Alcoholics Anonymous Reaching Out Across Australia

For Immediate Release

AA Hosts National Regional Outreach with Professional Luncheons in Every State and Territory

On Wednesday 25 June, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Australia held eight professional awareness luncheons in regional centres across the country: Albany (WA), Whyalla (SA), Darwin (NT), Kingaroy (QLD), Dubbo (NSW), Tatura (VIC), Campbelltown (TAS). Each event bringing together professionals on the frontline of community health and emergency response.

Organised by AA’s Remote Communities Committee, these luncheons have connected with 108 local stakeholders — including first responders, healthcare providers, crisis workers, and staff from NGOs and community support organisations. The format was designed to foster connection and knowledge-sharing in a practical, locally relevant way.

The theme: “Building Bridges – Strengthening Recovery Through Regional Collaboration.”

Event Highlights

Each event featured:

• Short presentations from sober AA members with lived experience
• Screening of the Stanford University video summarising the Cochrane Report: Does Alcoholics Anonymous Work?
• Group and table discussions tailored to local services and referral needs

AA members engaged directly with attendees, addressing questions and helping professionals explore how AA can complement existing support networks. The key objective: to present AA as a freely available, evidence-supported resource that can enhance client outcomes.

Alcoholism: A Persistent Public Health Issue

More than one in twenty Australians lives with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol-related harm continues to place strain on hospitals, emergency services, and mental health systems across the country, particularly in regional areas where resources are limited.

The Cochrane Report, a leading independent medical review, concluded that Alcoholics Anonymous and 12-step facilitation (TSF) programmes are more effective than other established treatments for achieving sustained abstinence.

AA’s availability — with no cost, 24/7 support, online meetings, and phone lines — makes it a uniquely accessible option.

An Ongoing Conversation

Reactions to the events were overwhelmingly positive. Participants expressed appreciation for the honest dialogue and practical relevance, particularly the opportunity to ask questions of AA members with lived experience.

These luncheons are part of a broader initiative tied to the 80th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous in Australia. The Remote Communities Committee plans to continue this outreach series, further strengthening regional partnerships and providing valuable information to those who work with individuals affected by alcoholism.

AA is not affiliated with any outside organisation and does not offer clinical or professional services. It offers peer-led support, lived experience, and a path to sustained recovery.

Learn More

To learn more or to connect with a local AA Public Information representative, visit aa.org.au or call 1300 22 22 22