NEWS

15 May 2023

Winners of the fifth biennial AOD Awards for the NSW Non-Government Sector were announced at the award ceremony, held on 12 May, at the International Convention Centre Sydney. The awards acknowledge the significant contribution of the sector in preventing and reducing alcohol and other drug related harms across NSW communities through leadership, program design and delivery, and dedicated workforce.

Daniel Madeddu (Executive Director, Centre for Alcohol and other Drugs, NSW Ministry of Health) presented the awards along with Robert Stirling (Chief Executive Officer, NADA).

‘The non-government sector is an essential component of the alcohol and other drug sector, delivering amazing outcomes for NSW communities. It is so great to be able to celebrate the people, programs and organisations achieving these outcomes. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees,’ said Robert.

Photo above: Mohamad Fenj, The Rehabilitation Project, joint winner of the AOD frontline champion award

THE WINNERS

First Nations award
This award recognises the significant contribution of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual, organisation or program that has made a significant and/or meaningful commitment and contribution to preventing and/or minimising alcohol and other drug related harms in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The winner: The Glen for Women, Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation

Outstanding contribution in peer work and/or consumer representation
This award celebrates the outstanding contribution by a person with living/lived experience in a consumer representative or peer worker role in a non-government alcohol and other drug service in NSW. This person will have made a significant and meaningful commitment and contribution to assist people accessing alcohol and other drug services and/or inform the way services are delivered to better meet the needs of people accessing alcohol and other drug treatment and support.
The winner: Kevin Street, Uniting MSIC and NUAA

AOD frontline champion award
This award recognises an outstanding frontline worker in a NSW non-government alcohol and other drug service. This person will have made a significant contribution to supporting clients and creating meaningful change that benefits the NGO alcohol and other drug sector.
The winner: Chris Sheppard, Community Restorative Centre
The winner: Mohamad Fenj, The Rehabilitation Project
Certificate of commendation: Candice Gilford, Uniting MSIC

Outstanding contribution award
This award recognises the significant contribution of an individual working in the non-government alcohol and other drugs sector.
The winner: Garth Popple, We Help Ourselves (WHOS)
The winner: Julie Babineau, Odyssey House NSW

Excellence in harm reduction
This award recognises excellence and/or innovation to prevent and/or reduce alcohol and other drug related harms. This includes health promotion, harm reduction, community development, prevention and consumer engagement or peer worker activities.
The winner: WHOS Harm Reduction Program, We Help Ourselves (WHOS)

Excellence in treatment
This award recognises individuals or organisations that contributed to building the evidence base for practices to prevent and/or reduce alcohol and other drug related harms.
The winner: Reconnecting Families, Odyssey House NSW

Excellence in research and evaluation
This award recognises individuals or organisations that contributed to building the evidence base for practices to reduce alcohol and other drugs related harms.
The winner: Community Restorative Centre
Certificate of commendation: Kedesh Rehabilitation Services

For more information please contact Robert Stirling, Chief Executive Officer, on 0421 647 099 or email.