WLysaght - Churchill Fellow

During my Churchill Fellowship research, I spent time in Portland, Oregon, examining how a city grappling with a synthetic opioid crisis was implementing harm reduction initiatives.

When a person has the urge to change, it is a small window of opportunity that needs to be capitalised on. Four initiatives stood out that aim to make the most of these opportunities when they presented themselves.

𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲
PSR is a trauma informed first responder that receives calls through the 911 emergency call service. Adding a layer of response, their focus is de-escalation and providing appropriate support for mental and behavioural health crises, as well as non-emergency situations involving vulnerable populations.

𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀
Recognising at in some cases, alternatives to law enforcement can provide opportunity for a greater impact, persons who were stopped by law enforcement with small amounts of illicit drugs, and fit a set criterion, would be offered to enter the deflection program. The person in question had to volunteer and if they declined, police would continue their original course of action.

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲
BHRC is a low barrier resource centre which provides a range of support services, to meet the needs of Portland’s homeless community. It has four levels, each providing further resources to aid a person in their recovery. Their daily commitment to be out on amongst the community was second to none.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗪
Recovery Works Northwest. It has an inpatient detoxification centre where their staff of medical and health specialists as well as peers support people who attend with a desire to interrupt their substance dependency and start a pathway of recovery. Recovery Works NW not only is there to support Portland. It operates within its regional communities with clinics in outlying towns. These clinics provide access to health and social services. It is also a venue where various recovery medications can be dispensed by medical professionals to give a person the best chance of recovery.

Portland’s experience provides valuable lessons for communities around the world confronting the threat of synthetic opioids. Each initiative demonstrates an important principle I observed repeatedly during my entire Fellowship, meeting people where they are and building pathways toward recovery.

Recovery does not happen through one service or one agency alone. It is about how cities, health services, outreach teams and law enforcement must collaborate to respond to complex drug markets and protect vulnerable communities.

These observations form part of my Churchill Fellowship report exploring global responses to synthetic opioids and what lessons Australia can learn.

If you are interested in the full context behind these initiatives and the broader lessons from Portland and other cities, I encourage you to read the full report.

https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/warren-lysaght-nsw-2024/

From the outset, I was determined that my report for the Winston Churchill Trust - AU would leave nothing off the table.

My experience has reinforced that meaningful change requires listening, openness to new approaches, genuine collaboration, and at times, compromise. Progress does not occur in silos. It demands shared purpose and collective effort.

When documenting my experiences, reflections and recommendations, I had a clear vision to see the work published.

Holding the final report in my hands was a proud moment. A tangible representation of the many conversations, insights and challenges that shaped it.

It is both a personal milestone and a professional achievement. More importantly, I hope it contributes to practical ideas and informed discussion to better protect vulnerable members of our community from exploitation and harm driven by organised crime.

I invite you to read my report and welcome further discussion.
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/warren-lysaght-nsw-2024/

Vapes are no longer just a ni****ne issue. Emerging evidence from around the globe shows they are becoming a dangerous delivery pathway for synthetic opioids and novel psychoactive substances, often without the user’s knowledge. Highly potent drugs such as nitazenes and spice can be dissolved into liquids, making exposure harder to detect and far more dangerous, particularly for young people and first time users.

During my Winston Churchill Trust - AU Fellowship, I met with researchers at the University of Bath whose work is leading the way in rapid testing of vapes and identifying why traditional detection and prevention methods are struggling to keep pace. Their research highlights a simple reality. Organised crime adapts faster than policy, regulation and public awareness.

Australia has not yet experienced the full impact seen overseas, but the warning signs are already present.

If we wait until the harm is visible, we will already be behind.

My full Churchill Fellowship report explores why vapes matter and why acting early and working together across sectors is critical to protecting vulnerable communities.

I encourage you to read the report and join the conversation.

https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/warren-lysaght-nsw-2024/

My Winston Churchill Trust - AU Fellowship took me to Canada, the United States, Portugal, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where I explored how various agencies, big and small, can better collaborate to target harden vulnerable communities against the harms caused by synthetic opioids and other illicit drugs.

The many meetings I had with law enforcement, social services and health agencies were very heartening. As featured in the Executive Summary of my report to the Churchill Trust, I have outlined 10 key recommendations to drive future collaboration and community protection.

In a world that is more connected than ever, compartmentalisation and working alone remains a well worn path that leads to limited progress. Real change occurs when collaboration and trust bring people to the same table and develop a resilience framework with a shared purpose of protecting the community.

Everyone at that table has a critical role to play. Each organisation must serve its mandate. But when there is a common goal, it opens the door to listening, understanding and being receptive to new or alternative approaches. It encourages all of us to ask, “What can we do to support yours?” because meaningful progress begins with that simple question.

