‘Closing the Gap’: Addressing substance misuse health issues for Aboriginal communities

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania (ATDC) are delighted to invite all interested media to forums in both Hobart and Launceston featuring two of Australia’s most eminent health professionals: Professor Dennis Gray, and Associate Professor Ted Wilkes.

Professor Dennis Gray is Deputy Director of the National Drug Research Institute, and heads the Institute’s Indigenous Australian Research Program. He has conducted numerous research projects and published widely in the area of Indigenous substance misuse. His research has had practical outcomes for Indigenous people at all levels. Dennis is a past recipient of the National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence in Research and steers a wide range of current projects on Aboriginal health issues and is the co-author of books on indigenous alcohol use and Aboriginal health. His most recent work has focused on alcohol and other drug use; including patterns of use, liquor licensing, the supply and promotion of alcohol to Aboriginal people, and the evaluation of Aboriginal intervention programs.

Associate Professor Ted Wilkes is a Nyungar man from WA with a lifelong involvement in Aboriginal affairs. Ted is currently advising the Australian National Council on Drugs, and is the Chair of the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee, and serves on a wide range of state, National and international committees, which are working towards improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people. This allows him to work collaboratively across organisations, governments and communities to translate beneficial research findings into sustainable health policy and practice.

Their visit to Tasmania represents an extraordinary opportunity to meet and speak with two renowned health professionals whose advice is sought by all levels of government.

Northern Forum
Tuesday, November 17

11:00 am to 3:00pm

Launceston Tram Shed Function Centre, 4 Invermay Road, Inveresk

Southern Forum
Wednesday, November 18

10.00 am – 12.30pm

Baha’i Centre, 1 Tasman Hwy Hobart
The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania