You did it again.
You exceeded our expectations, and the result was one that we can all be very proud of.
I’m of course talking about International Overdose Awareness Day, which was observed last month on 31 August.
It’s the day where we take a moment to remember those lost to overdose, to raise awareness and reduce the stigma that can be linked to drug-related deaths.
Many of you participated in our campaign last year, where we asked you to help us raise awareness of overdose by folding Japanese origami cranes (we set ourselves the target of 1,000 and you delivered over 4,200 to us).

This year we set ourselves the target of 10,000 cranes, and although we had to modify the project (asking you to keep your contributions and send us photographs), this didn’t stifle your enthusiasm with more than 10,000 cranes folded across the State.
Taking the photographs that were submitted, and including the cranes you gave us last year, we were able to produce a stunning photographic mosaic that was launched on the day.
If you haven’t seen the mosaic, I urge you to take a look at it on our website, where you can zoom in and view each of the individual photos (and you may even be able to locate one or more that you contributed).
It was also wonderful to see a number of community organisations hosting events and memorials and to also witness a general increase in awareness of the day and its purpose. This includes Minister Jeremy Rockliff who shone light on the event in his adjournment speech in parliament (starts on page 111), and a marked increase in media interest (supported through the release of the Penington Institute 2020 Overdose Report).
Thank you again to everyone who contributed, and helped make the day a success.
Be assured the cranes will return.
They have captured the community’s attention and I can say with confidence that more people now know about overdose and the risks of overdose because of it and we will continue to build on that in 2021.
This success is your success, thank you.
Alison Lai
Chief Executive Officer