Drug Action Week 2009 (June 21-27), coordinated by the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) focuses on the theme Alcohol is a drug – TOO! and aims to raise community awareness of alcohol and other drug issues, and to recognise the achievements of the frontline workers in the alcohol and other drugs sector.

Chief Executive Officer of ADCA, David Templeman, has welcomed the Government’s interest in alcohol and other drugs-related harm and their support for Drug Action Week 2009.

“Drug Action Week is about people getting involved in creating healthier communities,” said ADCA CEO David Templeman, “This is a vital part of the push for long term change in the way our nation excuses the harm caused by alcohol misuse.”

Ms Ellis, representing the Minister for Health, said “Drug Action Week provides a framework for all Australians to consider the way they think and behave in relation to alcohol and other drugs, and consider making healthier and more responsible choices for the benefit of us all.”

Professor Ian Webster, AO, Patron of ADCA, said “The theme of Drug Action Week, Alcohol is a drug – TOO! is critically important.  During my career in the health profession, the last 20 months is the first time alcohol use has had such a large national profile”.

Hundreds of community groups have signed on to host activities in their towns and cities, with the aim of providing information and creating community debate about the harms associated with the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.

DAW 2009 begins on Sunday, 21 June and concludes on Saturday, 27 June – and incorporates the National Drug and Alcohol Awards (NDAA) at Parliament House on Friday 26 June.

Information about all the registered activities can be found on the Drug Action Week website at www.drugactionweek.org.au

Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan, Manager Strategic Communications & Policy
Phone 02 6281 0686 or 0400 860 058