Peer Organisation Participation Award

The 2019 conference committee acknowledges the significant contribution made by peer organisations to drug research, policy and advocacy, and also recognises the financial challenges peer organisations face in participating in international professional meetings. For these reasons, the committee is calling for submissions for a Peer Organisation Participation Award of up to AUD 3,000/EUR 1,870/USD 2,130 towards the cost of attending and presenting at the 2019 conference. The conference registration fee will also be waived for the award recipient.

Applications for the 2019 Peer Organisation Participation Award should be emailed to cdp@curtin.edu.au by Wednesday 1 May and should include:

  • Presenter’s organisational role and contact details
  • A description of the peer organisation (150 words)
  • An abstract addressing the conference theme in the context of peer engagement and support (300 words)
  • An indicative budget (including, if relevant, how any potential funding shortfall would be covered: e.g., personal funds, commitment from employer).

The 2017 Peer Organisation Participation Award was granted to Fiona Poeder, the Special Projects and External Training Coordinator at the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA). Incorporated in 1987, NUAA is the oldest drug user organisation in Australia and is primarily operated by people who currently use or have a history of using drugs. NUAA has spearheaded the movement for peer engagement and support in a wide range of areas: opioid treatment, needle and syringe programs, hepatitis C treatment, healthcare decision-making, and the reduction of stigma and discrimination. Fiona’s presentation focused on the importance of using person-centred language in community-based alcohol and other drug treatment settings.