I have just one ask for you this month, and it's an important one.

For those of you who read my regular updates in our eNews, it may not come as a surprise that my team have asked me to try and make them shorter!

I do love what I do and I love to talk, which means I usually have a lot to say.

But this month I will get straight to the point and ask you to do something for me.

An important favour.

We all know that there are some excellent alcohol, tobacco and other drug programs and services being delivered across our island. They are being led by talented hardworking people. Some who have been working in our sector for a very long time, and others who have only just started their journey but are already making an impact.

I need you to nominate these programs and these individuals for the 2020 ATOD Awards.

As I’m writing this, we have hardly any nominations. My goodness, this can’t be right!

This year at the ATDC 2020 Conference I will be joined by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Jeremy Rockliff to present awards to an individual and program doing great things, to someone who has made an outstanding contribution over a long time, and to an emerging leader starting to find their stride.

I need you to help me find these people and programs so that we can showcase them to the Minister, the sector and the broader community.

So my one ask for you this month, is that in the time that it has taken you to read this update that you take another five minutes, to nominate someone today. Perhaps it’s you?

Thank you!

Alison Lai
Chief Executive Officer