Family Drug Support 2024 Annual Report

23 Robert Simms MLC, Michael White, Catherine Winter, Professor Jacqueline Bowden, Hon Chris Picton MP, Ricki Donaldson QLD – Brisbane – 23 February On February 23, 2024, Brisbane marked International Family Drug Support Day (IFDSD24) with 130 attendees at Queensland Parliament House. The event began with a Welcome to Country by Aboriginal Elder Aunty Deborah Sandy, followed by a powerful video message from Tony Trimingham, CEO of Family Drug Support, emphasizing the importance of family support and drug law reform advocacy. Health Minister Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Queensland Government's commitment to evidence- based reforms, including the Better Care Together plan and new Pill Testing legislation. Other pragmatic initiatives, such as Diversion for Drug Possession and take-home Naloxone, were also discussed. Guest speakers included Greens MP Michael Berkman, who stressed the urgency of drug reform, and FDS volunteer Lynda Devitt, who shared the personal value of supporting others. Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic highlighted the Shifting Minds framework, fostering collaboration between the mental health and AOD sectors. Mikel Gellatly from Lives Lived Well shared his powerful personal story, while Dr. Wendell Rosevear from Stonewall Medical Centre advocated for harm reduction in medical practice, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community. QNADA’s CEO Rebecca Lang challenged prejudices against drug use, welcoming the inclusion of pill testing, and Tom Ogwang discussed the impact of systemic racism on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities. Member for Pumicestone, Ali King, emphasized that drug and alcohol issues affect all families, stressing the need to dismantle stigma and discrimination. Special thanks to the Queensland Government, The Greens Party, and Indivior for their support. Aunty Deborah Sandy, Mikel Gellatty, Lynda Devitt, Ivan Frkovic, Edgar Venegas, Sophie Marsh, Anna Daglish the hon. Curtis Pitt MP Anna Daglish, Rebecca Lang, Belinda Arnold, Jascinta Black the hon. Curtis Pitt MP, Tom Ogwang, Ali King MP, Dr Wendell Rosevar