INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AN INSPIRATION

Experts from across Australia and the globe met in Sydney from the 12th to 14th of December for Life Education’s Inaugural International Conference to provide insight, research and possible solutions to fixing Australia’s drug and alcohol problems and educating Australia’s youth.

The Conference was organised to celebrate Life Education’s 30th year in operation, to bring together Life Education agencies from around the world and to help raise awareness and gather knowledge from qualified experts.

Knowledgeable speakers from all over the world lectured about programs, theories, psychology, science and methods around issues with drinking and drug use throughout the three-day conference.

Hubert Sacy, (at right) Director General of Éduc’alcool - a Quebec-based not-for-profit organisation devoted to alcohol education and prevention, has had 20 years experience in efficient, science-based and documented alcohol education and prevention programs that work. At the Conference he showcased their successful alcohol education programs for youth in Quebec. Hubert Sacy chairs the Social Responsibility Committee of the Canadian Association of Liquor Jurisdictions, is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Council on Alcohol and Addictions, Chair of its Communications Committee and Alcohol Education Section.

Belgium social educator Peer van der Kreeft, who is responsible for interventions, campaigns, projects and programmes of De Sleutel, (the largest organisation for drug problems in Belgium), discussed  school based universal prevention at the Conference was a valuable insight for all.. Kreeft has worked with the European Union-Drug Addiction Prevention Group (EU-DAP) since 2003 and holds ongoing training, consult and supporting positions for projects in Russia, Romania and Indonesia.

Another of the many inspirational speakers at the conference was Trevor Grice, (at right) who is the Founder Director of Life Education Trust NZ and co-author of The Great Brain Robbery, a best seller describing the negative impact of drugs on the maturing brain. Grice has lectured at many international forums including The House of Commons (UK), British Headmasters Conference for Public Schools (Island of Jersey), and World Health Organisation New York Conference. Grice discussed the empowering of parents when it comes to drugs, alcohol and their children.


At the end of a jampacked three days, all agreed that the bringing together of our Life Education colleagues from all over the world (many pictured above with LEA National Chairman Tony Hasham AM including the UK, Finland, Hong Kong, Macau and New Zealand), together with the truly outstanding speakers, was an unforgettable and inspirational experience.