Shepparton resident Christie Hodgson places an engraved gold padlock on the tribute wall.
More than 70 people reflected on lives lost to overdose in Primary Care Connect’s community garden at the third annual event hosted by the Shepparton service provider.
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The End Overdose event on Tuesday, August 26 was an extension of International Overdose Awareness Day, which is recognised on August 31 each year.
Primary Care Connect media and communications co-ordinator Shara Scott said it was pleasing to see an increase in community members joining in.
“We feel that we really started something quite special for our community three years ago, and the event has continued to grow, allowing community, service providers and stakeholders to come together in a safe space to reflect on the lives lost, and to do our part to help end the stigma against overdose,” Ms Scott said.
A free barbecue, merchandise and service information were offered to guests during the event.
Guest speaker Jarvis Atkinson and Primary Care Connect's Shara Scott.
Former Primary Care Connect client and Yorta Yorta man Jarvis Atkinson was the guest speaker.
“Jarvis shared his powerful story of overcoming substance addiction and multiple overdoses, to now becoming a leader for his peoples, working for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria for Treaty and inspiring so many along the way with his journey,” Ms Scott said.
Attendees were invited to attach engraved padlocks to a vertical garden tribute wall within the garden for their late loved ones.
There are now around 40 locks on the wall.
Data from Australia’s Annual Overdose Report 2023 showed that one Australian died by overdose every four hours.
The report also stated that more than 37,000 lives had been lost to overdose since 2001, with drug overdose one of the top three causes of death for Australian adults under the age of 50.
“Our aim was to create a strong impact in the community with this event, and to take steps to prevent future tragedies while mourning the losses of those in our community,” Primary Care Connect Community Services executive manager Broni Paine said.
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