Alocal vigil was held last week for International Overdose Awareness Day to reflect and remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, reduce stigma and raise awareness.

The Mount Gambier vigil was hosted by SAPOL’s Limestone Coast Drug Action Team with support from Rotary Mount Gambier West and concluded with a minute of silence.

The guest speakers were manager of Limestone Coast Crime Prevention Section Manager Sergeant Jade Hill, Substance Misuse Limestone Coast project officer Sophie Bourchier and Rotary Mount Gambier West president Ray Herbert.

The Penington Institute released Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2023 last week highlighting that for the seventh year straight more than 2000 Australians have died of overdose.

Ms Bourchier said this is the third time the event has taken place in the region with this year boasting the biggest turnout to date.

“We thought this was a great opportunity for us to actually have vigil and bring to the forefront the issues around drug and alcohol use and the stigma that goes with that,” she said.

“It is getting effective because we’re getting more people and recognition, it’s getting talked about all over the place, especially today.

“It just shows that we’re getting it out more, people are talking about it, they’re not afraid to support it. It helps to build the reduction of stigma.

“It’s really important to raise awareness around overdose and the stigma around drug and alcohol use on the broader level because there is so much stigma it delays and stops people from accessing help and treatment.

“It is very much a health issue, it is not a moral issue and nobody should put their moral judgements on any health issue.”