DrinkWise Australia appoints new Chair

DrinkWise Australia today announced Neil Comrie AO, APM, has been elected Chair of the Board.  Mr Comrie has served actively on the Board of DrinkWise since 2007.

Mr Comrie has a significant record of achievement, most notably as the Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police from 1993 to 2001. In this role, he commanded a large, high profile organisation of 12,000 people with a budget in excess of $1 billion.  In recognition of his services to policing, Mr Comrie was awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM) in 1994 and Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2000, as well as Victorian of the Year in 2001 for his commitment to community service.

From 2001 to 2006, Mr Comrie was Visiting Professor, Faculty of Business and Law at Victoria University. He has undertaken a range of major and sensitive inquiries and reviews for both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments.

Most recently, Mr Comrie has undertaken a review of the 2010/11 floods in Victoria.  He is the independent Monitor of the implementation of the recommendations following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, as well as the President of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board in Victoria.

Instrumental in the establishment of the Premier’s Drug Prevention Council in Victoria, Mr Comrie has demonstrated his long-standing commitment to reducing the impact of drug and alcohol misuse.

“I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the Board of DrinkWise Australia.  DrinkWise represents a unique opportunity for industry and the community to play a key role in tackling the misuse of alcohol in Australian society,” Mr Comrie said.

“DrinkWise Australia is known for its ground breaking social marketing initiatives, designed to raise awareness of the influence of parents in promoting a safe and responsible drinking culture.

“Both our Kids Absorb Your Drinking and our Kids And Alcohol Don’t Mix campaigns have received public acclaim for challenging some of the entrenched attitudes Australians hold toward the consumption of alcohol.  As an evidence-based organisation we rely on key independent research to inform our work and help us to shape a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia.”

DrinkWise Australia is a not-for-profit social change organisation dedicated to promoting a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia. It does this through national information and education campaigns, partnerships with community leaders and organisations, and the development of practical strategies and resources that better support the community in relation to alcohol misuse.  DrinkWise Australia is funded through voluntary industry contributions across the alcohol sector, and has been in receipt of funding from both Coalition and Labor governments.

For more information visit www.drinkwise.org.au

Media contact: Mark Williams on (08) 8412 4100 or mark@hughespr.com.au