Awards for Aboriginal alcohol and drug workers

• Ngnowar-Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation awarded for assisting people with alcohol and drug problems
• Innovative Midwest Community Drug Service Team program awarded

A Wyndham community champion is this year's 'Strong Spirit Strong Mind' Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Worker of the Year.

Julie Woods from Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation has been recognised for her decade-long dedication in assisting Wyndham's Aboriginal community with drug and alcohol and mental health related issues.

Other Western Australian Aboriginal alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers were also recognised with awards at today's annual two-day forum in Perth.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said the winners were great examples of what could be achieved in this challenging area of work.

"I really admire their commitment and dedication to making a difference in the lives of people affected by alcohol and drug use," Mrs Morton said.

The award for Innovative and Culturally Secure Aboriginal AOD Program was given to equal winners the Midwest Community Drug Service Team for their ICARE program (Improving Client - Agency Regular Engagement) and Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation for their Improved Services Initiative Program.

"Supporting Aboriginal people and communities to address issues associated with alcohol and other drugs is one of the most important priorities for the Drug and Alcohol Office," the Minister said.

The forum was organised by the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other drug agencies in partnership with the Drug and Alcohol Office, which also provided funding in conjunction with the Federal Department of Health and Ageing.

      Fact File

• This is the sixth annual WA Aboriginal alcohol and drug forum
• First Strong Spirit Strong Mind awards for Aboriginal workers held in 2007
• 120 Aboriginal AOD Workers attended the forum

Minister's office - 6550 6900