Drug Education Network Inc.
2025-2026 Annual Report
Chair Report
It is my pleasure to present the Chair’s Annual Report for the Drug Education Network for 2025–2026, a particularly meaningful year as we reflect on the organisation’s 40-year history. Reaching this milestone provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution the Drug Education Network has made over four decades, while reflecting on the continuing importance of its work.
While the drugs, challenges and communities we work with have changed over four decades, the need for accessible, credible and practical drug education has remained. As we acknowledge our history, we must also ensure that the Drug Education Network is well positioned for the future.
Some key milestones for our Board:
- A key achievement during the reporting period was the completion of an internal Board evaluation. This provided an opportunity to reflect on the Board’s governance practices and consider how we can continue to strengthen our effectiveness and oversight.
- During 2025–2026, the Drug Education Network undertook an external financial sustainability assessment. This provided an opportunity to examine the organisation’s financial sustainability and support informed consideration of its future needs.
- Another significant milestone was the successful completion of our mid-cycle accreditation assessment through QIP. This achievement reinforces the importance of maintaining quality standards and embedding continuous improvement into our organisational practices. Our commitment to reviewing and strengthening our systems helps ensure that the organisation remains focused on quality, accountability and good practice.
- Our people remain central to the work of the Drug Education Network, and this year has brought several staffing changes.
- We farewelled Allison from her Director role, following eight and a half years with the organisation. I would like to acknowledge Allison’s significant period of service and thank her for the contribution she made during her time with the Drug Education Network.
- We also farewelled Directors Jess and Catherine, and I extend my thanks to them for their contributions. We wish all three the very best for the future.
- At the same time, we were pleased to welcome Directors Jen and Stephanie to the team. I extend a warm welcome to both and look forward to their contributions to the ongoing work of the organisation.
- An important development during the year was the renewal of Emily, our CEO’s contract for a further three years. This provides an opportunity to maintain leadership continuity as the organisation looks ahead to its next chapter. I look forward to continuing to work with Emily during her next tenure.
I would like to thank my fellow Board Directors for their commitment, contribution and continued focus on the governance and sustainability of the Drug Education Network. I also extend my appreciation to Emily and staff for their work and commitment throughout the year. As we mark 40 years of the Drug Education Network, I also recognise the contributions of those who have helped shape the organisation throughout its history.
This milestone reflects the enduring importance of its purpose and the collective efforts that sustain its work. As Chair, I look forward to the next chapter of the organisation’s journey and to supporting its continued development, so that it can remain responsive to changing needs while staying true to its purpose.
CEO Report
As I reflect on DEN’s 40-year history, I am reminded of the importance of staying connected to why we began: to make a difference through drug education. This year, we have renewed our focus on this core purpose, building on our experience while looking for new ways to strengthen the quality, relevance and impact of our work.
An important part of this has been developing our guiding frameworks, which will help guide how we develop, deliver and review our products and services. I see this as an important step in ensuring our work continues to be evidence-informed, responsive to the needs of our communities, and grounded in good practice.
We are also asking ourselves some important questions about the difference DEN makes. How do we better understand our impact? How can we measure the outcomes of our work? Building our capacity in outcomes measurement and evaluation will help us answer these questions with greater confidence and clarity. For me, this work is about more than strengthening our processes. It is about ensuring that, after 40 years, DEN continues to learn, evolve and demonstrate the value of drug education in reducing alcohol and other drug-related harm across Tasmania.
As always, none of this work would be possible without the wonderful team at DEN. This year, we farewelled several team members, including Anita, whose retirement after more than 10 years as CFO marks a significant milestone for the organisation. Throughout her time at DEN, Anita’s expertise, dedication and careful stewardship of our finances have played an important role in supporting our work and growth. We are incredibly grateful for her contribution and the professionalism and commitment she brought to the role.
I also want to acknowledge and thank the entire DEN team for their ongoing dedication, adaptability and passion for our work. Their collective knowledge, care and commitment to our purpose are what make DEN what it is, and I am incredibly grateful for all they contribute each day.
Finally, I would also like to sincerely thank our Board for their continued commitment, guidance and generosity of time and expertise in supporting DEN’s vision, strengthening our governance and helping guide the organisation into its next chapter.
A Word from our Founder
When I look back on DEN’s 40-year journey, I feel immense pride in how far we have come and the difference we have made in the lives of individuals, families and communities across Tasmania.DEN began in response to a clear need.
