"Naloxone needs to become part of our first aid kits. We all need to know how to use it. We all need to stock it - whether it's in our cars or our cupboards. I've work in the AOD sector for a long while now and know many dead people that would be alive today if someone around them had naloxone. We all need to be looking out for each other and this is one way to do it."
Event
What: International Overdose Awareness Day
When: Friday August 28
Time: 11am – 2pm
Location: Bendigo Library Gardens
Featuring BBQ, live music, resources and support from organisations including:
- Bendigo Community Health Services
- The Salvation Army
- Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO)
- Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC)
- Ambulance Victoria
- YSAS
- Maryborough District Health Services
- Thorne Harbour
- Rainbow Hub
25 years on, this day is still needed
Local services agree that 25 years after the first International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) was held, the annual event is Still Needed.
IOAD is convened by Penington Institute, an independent drug policy nonprofit. More than 1000 local events across 40 countries are set to take place.
This year, Bendigo Community Health Services (BCHS) and The Salvation Army will join a host of other local organisations to support the community at an event in the Bendigo Library gardens marking the anniversary and awareness day.
Set for Friday, August 28, the theme of Still Needed reflects the shared truth that overdose continues to affect people across the world. It also honours the dedication of those who have held space for people who have lost someone and who continue to spread the message that overdose is preventable.
BCHS’ AOD Outreach Coordinator Peta Brady is one of those messengers.
“This day and event is very much still needed because stigma and isolation around overdose is still at an all-time high,” she said.
“Overdose also affects family / partners, friends and the wider community.
“This is a day for reflection and remembrance. To let others know they are not alone in their loss. We understand that for many they carry the toll of overdose every day, but this is one day where we can share the load.”
Mackenzie Goulding, Non-Residential AOD Services Team Leader at The Salvation Army, agreed.
“For 25 years we’ve gathered in solidarity, and we will continue to do so as long as it is still needed,” she said.
“The day is also a chance to raise awareness around support and prevention strategies for those in the community who may need it.
“We invite everyone to come along to the Bendigo Library gardens and visit our stalls to help our campaign for a world without overdose.”
According to Penington Institute:
- Drug-induced deaths in 2024 were the highest on record, reaching 2,596.
- Unintentional overdose deaths increased to 2,091.
- For the first time ever, people aged 50-59 were the highest represented age bracket in unintentional overdose deaths.
- In 2024, Victoria was one of four states that experienced the most unintentional drug-induced deaths since the start of data collection in 2001.
“Understanding the complexities around overdose takes education and empathy,” Peta said.
“Our event is a chance for the community to come along and find out more about naloxone, the overdose reversal medication, see a demonstration from Ambulance Victoria, grab something at the BBQ and just keep the conversation and memories going so we can make overdose something that doesn’t take the ones we love away from us.”
The City of Greater Bendigo council will also help mark the day by lighting the Conservatory purple from August 26 to 31.
Organisations in attendance at the event include: BCHS, The Salvation Army, Australian Community Support Organisation, BDAC, Ambulance Victoria, YSAS, Maryborough District Health Services, Thorne Harbour and Rainbow Hub. Staff from Pill Testing Victoria and Harm Reduction Victoria will also be on hand to promote the testing service.