Paul Dillon from DARTA (Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia) presented to our Year 10-12 students this week. Paul has presented to our Chisholm Community for a number of years and provides many key strategies to keep our students safe and healthy. His topics included: Young People, Alcohol and Risk Taking (Year 10), Alcohol and Cannabis (Year 11) and Last Year of School: Alcohol and Drugs (Year 12).

“Paul Dillon’s presentation was highly insightful and extremely valuable to hear as a young person. He highlighted important skills and knowledge that are crucial for individuals transitioning into adulthood. I really enjoyed listening to the presentation and gained many important lessons. He delivered his message in a way that was very engaging to the Year 10 audience, ensuring that his key points were clearly understood and remembered. Overall, it was an effective and well-delivered presentation that left the cohort with useful takeaways about alcohol and risk taking.” (Year 10 student)

“Mr Dillon’s presentation was both engaging and eye-opening, addressing important topics such as alcohol consumption, drug use, drink driving and preparing for Leavers. Paul spoke with honesty and clarity, breaking down common myths and misconceptions while providing practical advice on how to stay safe and make responsible choices. He balanced facts and statistics with real-life stories, helping us understand not only the risks but also the impact our decisions can have on ourselves, our families and our peers. His talk also emphasised the importance of supporting one another, especially during high-risk times such as parties or Leavers celebrations. His presentation encouraged us to think critically about the decisions we make, how this can affect not just ourselves, but our friends, our peers and our loved ones.” (Year 12 student)

Mrs Fiona Millimaci
Deputy Principal – Wellbeing