Janice nominated as local hero in awards
The innovative community work of Drouin’s Janice Ablett saw her amongst the nominees for 2018 Australian of the Year.
Ms Ablett was nominated in the category of Australia’s Local Hero for her work as founder and president of The Ice Meltdown Project (TIMP).
She was announced as one of four nominees in the Victorian category but ultimately lost out to engineer and prosthetic limb innovator Mat Bowtell of East Burwood.
“The Ice Meltdown Project started as assistance for one person and has gone on to do wonderful work in Drouin and surrounding areas over the past three years,” said Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath.
“Ms Ablett explained the non-judgemental approach and the focus on rehabilitation and support when I met with her in the early days of the program,” said Ms Bath. “Over 200 ice users have now used this locally-developed program to overcome their addiction. What a tremendous achievement.”
“Janice and the team she has built around TIMP are all to be congratulated,” she added.
The Ice Meltdown Project holds weekly meetings in Drouin and has also visited community groups, primary and secondary schools and other forums.