The purpose of the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Awards is to acknowledge and recognise the outstanding contributions made by organisations and individuals in the alcohol and other drug sector.

The categories of the awards are to identify individuals, projects and organisations that have made a significant improvement in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people affected by alcohol and other drugs.

There are five (5) Strong Spirit Strong Mind Award categories:

• WA Aboriginal alcohol and other drug worker of the year (2)
• Innovative and culturally responsive Aboriginal alcohol and other drug program
• Partnership award
• Organisation recognition award
• Outstanding student award (2)

ENTRY GUIDELINES

1. Nominations are restricted to those that work and live in Western Australia.
2. Self‑nominations are acceptable for individual award categories.
3. Organisations cannot self-nominate for “Innovative and culturally responsive AOD program” and/or “Organisation recognition award”. However, organisations may self‑nominate for “Partnership award” provided each partner submits a nomination form.
4. One winner will be selected from each category. Awards will not necessarily be given in all categories.
5. Separate nomination forms are required for each category.
6. Depending on the quality and quantity of nominations, a short-listing process may be undertaken for specific categories.
7. Judges will determine if it is necessary to contact nominee or nominator for additional information at time of assessment.
8. The closing date for nominations is 5pm Friday 17 July 2026. Late nominations cannot be considered.
9. Preference is for typed or electronic nominations using the included forms, however handwritten nominations will be accepted provided they are easy to read. For written nominations, attach extra paper if needed.
10. All nominees will be advised of their nomination via email. All nominations will be confirmed via return email

AWARD CEREMONY
Award winners will be announced during the Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Workers Forum 2026: Community First, on 29-30 October 2026 at Pan Pacific Perth.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All nominees will receive a Certificate of Acknowledgement.

HOW WILL THE NOMINATIONS BE ASSESSED?
Nominations will be judged by a panel determined by the Aboriginal Forum reference group.

The judges will assess the nomination/s against the following criteria:

WA ABORIGINAL ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG WORKER OF THE YEAR

• Personal and professional achievements
• Participation, involvement and achievement within the Aboriginal Community in the alcohol and other drugs sector
• Program involvement “over and above their role” in supporting Aboriginal health and well being

INNOVATIVE AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE ABORIGINAL ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS PROGRAM

• Development of the program in consultation with Aboriginal Community members and Aboriginal staff
• Successful Aboriginal service provision implementation including support of Aboriginal workers
• Positive impact and outcome of the program or service to the Aboriginal Community

PARTNERSHIP AWARD

• Details of the partnership (why and how it was formed)
• Successes / achievements as a result of the partnership (outcomes of the partnership for the Aboriginal Community)
• Future directions of the partnership

ORGANISATION RECOGNITION AWARD

• Recognition for Aboriginal service provision at the organisation, including any future planned direction
• Recognition for support of Aboriginal workers at the organisation

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD

• Outstanding achievement as a student studying in an alcohol and other drug related area, or student placement within the sector
• Study or research involvement focused on Aboriginal health and wellbeing