FDS 2023 Annual Report

29 • Stories from family members and stories from people who have had problems with drugs. • I am most grateful to be part of this support group. • I loved the event and think it should be bigger and longer. Family support is an important issue. • It was my first time attending and it was a really beautiful day. NSW – Sydney – 24 February The New South Wales Sydney IFDSD was held at the NSW Teachers Federation building in Surry Hills on 24 February 2023 and was sponsored by Odyssey House & Indivior and supported by many organisations and services. Attendees heard from our many keynote speakers who shared their experiences and insights in relation to this year’s IFDSD theme ‘Support the Family - Improve the Outcome’ and sub-theme, ‘Harm Reduction Keeps People Safe.’ Our keynote speakers included: • Tony Trimingham OAM, Founder of Family Drug Support. • David Kelly, Programs Director at Odyssey House. • Dr Amanda Clarke, Senior Program Officer, Offender Programs and Services, Corrective Services NSW (who delivered her presentation via video link). • Ms Cate Faehrmann MLC, Greens MP in the NSW Legislative Council (Upper House) and the Greens spokesperson for drug law reform &harm reduction. Lived Experience Speakers: • Family member – mother’s perspective, Mary • Family member – sibling perspective, Gillian Trimingham • Family member – sibling perspective, Renee Vincent • Lived Experience, personal address–Cigdem Watson A post-event survey found that the majority of respondents had attended IFDSD for the first time and that 96% would come again (4% said maybe). The highlights of the day for respondents were: • The talk by a mother of a drug user. • The brave recounting of personal journeys. • The speech by the Greens politician. • Talking with others, renewing acquaintances and seeing the wonderful level of commitment that all the volunteers and workers are making. • Listening to other people and acknowledging that I need to look after myself. • The personal stories, they were intense and very impactful. • The brave family members and people with a lived experience of addiction sharing their stories.