In 1986, resources for drug education in Tasmania were limited, and a group of school students approached me seeking information for a school drug awareness project. Their request sparked something that began with simple A4 brochures and grew over time to include videos, educational resources, community programs and specialised projects.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the right people. Building a dedicated team, securing the resources to support them and establishing a strong financial foundation have been essential to DEN’s longevity.
From the early days of uncertainty about meeting weekly wages, to the organisation we have today, our growth has been driven by determination, generosity and a shared belief in the importance of drug education.
As DEN celebrates 40 years, I hope our legacy is that we have made a genuine difference to people’s lives. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to our journey, from the volunteers and supporters who helped raise our earliest funds to the dedicated team continuing this work today.
Throughout the decades, DEN has continued to grow by listening to communities, recognising emerging needs and responding with passion and commitment.
2025-2026 Overview
This year we provided 302 training and education sessions to 5,642 individuals, and distributed 6,698 hard copy resources across our state.
We worked with schools, people in different workplaces, and the broader Tasmanian community to empower individuals to make informed choices around drugs.
Workshops and Training for the Community
We delivered 32 educational sessions to 191 Tasmanian community members, distributed 875 hard copy resources, and provided 14,335 digital resources and information to community member online through Community Online Drug Education (CODE).
Across the state, this looked like:
Who received our services?
Our audience included Local Communities, People in Remand, Support Groups, and Members of the General Public.
What did people say about our workshops and training?
Fantastic content was great! The Educator was lovely and very knowledgeable.
I wish it could have been longer! Very good indeed.
Encouraged further learning through informative and engaging presentation.
Practical, down to earth, honest and really valuable.
Education and Training in Schools
In the past 12 months we supported 4,422 individuals across 41 different school communities through classroom and expo sessions for students across Grades 5-12.
Within this reporting period, we provided 3 professional development opportunities for 47 teachers, school health nurses and other school staff, and distributed 334 resources across the state.
Which schools did we engage with?
DEN provided services to 41 different school communities:
School Feedback
Feedback received from students across all grades within this reporting period:
From Grade 5 and 6 Students:
I learnt multiple places to find help and the activities were really fun, I learnt a lot thank you.
Thank you I really liked learning about all of drugs!
You guys work perfectly, thank you for helping us understand.
From Grade 7 and 8 Students:
It definitely changed the way I thought about alcohol and other drugs in general.
I learnt a lot and the Educator explained stuff very well! It's great to have programs like this at school.
The explanation was clear helping me to understand more about drugs, it was a good session.
From Grade 9 and 10 Students:
Learned a lot about drugs and their effects, I found the presentation engaging and informative.
I really enjoyed the workshop honest, open and informative (responding to individual students really well).
Great presentation I learnt a lot and learnt it in a way I like and that is engaging and easy to understand, thanks.
From Grade 11 and 12 Students:
Mentioning at the start about not meaning to scare away helped me settle in. Mostly people will boogie man it.
Even though the session was quite short, I learnt a fair bit about drug use and drug safety.
Engaged the class and was super clear and helped me understand topics I was unclear on, thank you.
Workshops and Training for the Tasmanian Workforce
We provide evidence-based workshops and training sessions that support the health and wellbeing of Tasmanian workers and their clients through professional development, stigma reduction, awareness raising, and increased access to information, resources and support.
In the past 12 months, we provided 64 workforce training sessions, conference/forum/collaborative group presentations and health and service events to 1049 Tasmanian professionals.
Who received our services?
What did people say about our workshops and training sessions?
This was a very interactive workshop, the Educator was able to allow for personal interaction and natural conversation flow without making us feel rushed or that our interruptions were a bother.
Very relevant, I learnt a lot and became aware of drug effects.
Thank you, a well delivered and relevant presentation that will allow for application in our business.
Great discussions rather than a lecture, really good format.
Best training I have attended - real, honest and informative.
Amazing, would recommend to staff to complete this course! Great learning experience, lots to take back and apply to my daily role.
The Board of Directors
Team Members
Finance
Support Our Work
If you value evidence-based drug education, information and training and would like to support our work, please consider making a donation to increase our impact in the Tasmanian community.
The Drug Education Network is a not-for-profit Tasmanian charity, registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) (click here to view our registration details). Any amount is greatly appreciated, and donations of $2 or above are tax deductible.
If you are able to provide a donation, please click the button below. We thank you for your generosity.
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