Ricky recognised at Strong Spirit Strong Mind Awards
WA Country Health Service Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Diversion Officer in the Midwest Ricky McLean has taken out his category at the 2023 Strong Spirit Strong Mind Aboriginal Alcohol and other Drug Awards.
Presented by the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA), the awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations across the alcohol and other drug sector.
Ricky was nominated in the ‘Outstanding Student Award’ category for his work with Aboriginal communities while studying his Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs and Certificate III in Community Services.
“When I first enrolled in Certificate III with the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Group in 2018, I told myself that I will complete Certificates III and IV and not do any further training or study,” Ricky said.
“Five years later, I would not have dreamt that I would be nominated for or win an award like this.”
“This has given me the confidence to further my studies and I am looking at enrolling myself to complete a diploma in AOD.”
Ricky said his Certificate IV would help him support clients who may be struggling and said it was a real honour to be in a position to support those in need.
“I grew up in Kununurra in the East Kimberley and it has made me aware of what difficulties we face every day, including health issues,” he said.
“I would like to thank the team at Kimberley Mental Health Drug Service for the opportunity they gave me to be the East Kimberley AOD Diversion Officer in 2018.”
Ricky was supported by WA Country Health Service to study his Certificates III and IV with Strong Spirit Strong Mind.