Tasmanian alcohol and other drugs sector shines in Telstra Women’s Business Awards

20 February 2020

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania alongside the Drug Education Network are celebrating the announcement that their chief executive officers, Alison Lai and Shirleyann Varney have both been recognised as Tasmanian finalists in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards For Purpose and Social Enterprise category.

ATDC chief executive Alison Lai said that the announcement was a wonderful achievement and an acknowledgement of the hard work that has been happening to support and advance the Tasmanian alcohol, tobacco and other drugs sector.

“Over the past couple of years there has been a significant amount of work happening to expand and improve services across Tasmania, and to raise awareness of drug related issues,” Ms Lai said.

“While the ATDC’s advocacy for a trial of pill testing in Tasmania might be the most prominent activity visible to members of the public, this represents only a fraction of the work of our organisation.

“There is a large amount of work happening behind the scenes including advocacy for increased investment in services, coordinating training for front-line workers and working with government to implement whole-of-system improvements.

“There is no doubt that there is more interest in drug-use than ever before, and I’m very proud of the impact that my organisation, and I, have had in helping to drive this.”

DEN chief executive Shirleyann Varney agreed that having two finalists was testament to the excellent work undertaken in a critical health service that can often be overlooked.

“DEN’s purpose is to prevent and reduce harm from drugs through leadership and education,” Ms Varney said.

“We work with schools and local communities across Tasmania to create a space where individuals feel comfortable to have conversations about drugs and have access to the most current and up to date information.

“By providing community members with resources, information and connections to specific services, our goal is to meet people where they are, and encourage open dialogue that empowers the individual to restore the balance of their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

“We couldn’t do this without the wonderful partnerships DEN has made with many organisations, including the ATDC to build community and workforce capacity in relation to prevention and early intervention.”

Media Contact:

Alison Lai, CEO – 0450 517 017
Shirleyann Varney, CEO – 0448 692 218

media release pdf

Who are the ATDC?

The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania is the peak body representing and supporting community organisations, and the people they assist, to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug related harm for all Tasmanians.

Our vision is a Tasmania without alcohol, tobacco or other drug related harm or discrimination.

Find out more about the ATDC

Who are the DEN?

The Drug Education Network provides community members with the resources, information and connection they need to keep themselves and their community safer in relation to their individual circumstances.

Our goal is to meet people where they are and encourage open dialogue that empowers the individual to be the primary agent of their own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Find out more about the DEN