FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday, 3 December 2024: SMART Recovery Australia marked its 20th anniversary with a prestigious awards ceremony in Sydney last Friday, celebrating two decades of supporting Australians through evidence-based addiction recovery programmes.
Opened by The Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, the milestone event recognised outstanding contributions from facilitators, researchers and supporters who have helped expand SMART Recovery's reach from 26 to 80 member organisations in just two years, now facilitating more than 400 weekly recovery meetings nationwide.
"Tonight we honour not just our award winners but every individual who has contributed to creating a future where recovery is accessible to everyone," said April Long, CEO of SMART Recovery Australia. "In just two and a half years, we've doubled our national presence from 211 to 420 meetings, with specialised programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTIQA+ Australians, youth and justice-involved individuals."
The evening featured the inaugural presentation of the Josette Freeman Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating the legacy of one of SMART Recovery's most influential figures. This prestigious honour was awarded to Stuart Fryers of Palmerston Association.
Other significant awards presented during the evening included:
- Amanda Baker Research Award: Dr Alison Beck, University of Wollongong
- Justice Facilitator Award: Diego Gonzalez, OARS Community Transitions
- LGBTIQA+ Facilitator Award: Ambika Scott Jodrell
- First Nations Facilitator Award: Shaun Fisher, CRAICCHS
- Global Facilitator Award: Sam Nughara and Stew Talbot
Brett Savill, Chair of SMART Recovery Australia, emphasised the organisation's vision for the future: "Our shared vision is ambitious but achievable: to make SMART Recovery the first choice in mutual support across Australia. Our goal is to scale up to 1,000 meetings by 2027, with continued support, expanding our impact nationwide."
The organisation has made significant strides in digital innovation, launching new tools including the SMART Recovery App, a new website and the Facilitator Portal, ensuring support is available 24/7 to all Australians seeking help with addiction and problematic behaviours.
The awards ceremony also highlighted SMART Recovery's commitment to innovative and inclusive support, celebrating the successful launch of 15 Yarn SMART Meetings nationally for First Nations People, and the program now available in 20 prisons creating recovery pathways back to the community.
