FDS Annual Report 2024/25

5 CEO Report Tony Trimingham OAM My retirement due to health reasons has been a difficult decision for me as FDS has been my life’s work and mission since I founded FDS in 1997 after I lost one of my children to a heroin overdose. It was an unimaginable tragedy and one that has fuelled my relentless drive to not only help families facing their own alcohol and other drug related difficulties, but to also advocate strongly for the policies needed to reduce the potential of this harm. You will forgive me for repeating my words of last year, as they remain the best way I can describe my passion and deserve repeating: “I fight for families to be able to access the support they need, as well as reduce the stigma and shame they face, will never end for me. I know that my continual pushing for reform of some entrenched policies of government can make life difficult for some organisations and people associated with FDS. This is why I am so appreciative of the unconditional support of the Board, staff, volunteers, colleagues and many in the community for FDS, for me and for the work we undertake. As much as I am inspired by this support It is disheartening at times that after more than 25 years, there appears to be an ongoing need to argue for the importance in ensuring access to support for families. It remains my hope that FDS will one day be appropriately funded by every government so we can have people on the ground helping families across Australia.” I also want to thank the many colleagues that have assisted me personally and FDS to achieve success. Finally, I want to thank the Chair and the Board, Cigdem Watson for stepping in as CEO, and all the staff and volunteers (past and present) for always helping and supporting me so much, especially given at times my passion for families pushed them so hard. I also especially want to thank my wife Sandra, for accompanying me on this journey of FDS since its inception. I wish everyone well and hope you will find it in your heart to continue to advocate and support FDS.