2013 | John Anderson and David Beech

The 2012-2013 winners of the YDHF Worker of the Year Awards are: John Anderson (left) and David Beech.

John Anderson has been working in the AOD sector for the past 11 years. John is one of the unsung heroes of the AOD service provision in Victoria. John is an experienced AOD worker who has a high level of experience and aptitude with clients, both forensic and voluntary. He is someone who will constantly “go the extra mile” for clients, and freely gives of his knowledge of the forensic justice system when consulted by workmate. John will use the funds to complete training in the USA where he will study approaches to case management.

David Beech from Youth Support and Advocacy Service: Since 2005 David has worked in a number of program areas within the City of Yarra. David initially completed a student placement and then found permanent employment with the YSAS residential withdrawal unit. David is now working with the YSAS Day Program and Primary Health Service located in Fitzroy.

David is constantly providing young people with the support they need to help reduce the impact of drugs in their lives. David will use the award to help fund his completion of a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs course.