Years 10, 11 & 12 – Paul Dillon Presentation – 15 May

1 May 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

This letter is to inform you that students in Years 10, 11 & 12 will be attending a presentation by Paul Dillon on ‘Alcohol and Drug Use of Young People in Australia’ on Friday 15 May. 

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations to provide updates on current drug trends, as well as advice on alcohol and other drug issues. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure they have access to quality information and best practice drug education.

He has worked extensively with a range of sporting organisations, including the Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players Association and the Football Federation of Australia to provide training workshops to elite athletes on a range of alcohol and other drug issues. In 2009 his best-selling book ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs‘ was published and this has since been released internationally, being translated into a number of languages. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and The Project discussing topical issues.  Paul had a regular spot on a national radio program on Triple J for seven years where he dealt with current youth drug issues. He also writes a blog for parents and caregivers, as well as another for young people and these have recently been released in a podcast format.

In the past, the students have found this session with Paul Dillon both informative and engaging. The presentations are tailored to each year group and outlined here. Parents/Carers are encouraged to access Paul’s online resources for their own upskilling and to promote positive, harm minimisation strategies at home. There will also be follow up activities and discussions in the student’s pastoral care lessons. 

The program for the day is outlined below:

Year 12: Last year at school: What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?

8.35am                          Homeroom will take place out the front of the Montagne Centre
8.45am-10.15am         Paul Dillon Presentation in the Montagne Centre
10.20am                        Year 12 to return to their Period 2 class (shortened lesson) 

Year 10: Young people, alcohol and risk taking: Looking after your mates

10:.20am                     Students meet in the E Block Yard for early recess
10.45am-12.15pm      Paul Dillon Presentation in the Montagne Centre
12.20pm                      Year 10 to return to their Period 4 class (shortened lesson) 

Year 11: Alcohol, vaping and cannabis: What do you and your friends need to know?

12.50pm                       Students meet in the E Block Yard for early lunch
1.15pm – 2.45pm         Paul Dillon Presentation in the Montagne Centre
                                       Dismissal at the conclusion of the presentation 

Lesson times will be changed to suit the presentation times, but students are required to bring their equipment as normal.

Kind regards

Ms Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing