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Our blog aims to generate meaningful commentary about alcohol policy, and to provide a platform for all members of the Australian community to share their views and concerns.

Community stories

Health Promotion

Community stories

“My perspective towards FASD has changed a lot… I’m in a much better place, but it wasn’t like that in the beginning”

By anyone’s measure, Gilberto Spencer has lived – and is living – a very impressive life. Gilberto is also living and functioning with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and he wants to tell his story.

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Angelene observes a photograph, in an image used for International Women's Day. — Community stories

“There’s plenty of parents and caregivers out there, and that’s where I’ve done most of my healing — in finding I wasn’t alone”

Angelene’s son lives with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In this video, she talks about alcohol dependence, her son’s FASD diagnosis and her life now as a passionate FASD advocate.

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Community stories

“People with FASD have just as much desire to be in the world, to engage and to have wonderful experiences”

When Jessica was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at age 33, it helped her to better understand herself and her experiences of the world. Hear about Jessica’s journey to her diagnosis and how she’s raising awareness of FASD in the community.

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Community stories

“Healthy pregnancies are a community responsibility”

Jen found a range of enjoyable ways to stay healthy and active during her pregnancies with her sons. She also learned more about why it’s important to avoid alcohol during this time and while breastfeeding.

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Community stories

“The stories that we tell… we got to get it out there for people to listen and understand”

Watch Aunty Helen as she talks about why she will continue advocating for her community’s health and wellbeing.

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Community stories

“When people say good things about me, like giving up drinking… I’m really proud of myself”

Joshua is a Warlpiri/Tiwi man from the Bagot community in Darwin, Northern Territory. Alcohol caused a lot of problems in his life — trouble with the police, hospitalisations, and mental ill health. But today, after giving up drinking, he is proud to set a good example for his son and...

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Community stories

“We really wanted a good future for our child-to-be and that was worth more than a night out”

When Lauren Pettis (35) and her husband, Phil, began trying for a baby at the end of 2020, the couple made the conscious decision to go alcohol-free for their pregnancy journey.

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Community stories

“My son wanted to live but he couldn’t navigate his alcohol addiction”

Warning: This story contains details that may be distressing. No parent expects their child’s life to be cut short by alcohol. My son Dylan was just 26 when he died from alcohol-induced hepatitis, or liver inflammation.

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Middle aged man sitting outside with a contended look on his face — Community stories

“I’ve found many things in my life that are far more important to me than alcohol”

I’m Rodney and I work in policy and research at FARE. I’m someone with a personal experience of alcohol dependency. I don’t fit some of the stereotypes of alcohol dependency – I didn’t experience significant trauma and didn’t use alcohol until my mid-20s. But I did end up using it...

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Kirsty Webeck — Community stories

“Being drunk became boring for me, and I just like myself better when I’m sober”

When you think of an old-fashioned stand-up comedian, you can’t help but think of smoky bars, endless drinks and lots of big nights. But the industry is changing, with more comics now opting to drink little or no alcohol.

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Young woman standing on her apartment balcony — Community stories

“That’s when I realised something needs to change — I cannot rely on alcohol”

Pauline was never a big drinker. But to deal with the challenges presented by COVID-19, she started relying on a glass of wine or two every night.

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Woman smiling candidly at the camera — Community stories

“The simple, difficult truth is that the effects have been devastating for all of us…”

When I was 11, my dad told me about his alcohol dependence. I remember him sitting on the end of my bed, doing his best to make it make sense. Pieces of early memories started falling into place.

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