Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Acting CEO, Ella Haddad, today congratulated the four recipients of the 2013 Tasmanian Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Awards, which this year were presented during Drug Action Week.

The Awards, in their second year, recognise, promote and reward outstanding practice in the alcohol, tobacco and other drugs field in Tasmania.
Supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health and Human Services, the winners were presented their awards by Minister for Health, the Hon. Michelle O’Byrne MP at a ceremony today.

“The Awards recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving the health and well-being of people affected by alcohol and other drugs, to reducing harm and developing the profession”, Ms Haddad said.

“They demonstrate the depth of talent, skill and knowledge within the Tasmanian workforce, and reflect the desire of the sector to recognise the exceptional practices of our colleagues”.

Winners receive an engraved trophy and $500 to be spent on professional development.

The four winners for 2013 are:

Excellence in Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Work Award

Recognising the outstanding work of an individual worker or manager in the field. Awarded to Peter Cairns
Peter is a Co-morbidity Clinical Nurse Consultant with Correctional Primary Health at Risdon Prison.

He has been a mental health nurse work working with people with multiple and complex needs for over 30 years including correctional health for more than 20 years. He is skilled in a wide range of assessments and interventions in settings which can be very challenging and confronting.

Peter is passionate and committed to the client group at the prison and his pragmatic manner combined with a realistic sense of hope and optimism earns him the respect of all of his colleagues.

Early Career Award

Recognising excellent work performed by someone within the first two years of their career in the field. Awarded to Dominique Smith

Dominique has been an educator at the Drug Education Network for a little over 12 months. During this time, she has initiated a number of projects, collaborated with a range of organisations and worked at the coalface of ATOD prevention, education and early intervention.

Dominique has a talent for engaging effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and has worked with a range of population groups including families, young people, school groups, older people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Outstanding Contributions Award

Recognising the work of someone who may not necessarily work directly in the ATOD sector, but whose activity plays an important and positive role in the work the sector undertakes. Awarded to Dr Raimondo Bruno

Dr Raimondo Bruno is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, University of Tasmania. He leads a research group specialising in substance use, the epidemiology of illicit drug use; harm reduction interventions and the effects of psychoactive substances.

He facilitates collaboration between researchers and clinical practitioners and his work has strong practical implications for evidence-based policy-change.

Dr Bruno has an extensive track record of working at both state and national levels to improve outcomes for those affected by drug use and improving outcomes for consumers.

Emerging Researcher Award

Recognising the importance of quality, evidence based research in the area of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Awarded to Isabelle Bartkowiak-Théron

The Emerging Researcher Award is a new category this year and those eligible were the presenters at the ATDC symposium for emerging researchers in February.

Isabelle’s presentation at this symposium was titled: The Impact of the Tasmanian Early Intervention Pilot Program: Lessons from the Field.

The passionate presentation engaged listeners and provoked discussion. It was reflective of Isabelle’s passion for addressing complex problems with vulnerable populations and the criminal justice system by using problem solving processes and improved collaboration.

Isabelle’s collaborative field based research has practical applications in the area of harm minimisation, early intervention programmes, liaison schemes and diversion.
Eloise Haddad Acting Chief Executive Officer Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Council Tasmania