FDS Insight Magazine Jun - Sep 2023

8 strong stance on harm reduction and of the absolute need to give families support. We wrapped up the event by inviting people to stay for a light lunch and to take the opportunity to talk to others in the room. Robert Simms MLC, Sally Underdown, Chris Picton MP, Catherine Winter and Debby Kadarusman QLD – Rockhampton – 22 February ockhampton IFDSD was held on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023, at the Rockhampton Leagues Club. The event was attended by over fifty community members, including families supporting someone with an issue with substances, professionals in the AOD sector and local service providers. There was a very strong consensus that harm minimisation principles save lives, and the message was embraced by guest speaker Rebecca Adams, from the Needle and Syringe Program, a Program provided by Queensland Health. Other guest speakers included Mikel Gellatly, Clinical Manager of Lives Lived Well who brought a personal perspective to the day, having gone through his own journey of addiction and recovery. Bidgerdii Community Health Services spoke on the importance of holistic care for people using drugs and their families. The Salvation Army First Step Recovery Facilitator, Jenny Wayman detailed her passion for supporting people with addictions and their families. Child and Youth Mental Health provided another perspective on the connection between young people and the link between mental health and addiction. Rockhampton IFDSD event held at Rockhampton Leagues Club Our guest speakers included several family members who were commended for their honesty and courage in being able to speak about their child’s addictions and the painful ramifications this has had on their children and themselves. Their stories spoke to a history of pain and heartache and showed us that to help each other we must break down the shame and stigma associated with substance use and reach out and be kind to each other. As one of the attendees said, ‘I am so very R