21 March 2025
Paul Dillon recently delivered informative sessions to our Years 10 to 12 students, with each year level participating in a session tailored to the specific challenges they face. Through his organisation, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), Paul is a nationally recognised expert, regularly contracted by agencies and organisations across the country to provide insights into current drug trends and the issues impacting young people today.
With 30 years of experience in the field, Paul is dedicated to ensuring young people have access to accurate information and best practices to increase awareness of risk-taking behaviours. His impact extends beyond the classroom – after attending one of Paul’s sessions last year, Haydn Kamencak (MAC 2024) was inspired to make a difference. Motivated to address real-world challenges, Haydn collaborated with Paul to help develop an app that provides practical advice for young people in emergency situations.
The app features digital cards offering step-by-step guidance for scenarios such as:
-Placing someone in the recovery position
-Assisting a friend during a panic attack
-Supporting someone in distress
-Helping someone who has had too much to drink
-Using a “chair test” to check if someone can stand unassisted
-Knowing when to call 000
This project highlights how service learning at SPSC can drive real contributions. Through this initiative, Haydn has helped create a resource that equips young people with the tools to navigate challenging situations safely and effectively.
To learn more about the app and explore the DARTA digital cards, visit DARTA Digital Cards.
Paul’s website also offers a range of valuable resources to support parents in guiding their children through these complex issues: DARTA Parent Information.
Ana Christensen
Deputy Head of Senior School
