Order of Australia recognises alcohol restrictions advocate

Bunuba woman June Oscar was officially recognised for her service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia at a recent investiture ceremony for the Order of Australia.

June, now an Officer of the Order, is particularly well known for her work in her community of Fitzroy Crossing. In 2007, Fitzroy Crossing became one of the first communities to restrict the sale of alcohol in a bid to curb alcohol-related violence.

“I wouldn’t be here receiving this award if it wasn’t for my mother and women in my family and my community who stood together the day that we made the decision to pursue alcohol restrictions,” June said.

“We were a community that was almost decimated by alcohol. Seeking to restrict the sale of full strength alcohol from the takeaway licence has had a tremendous impact on the community.

“We saw some remarkable changes within the first three months and continuous improvements since.

“There have also been new challenges that have arisen through this time for us and I think it’s a reflection of the community and the community’s strength in responding to and approaching these issues in a unified way, because it requires the whole of community to work together to bring long-lasting and sustainable change.”

One of June’s current focuses is to increase education, awareness and understanding of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – a condition that occurs as a result of women consuming alcohol while pregnant.

“It is not just an Indigenous issue; it’s an issue for this whole nation. Australia has a huge challenge around drinking culture here,” June said.

“We’re advocating for FASD to be recognised as a disability.

“We have allowed alcohol to run rife through our communities for so long and it’s time we took this issue seriously and really understood what the true impacts are.”

June is proud of the progress the Fitzroy Crossing community has made and offers this advice to others looking to make changes for the better in their communities:

“It’s a lonely place to be when you’re pursuing change to something that has been around for so long and has become part of the way of life for people,” June said.

“To those who wish to step forward and to change that, you can, and there are people around that will stand with you, but it takes enormous courage.”