
Award Recipients:
There were three individual award categories for 2009, which include:
Excellence in Alcohol and Other Drug Work Award:
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated excellence in non-clinical and / or clinical alcohol and other drug work in the ACT. The individual has demonstrated a strong commitment to embodying the principles of the Awards and to conducting their professional practice with empathy, skill and knowledge.
Winner: Clare Purcell
Lifetime Achievements Award:
This award recognises an individual who over the span of their career has consistently demonstrated a commitment to evidenced-informed and socially-just approaches to promoting the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and other drug issues. The individual is regarded as highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced; and has made an exceptional contribution to the alcohol and other drug sector in the ACT.
Winner: Dawn Bainbridge
Outstanding Contributions Award:
This award recognises the contributions of an individual who has worked to prevent or reduce the psychological, physical, social and / or economic harms caused by alcohol and other drugs in the ACT. The individual need not have worked in direct service delivery or specifically in the AOD sector, but will have over a considerable period of time worked to improve the health and well-being of people affected alcohol and other drug issues.
Winner: David McDonald
Nominations Package (please note that nominations are now closed) :
The First Annual ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Awards – 2009 Nomination Package includes information about the Awards, the Guidelines and Categories; Nomination Information; Information for Award Recipients; and the 2009 Nomination Form.
Download the ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Awards - 2009 Nomination Package (pdf).
Download the ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Awards - 2009 Nomination Form (pdf).