Our HistoryDrug Awareness and Relief Foundation and DRUG ARM AustralasiaThe organisation can trace its history back to 1849 and has proudly served the Queensland community for over 150 years. More recently it has also provided services in New South Wales, South Australia and is associated with an organisation in Canberra and in Western Australia. DRUG ARM's history can be defined as chapters which reflect the alcohol and other drug issues impacting on the societies of each period. The Pioneers 1849 – 1917 This first chapter saw the development of the temperance movement in Queensland, beginning in 1849 with the Moreton Bay Temperance Society, before the area became the Colony of Queensland. It was during this period that an area of Government land, in Ann Street Brisbane, was received in trust by the Society on 11 July 1863. This piece of land was the centre point of the organisation until 1986. Volunteers built a hall on the site. This site expanded and the rent supported the outreach work of the organisation. This involvement of volunteers is reflected in the activities of the organisation today as it still relies heavily upon the skills and dedication of hundred of volunteers across this nation. The Season of Prohibition 1919 – 1926 From 1919 to 1926 was a period of consolidation where the various temperance organisations in Queensland came together to form one consolidated organisation. One such organisation operating in Queensland was the Strength of the Empire whose purpose was to combat drink and venereal disease. The 1920s was the period in Australia that saw the rise of the Prohibition Movements and our forefathers were part of this new movement. This period saw a growth in the work with young people. The Alcohol Free Accommodation Hotels 1927 – 1985 From 1927 to 1985 one of the features of the organisation was the focus on providing alcohol free hotels in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Sydney and this work became the major focus of the organisation. The hotels were named the Canberra Hotels as it was believed that the name was patriotic, easy to remember and reflected the development of the national capital. The hotels were sold over a period with the Brisbane Canberra Hotel being the last to be sold in September 1985. During this period, in 1931, the organisation changed its name to the Queensland Temperance League. The DRUG ARM Years 1981 - 2009 And Beyond During the alcohol free hotel period the concept of outreach programs was established and these were based at the Canberra Hotel in Brisbane until its sale in 1985. In 1981 the League set up the Drug Awareness and Relief Movement (DRUG–ARM) as the program and service delivery arm of the organisation. The original Director of this new entity was Mr Dick Kennedy who established a reputation for the provision of quality programs and services. He was followed by Mr Geoffrey Maskelyne and more recently by Dr Dennis Young who was appointed in 1988. In 1991 the name Queensland Temperance League was officially changed to the Drug Awareness and Relief Foundation (Australia) in order to continue this expansion and development. The organisation has continued to increase its range of intervention and support programs and services for the community across three states and the Australian Capital Territory. DRUG ARM Western Australian is a licensed operative under the DRUG ARM logo. 2004 saw the change to the current name DRUG ARM Australasia. Would you like to read more details about DRUG ARM's history? Download a historical review from the 1986 Annual Report. |
