FDS Insight Magazine Jun - Sep 2023

15 Angela Martin from QDAC Health Team shared a brief behind the scenes look at the Drug and Alcohol Court, and how critical family support is within the criminal justice system. Angela discussed the role of FDS at QDAC and we thank her for embracing our model of care to support families and their relatives in this arena. CEO of QUIVAA, Emma Kill, spoke to the urgent need for more work in the harm reduction space, highlighting the need for including the voices and perspective of people who use drugs in policy and systems development. Emma referenced the importance of an AOD peer and lived experience workforce, the pragmatism behind decriminalisation, the safety of take- home naloxone and fixed injecting facilities, easier access to opioid pharmacotherapy treatment and the urgent imperative of fixed site and mobile drug checking (pill testing services). Thank you, Emma, for the very important work you do. The audience included representatives from Queensland Police Service, AOD sector organisations, family members and Government departments with ongoing feedback confirming the importance and success of the event. Brisbane, Queensland speakers and FDS staff. Back row (L-R): James Hoey, Natasha Stapleton, Angela Martin, Marzia Mattioli, Dr Wendell Rosevear, Emma Kill, Commissioner Ivan Frkovic. Front row (L-R): Alana Boulton, Anna Daglish, Ali King MP and Michael Berkman MP QLD International FDS Day event held at Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane. Poem: Finding an open path Guilt and shame prevailed Tearing us apart The years rolled by I hid in the dark You found your hideaway So did I I left you there I said goodbye Now awake and enlightened Finding an open path With peace and honesty To connect with your heart. Mary