MISSION Australia’s Junaa Buwa! Alcohol and Other Drugs Outreach Program is making its mark in Valley high schools.
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The research and evidence-based treatment and support service for 13 to 18-year-olds was established in 2012 and has already reached 3417 young people at Mid North Coast High Schools from Macksville to Woolgoolga this year.
It was recently shortlisted for two NSW Non-Government Alcohol and other Drugs (NADA) Awards recognising the program and its coordinator, Josh Dooner, for excellence in the field.
Delivered through both group and community education as well as individual casework, the program works with young people and their families and larger communities to educate and highlight the dangers of alcohol and drug use as well as offering localised and individualised support and advice.
Program Manager at Junaa Buwa! Centre for Youth Wellbeing, Jesse Taylor, said he was thrilled with the team’s recognition.
“It is very deserving – they are a dynamic and responsive team working with at-risk, low socioeconomic and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander young people,” Jesse said.
One 14-year-old Nambucca Heads High student told the Guardian that what he liked about the program was that “we talk about drugs and alcohol and they give us actual tips to stay safe.”
“We also play games and its fun.”
The NADA Awards acknowledge the significant contribution of the non-government alcohol and other drugs sector in reducing alcohol and other drugs related harms to NSW communities through leadership, program design and delivery and dedicated workforce.
