Evaluators, Health Outcomes International, have provided a highly favourable report in their latest evaluation of Drug Free Australia’s operations. 

 ‘The Board is extremely pleased to report that its Second Evaluation Report in less than 3 years has turned up some very favourable determinations from such high profile independent evaluators’, said DFA Chair, Craig Thompson

The following is a summary the key findings, as quoted from the HOI Evaluation Report:

“Drug Free Australia has continued to expand its profile in the community in the debate on drug use in Australia. This has been achieved through its corporate infrastructure and processes, and the development of a range of resources and media that facilitate the dissemination of its views and ideals.

The networks and linkages established with a range of individuals and organisations have capitalised on the profile of its Board members and the establishment of Fellows in Australia and overseas. Of particular note in the current period has been the notable expansion of its overseas network”.

The Evaluators further state that DFA has also been proactive in:

• contacting members of parliament at State and national levels
• providing information and conducting forums at a local level with members of its Youth Advisory Team
• responding rapidly to emerging issues in related fields by establishing processes to facilitate this activity
• website development with a 71% increase in the number of visits compared to last year, including an increased level of overseas interest. 
• expanding the Harm Prevention Supporter Group, now comprising individuals and organizations with memberships in excess of some 212,000 people.

“The exponential growth in support for DFA is indicative of the need, in real terms, for drug prevention and healing, within our communities nation-wide”, said Executive Officer, Jo Baxter. ‘With our current project work drawing to conclusion, this is a very important result for DFA – and even more so for the tens of thousands of people and families of Australia who depend on our drug prevention initiatives’.

“All indicators provide evidence to support the conclusion that DFA has been effective in establishing a profile at both local and national levels, enabling it to participate in and contribute to the drug policy debate”, says the Evaluator