About Us
Mission
One life lost due to alcohol or drug use is one too many….
The reality is all young people need drug and alcohol education, whether they indulge or not, as everyone can be affected by the choices of those who do.
Our objective is to teach young people about the harmful effects of alcohol and other drug use, as a key preventative measure in the ongoing effort to address drug related harm.
Our sessions are interactive and we encourage questions! The aim is to get the students thinking, talking and involved in the process, and actively developing their own strategies to keep safe.
Programs
Our sessions are practical and engaging, discussing the very real issues facing students today.
- We promote positive social norms.
- We believe given accurate information and practical strategies, our youth are better equipped to make “informed” decisions.
- Our team of paramedics, who work at the coal face of drug related harm discuss the potential consequences of drug use and explore strategies to minimise harm.
- An important part of our message to both parents and students is “SAFETY”. We have developed an action plan that we believe will help our young audience to identify an alcohol or drug emergency and guide them to act sooner rather than later. Students currently receive a business size card to place in their wallet/phone case that reminds them of the steps of this action plan.
- We empower students to recognise harm, to act quickly and appropriately and perhaps even save a life!
Founder
Sharon Torpey is the Founder and Director of Drug Education Australia, a leading provider of high quality, factual drug education.
Drug Education Australia delivers education programs to school communities and sporting groups, providing the latest and most accurate information around drug and alcohol use. Sharon is a qualified Phyiscal Education and Health Teacher, with 25 years’ experience connecting with young people and their parents.
Throughout her career, Sharon has taught in both a primary and secondary educational setting and for the past 15 years has also worked with Vic Roads facilitating their learner driver education program and the “Look after our Mates”, interactive drink/drug driving program which encourages responsible driving and looking after each other .
Successfully engaging with both parents and students is a key to Sharon’s success and one of the reasons she is so highly sought after. Sharon naturally connects with this age group, which is seen through her ongoing work with Drug Ed Australia and Vic Roads.
Her passion lies in ensuring individual choices around drugs and alcohol are informed by the latest research, and that the information is delivered in a way that is non-threatening, accessible and age-appropriate.
Sharon believes that engaging and interactive education around alcohol and other drugs builds young peoples capacity to make safer, healthier decisions while they enjoy growing independence.
