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Canberrans gather to remember lives lost to drug harms and call for change

MEDIA RELEASE

Every year, on the last Monday in October, Canberrans gather together at a dedicated memorial in Weston Park, Yarralumla at 12 noon to remember those who have lost their lives to drugs, to stand with those who continue to live with that loss and to collectively advocate for compassionate, evidence-based, life-saving drug policy reform. This year is the event’s 31^st anniversary.

 

During today’s ceremony, the growing list of those who have died will be read out, in a stark reminder that behind every drug-related death is a life that matters - a person who is loved and mourned. 

 

Today’s event comes as new national data reveals Australia recorded its deadliest year on record for overdose and other drug-related deaths, with 2,596 drug-induced deaths in 2024, equivalent to seven lives lost every day. In this context, harm reduction and access to non-stigmatising treatment and support is an urgent public health priority. 

 

ACT police and health authorities have issued public warnings, after the Territory experienced several suspected overdose deaths and non-fatal overdose incidents in August 2026. It is critically important people get their drugs tested at the CanTEST Health and Drug Checking service and carry naloxone, which temporarily reverses an opioid overdose.

 

ACT Minister for Health and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson said: “Every life lost to drugs is a tragedy. The impact is felt not only by the individual, but by their families, friends and the wider community. That is why we all have a role to play in preventing these deaths and reducing the harm caused by drug use.

 

“Reducing overdose deaths remains a priority for the ACT Government. We are committed to a harm minimisation approach and will continue to invest in evidence-based initiatives that save lives, improve health outcomes and help prevent the devastating loss of life from overdose in our community.”

 

The Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (CAHMA)’s Executive Director, Chris Gough said: “Today the community comes together in support and solidarity to grieve those we have lost to overdose and to the criminalisation of drugs. We recognise that the tragic human toll of inhumane drug laws, bad drug policy settings and overdose is entirely preventable. 

 

“We remember those who have passed away and call on government to continue to work towards a legislative environment that supports the health, safety and wellbeing of all Canberrans, including people who use drugs, and to provide more harm reduction and drug treatment services for the community.”

 

Directions Health Services CEO, Bronwyn Hendry said: “We see first-hand the profound impact these losses have on families, friends and colleagues, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. Every loss is a reminder of why compassionate, practical and evidence-based harm reduction matters. We’re grateful to work in a community where progressive drug policy supports access to essential healthcare. If you’re planning to use drugs, we encourage you to visit CanTEST and to carry naloxone."

 

The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT’s (ATODA) Acting CEO, Anke van der Sterren said: “Every life lost to overdose is a needless and tragic loss. The evidence is clear: harm reduction and treatment services save lives. The ACT has built a strong system of support and with ongoing investment in treatment and harm reduction, we can further reduce drug-related harms and prevent overdose deaths.” 

 

Social Justice Lead at Uniting NSW.ACT, Alexandra Hogan said: “Today’s focus is remembrance.  While we honour those lives, we also have a responsibility to prevent future overdose deaths. The drug market is changing and becoming more complex. This means we need stronger harm reduction measures including supervised injecting facilities and more permanent drug-checking facilities to meet local community want and need. Every overdose death is a preventable one.” 

  

Advocate and formerly from Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform, Marion McConnell said: “The ACT has made some progress on drug law reform, including legislation that supports decriminalisation and harm reduction. Each year, we come together to remember the lives lost in our community but remembering those lost must mean more than just mourning them. It must strengthen our resolve to continue to challenge unjust laws that stigmatise, criminalise and cause preventable harms, including loss of life.”

 

Uniting NSW.ACT runs the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Sydney and has spearheaded the Fair Treatment Campaign for fairer drug laws for over seven years.

 

 

Editor’s note: these people are available for interview:

Dr Marisa Paterson, ACT Minister for Health and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services  

Alexandra Hogan, Social Justice Lead at Uniting NSW.ACT

Chris Gough, Executive Director, The Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy

Anke van der Sterren, Acting CEO, The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT

Marion McConnell, advocate and formerly from Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform

Dr Ben Harkness, lived experience advocate, Integrated Drug and Alcohol Primary Health Care clinician at Directions Health

Hayley Shaw, lived experience advocate

About us:

About Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.

 

Contact details:

Kathryn Lamond

Public Affairs & Media Manager
0424 465 464
[email protected]