The Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania and their members have been inundated with thousands of origami cranes for the third year running, after calling on members of the community to help fold cranes for International Overdose Awareness Day.
Accidental drug overdose impacts Tasmanians of all backgrounds, with new data expected to be released in Australia’s Annual Overdose Report from the Penington Institute, on 31 August.
Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council CEO Alison Lai said the response from the community shows that awareness of overdose is increasing in Tasmania.
“We’ve been blown away by the support for our International Overdose Awareness campaign yet again, with thousands of cranes added to the Hobart art installation over the past week,” Mrs Lai said.
Hobart’s artwork is expected to get even bigger on Tuesday, along with the art installations in the North and North West.
“Support from the community has been so strong over the past couple of years that we’re pleased to be working with our members City Mission, Anglicare Tas and Youth Family and Community Connections who are hosting events in Launceston and Devonport.
“This increase in community involvement and awareness is important as we expect the latest Overdose Report to confirm the trends of previous years, showing overdose continues to impact Tasmanians from all walks of life.
“Prescription medicines are a particular risk for unintentional overdose, so I would encourage everyone to have a conversation with their family, friends, doctor or pharmacist,” Mrs Lai said.
Observed on the 31st of August every year, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.
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 are inviting Tasmanians 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.
Available for interview:
Alison Lai, ATDC CEO (m) 0450 517 017
Helen O’Byrne, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia TAS Branch President (m) 0419 383 347
Photo and interview opportunities
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
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.
