The Social Awareness Advisory Committee (SAAC) was originally established after a member of the Norfolk Island community urged the Norfolk Island Community group to review the needs for services for people affected by drugs and alcohol. In January 2001, Norfolk Islands Chief Minister, Mr Ron Nobbs, established a working party, working under the name "Substance Abuse Working Party" consiting of a group of concerned community members and stakeholders.

In March 2001, Gerard Byrne from the Salvation Army, Sydney visited the island and made an initial assessment. It was established that a more thorough assessment should take place to acertain the extent and nature of drug and alcohol use and abuse on Norfolk Island.

In July 2001 Social Worker / Researcher Deborah Church commenced a 12 week contract to carry out this assessment in partnership with the Substance Abuse Working Party. The assessment concluded in October 12th, 2001.

A lengthy report was presented to the community and in short, it was established that Norfolk Island is not exempt from the abuse of drugs and alcohol. It was recommended that there was a need, for an on going working party, to insure that members of the community have access to help and information on dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.

The "Substance Abuse Working Party" changed its name to a catchy "DAA Working Party" which stands for Drug and Alcohol Working Party. The word "Daa" in the Norfolk Island language means "this" or "the", which could read as "The Working Party". In late 2007 a further name change to the current name of "Social Awareness Advisory Committee (SAAC)" occurred. The name changed was taken into account the broader spectrum of community matters now being considered by the group.

Norfolk Island Customs support the concept of the SAAC Working Party and can play a major role in the prevention of drug abuse, by preventing illicit drugs from entering Norfolk Island and in support for changes to legislation to bring our current legislation into line with modern day trends.

Norfolk Island Customs Officers have a large range of daily activies that include, revenue and data collection, processing of parcel post and airfreight, baggage and passenger processing, yacht and ship clearances, inspection of personal effects, gas and fuel calculations (before and after fuel and gas delivery) and counter, phone  and email inquiries.

Given all the daily tasks, border control is of supreme importance to us and to all who have an interest in Norfolk Island. That may include you? Given the range of tasks that are carried out on a daily basis, Customs cannot function successfully without your support. The same applies to the SAAC Working Party. Your help and support to both organisations and community will not only return benefits to the community as whole, but will ensure that the lifestyle you enjoy while visiting or living on the island will remain.

How you can help,

NORFOLK ISLAND COUNSELLOR (Free confidential counselling on Island) - Weekdays 8.30am - 5.00pm - CALL 23191 or 50246

Contact Details

Customs House Taylors Road Norfolk Island 2899

Ph (Int⁺) 6723 22140 | Fax (Int⁺) 6723 23260 | E-mail : customs@admin.gov.nf

Copyright © 1999 Administration of Norfolk Island All rights reserved.