David Dryden

David Dryden, a Yorta Yorta-Dja Dja Wurrung -Wiradjuri man from Shepparton has been involved in the AOD sector for almost 30 years working in places such as the Department of Human Services (Juvenile Justice Centre), the Galiamble Men’s Recovery Centre and the  Southern Health (Monash Medical Centre of Victoria). He now works for Odyssey House Victoria where he has been for the past 6 years. In this role he has implemented The Buladu-Ngarrgu (Grow-Knowledge) Cultural Education Program ,Naidoc week celebrations, Dance songlines language programs, Woman’s/ Men’s Business, cultural outings, weekly  smoking ceremony’s, arts and crafts and traditional foods cooked proper way.

At Odyssey he is a Senior Therapist working the front line of new admissions of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders from various Communities from around Australia .

Achievements have included a Diploma in Youth and Community Services , Cert 4 and Diploma in AOD Diploma in Community Services, Radio Broadcaster for 4 years with 3KND, nominated for the Victorian Honour Roll 2016, 2018 inducted into the NIDAC Honour Role (Coralie Ober). He has 3 adult children and 1 granddaughter and is 21 years clean and sober.