Midwest drug and alcohol workers honoured nationally
Tracey Saylor and Annette Pepper received awards in appreciation for their valuable contribution in reducing the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use among local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Two members of WA Country Health Service’s Midwest Community Alcohol and Drug Service team were recognised at the 2018 National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference in Adelaide last month. Tracey Saylor and Annette Pepper received awards in appreciation for their valuable contribution in reducing the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use among local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Ms Saylor was awarded the Remote Worker award in recognition of the important commitment and contribution she’s made to the Midwest community over the last five years. Ms Saylor has tirelessly continued to contribute to the drug and alcohol sector despite the unique challenges facing workers in remote locations.
She has been working in the drug and alcohol field for the past 28 years and for the last five years has been based in Meekatharra making a positive impact in the community as a qualified counsellor, Minister and diversion worker.
“Building relationships and trust with my clients and the community is so important,” Ms Saylor said.
“I believe in second chances and I will never give up on someone. Keeping young fellas out of prison and educating them – that’s my calling. I’m passionate about what I do.
“I feel very humbled about winning the award, I still can’t believe I’ve won,” Ms Saylor added.
Annette Pepper won the Coralie Ober Honour Roll award for her outstanding contribution to reducing the harms associated with alcohol and other drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The award acknowledges and publically recognises the exceptional effort she has made.
Ms Pepper has been counselling the Geraldton community for the past 16 years. Her community work has included developing and coordinating programs for women in prison and running programs for the homeless and disadvantaged.
“I love what I do,” Ms Pepper said.
“I was stunned to be awarded the Coralie Ober Honour Roll award; I would never have dreamed I would win something like that for the nation.”
Both award winners received a plaque.