People from around the state have stepped up to be a part of ending overdose in Tasmania by folding origami cranes for interactive artworks to be unveiled on International Overdose Awareness Day, 31 August 2021.
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council CEO Alison Lai said that the growing support each year shows that overdose continues to be an important issue for Tasmanians.
“More Tasmanians die of unintentional overdose than from car crashes, and unintentional drug-induced deaths in Australia are increasing each year,” Mrs Lai said.
“Drug overdose impacts Tasmanians of all ages and backgrounds, and many people don’t realise that overdose is most likely to be due to prescription medicines.
“However it’s important to know that preventing overdose is something we can all be a part of, as simply talking about overdose could save a life.
“Conversations about drug use, mixing medicines and alcohol, and overdose can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding it but talking about it is important to reduce the risk of overdose, and folding a crane is a gentle way to start that conversation.
Over the past 2 years, Tasmania has observed International Overdose Awareness Day by folding origami cranes to raise awareness, and is once again inviting the community to fold origami cranes.
“We’ve sent out over thirteen thousand sheets of origami paper to organisations and individuals across the state, with more requests coming in each day,” Mrs Lai said.
This year, the ATDC is partnering with Anglicare Tasmania, Youth Family and Community Connections and Launceston City Mission to simultaneously unveil 3 interactive artworks.
“We’re inviting people to fold cranes for overdose awareness, and bring them to our events in Devonport, Launceston or Hobart on the 31st of August, International Overdose Awareness Day,” Mrs Lai said.
“10,000 cranes were folded over 2019 and 2020, so with the support of our members this year we have expanded the events to the North and North West to cater for the increasing support.
“We are also pleased to see the support for overdose awareness coming from outside the alcohol, tobacco and other drugs sector, in particular City of Hobart, City of Launceston and RANT Arts in Devonport who are supporting our events,” Mrs Lai said.
Photo and interview opportunities – Devonport, Launceston, Hobart
Hobart
Tuesday 31 August 2021, 10:15am Waterside Pavilion, Argyle St, Hobart
Available for interview: Alison Lai, CEO of Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council
Event contact: Liz Knox liz@atdc.org.au 0434 443 173
Launceston
Tuesday 31 August 2021, 10:00am Reception Room, Town Hall, St John Street, Launceston
Available for interview: Stephen Hill, Launceston City Mission
Event contact: Stephen.Hill@citymission.org.au 0407 303 035
Devonport
Tuesday 31 August 2021, 10:00am RANT Arts, 45-47 Stewart Street, Devonport
Available for interview: Dr Jackie Hallam, Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council
Event contact: Sean Robinson s.robinson@anglicare-tas.org.au 0449 936 744
Alison Lai and Jackie Hallam will also be available to speak about Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2021,
to be released by the Penington Institute on 31 August.
Community event details:
- nipaluna/Hobart: 10am-4pm on 26, 27, 28 and 30 August – no RSVP, just drop in
Tuesday, 31st August 2021 10:00am to 2:00pm, formalities start 10:30am
Mawson Place Waterside Pavilion, Argyle Street – RSVP here - Launceston: Tuesday, 31st August 2021 10:00am to 2:00pm , formalities start 10:30am
Reception Room, Town Hall, St John Street, Launceston – RSVP here - Devonport: Tuesday, 31st August 2021 10:00am to 2:00pm, formalities start 10:30am
RANT Arts, 45-47 Stewart Street, Devonport – RSVP here - Bring folded cranes to your local community event and contribute to the region’s artwork. Events include crane folding, adding cranes to artwork, talks and a minute’s silence to remember those we have lost to overdose.
- Haven’t folded a crane? Can’t fold a crane? We have you covered. Pre-folded cranes will be available on the day so everyone can be part of creating the art installation.
