Millie Taylor and Kate Taylor are part of the Wollongong Community Drug Action Team who are organising an evening to acknowledge the lives lost to overdose. Photo: Mel Stott.
You or someone you love is almost twice as likely to die of a drug overdose as they are to die on our roads.
Almost 2300 Australians died from an overdose in 2023, compared to a road toll of about 1300 for the same year.
The Wollongong Community Drug Action Team wants to increase awareness and compassion for victims of overdose and those they leave behind.
On International Overdose Awareness Day, Sunday 31 August, the lighthouse on Flagstaff Hill will shine purple to honour the lives lost to drug overdose and to call for action to prevent more deaths.
Anyone who has lost a loved one to overdose is welcome to come along for solidarity and support from 6 pm.
The 2025 theme for the day is One Big Family, because every life lost to overdose is someone’s child, parent, partner, sibling or friend.
Organiser Mel Stott from the Wollongong Community Drug Action Team said many overdose deaths didn’t fit the stereotype.
“Overdose doesn’t discriminate – it can touch any family,” she said.
“The people who overdose the most are those on prescription pills, everyday people who have developed a substance abuse disorder through a prescribed medication.
“Not one type of person overdoses or develops a substance use disorder or dependency.
“Lawyers, doctors, prison officers, mums, it can be anyone.”
Mel said the team’s outreach work opened her eyes to just how many people in our community have lost a loved one to drugs.
She said the team was often approached by people from all walks of life who needed the opportunity to share their family member’s story without judgement.
Mel said tackling the stigma was a big part of the motivation for Sunday night’s event.
“Lighting the lighthouse purple is our way of saying we remember, we care and we will keep fighting for change,” she said.
“It’s acknowledging the impact on their family and community and highlighting the need of compassion and unity.
“Everyone knows the national road toll, and things have been put in place to prevent people dying on our roads.
“More needs to be done in drug prevention; we want people to know there is help, and these deaths can be prevented.
“We want a future where no-one dies from overdose.”
Anyone who would like to get involved is welcome to join the Wollongong Community Drug Action Team at Flagstaff Hill from 6 pm on Sunday 31 August.
