Cowra's Steven Taylor has been named the Male Alcohol and Other Drug Worker of the Year at the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network (ADAN) Symposium on March 3.
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The symposium is aimed at Aboriginal drug and alcohol workers and provides a forum for workers to network and collaborate.
As part of the symposium ADAN presents workforce awards to recognise the outstanding achievements of drug and alcohol workers with in their communities.
Mr Taylor said his nomination had come as a complete surprise to him.
"I had no idea, I was halfway through dinner when I got told and had to get up and receive the award," he said.
"I feel pretty privileged for myself, but I think it's also good for the service, it puts our service on the map.
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"I've been here going on 10 years next year and I think Weigelli has shaped me to who I am today, grounded me so I'm pretty humbled to receive the award," he said.
He said he wanted to give his thanks to those who nominated him.
"I wasn't expecting it you got me," he said.
"Thanks for the nomination, thanks to Weigelli for having me for so long and putting up with me. I'd also like to thank the other nominees.
"It's not about the award, it's about doing your job properly for your clients, community and your people," he said.
Mr Taylor said he had enjoyed his trip to Coffs Harbour and the symposium.
"I loved the symposium, it was one of the better ones to go to," he said.
"It's all about networking and what's working in other services and what's not working. We get a lot of funding bodies and other residential rehabs there, so you get to meet with other services you wouldn't normally meet with.
"The service (Weigelli) has been going on for a while now and the award is good for letting people know where we are.
"Sometimes we are fairly quiet, but we are always poking along," he said.
He said he was looking forward to the future of drug and alcohol work.
"It's good to see ADAN being incorporated and are a branch on their own, which is a step in the right direction I think," he said.
"The space always has room for improvement, but I think we are on the right track.
"We've just got to keep being there for the people that are in need.
"It doesn't matter what race or colour or background they are, just as long as they know Weigelli is open to have them and provide a safe place.
"So I'm looking forward to whats coming up next for ADAN," he said.
