Palmerston was proud to attend the 2025 WANADA Conference, an event that brings together leaders and professionals from across the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector to share knowledge, discuss new initiatives, and collaborate on ways to support individuals, families, and communities affected by AOD use.
This year’s conference was a fantastic opportunity for our team to learn, present, and connect with like-minded organisations working towards a shared vision of improving AOD services across Western Australia. A huge thank you to the WA Network of Alcohol & other Drug Agencies (WANADA) for organising another successful event!
Celebrating Award-Winning Programs
We were incredibly honoured to receive two awards this year:
🏆 Working with Families and Significant Others – Recognising our Parents Under Pressure (PUP) and Supporting Children Program, which provide holistic, evidence-based support to parents and children impacted by AOD challenges. These programs help families strengthen relationships, build resilience, and create positive change.
🏆 Excellence in AOD Outcomes for Aboriginal People – Acknowledging our Solid Steps AOD Program at Casuarina Prison, delivered in partnership with Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Justice WA. Solid Steps supports Aboriginal men as they prepare for reintegration, using peer mentorship and cultural frameworks to promote healing and recovery.
Recognising Excellence: Seven Award Nominations
Palmerston was also honoured to be recognised across seven award categories, reflecting the depth and impact of our work in the AOD sector:
- Reducing the Risk of Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Harms (Finalist – Peel Needle and Syringe Exchange Program)
- Treatment (Finalist – STEPS AOD Reintegration Program)
- Partnerships (Finalist – Marr Moorditj Student Placement Program)
- Preventing and Reducing Alcohol and Other Drug Harms in Young People (Finalist – Moorditj Benang: Building Solid Futures in Young People)
- Translating Research into Practice for Improved Alcohol and Other Drug Outcomes (Finalist – Oral Health Project, Palmerston Farm Therapeutic Community)
- Improving Alcohol and Other Drug Outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples (Winner – Solid Steps AOD Program)
- Working with Families and Significant Others (Winner – Parents Under Pressure and Supporting Children Programs)
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on another fantastic WANADA Conference, we remain committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support to individuals and families affected by AOD use. Collaboration and innovation are key to creating lasting change, and we are proud to stand alongside so many organisations making a difference in this space.
We look forward to continuing our work, strengthening partnerships, and building a future where every person has access to the support they need on their recovery journey.
Thank you to WANADA and everyone who made this conference an incredible experience.