You can read more about the recommendations by accessing my report on the Churchill Trust page:
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/project/donald-mackay-churchill-fellowship-to-learn-how-australia-as-a-community-can-collaborate-to-reduce-the-threat-of-synthetic-opioids/

Removing a person from their vulnerabilities of addiction is only one piece of the puzzle. The biggest challenge is supporting a person as they manoeuvre away from a life of addiction and trauma.

Across my Winston Churchill Trust - AU (Australia) Fellowship, I sought global learnings to protect Australian communities from synthetic opioid harms before they take hold. One organisation in Lisbon, CRESCER stood out as a blueprint for resilience, dignity, and change.

Crescer doesn’t wait for people to ask for help. They meet them where they are.

Their methodology involves ensuring proximity and meeting them in their safe spaces whilst they engage in their daily lives… speaking to them without judgement.

From harm reduction outreach, to Housing First, to employment and reintegration programs, Crescer builds confidence, purpose, and stability. Ensuring an individual’s hands remain busy long after they have put the pipe or syringe down.

What makes them extraordinary is that this approach, removes vulnerabilities and provides a positive pathway. A template where communities, metro and regional, can prosper

Organised crime thrives on vulnerability. Crescer removes it.

That is crime prevention. That is community resilience. That is hope.

This is just one of many insights from my Fellowship.

If we want to strengthen Australia. Target harden areas of our community and reduce the threat of synthetic opioids or future synthetics taking hold, we must be willing to learn from places who’ve already lived it.

Read the full report here:
https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/project/donald-mackay-churchill-fellowship-to-learn-how-australia-as-a-community-can-collaborate-to-reduce-the-threat-of-synthetic-opioids/

Life achievements. Rarely do you see them coming. Most of the time, you put in the work, grow through the challenges, stay curious… and then suddenly BAM!! There it is.

This is one of those moments.

What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into something far more meaningful. The journey reshaped my thinking, opened new perspectives, and connected me with people and communities around the world who are working every day to prevent harm and strengthen resilience.

Today, I am proud to share that the final report from my nationally awarded Winston Churchill Trust - AU has been published.

There was so much more learned along the way, but this certainly marks a significant part of my journey.

Please feel free to share it with anyone who might benefit.

If it helps even one person anywhere strengthen their message, inform their approach, or support their community, then this work has done exactly what I hoped it would.

Warren Lysaght - Churchill Trust Donald Mackay Churchill Fellowship to learn how Australia as a community can collaborate to reduce the threat of synthetic opioids - Public Service — Police, Fire Services and Customs

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REPOST - 25 August 2025

Today I had the privilege of meeting with the learned and esteemed Winston Churchill Trust - AU Fellow (2008), Professor Daniel Howard.

It was a rewarding conversation, an opportunity to hear about his experiences while also sharing insights from my own Fellowship journey.

If not for the café closing around us, I’m certain we could have continued our discussion for hours more.

Grateful for the chance to connect with someone who has walked the Fellowship path and continues to inspire.

REPOST - 16 June 2025

On 6 April 2025, I embarked on my Churchill Fellowship journey, supported by the Winston Churchill Trust. Over the course of nearly eight weeks, I travelled to 23 cities and towns across six countries. During this time, I had the privilege of holding 74 meetings and engaging with over 250 individuals, each one committed to addressing the harms caused by illicit drugs and working to keep their communities safe.

The purpose of my travel was to be immersive and transformational, and it truly was. This experience has broadened my understanding, challenged my thinking, and deepened my appreciation for the diverse approaches being used globally to address the growing threat of synthetic opioids. I return home enriched, inspired, and more determined than ever to contribute to strengthening and protecting vulnerable communities in Australia.

While I now begin the next phase, developing a report and sharing my findings, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank the Winston Churchill Trust - AU for the incredible opportunity to learn globally in order to inspire change locally. I also wish to thank the NSW Police Force for its support in endorsing my travel. Each new recruit starts their policing career wanting to make a difference. Now, 30 years down the road, it is no different.

To anyone passionate about making a difference in their profession and in Australian communities, I highly encourage you to consider applying for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships.

The image is a photo I took of a cracked brick in the foundation wall of Victoria Tower, Parliament House, London (built in 1860). Weathered by time but still holding strong. Its imperfection does not lessen its value or role. We could all learn something from that.

https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/nsw/fellow/warren-lysaght-nsw-2024/

REPOST - 10 June 2025

London Part 2

My journey with the Winston Churchill Trust - AU Fellowship has taken me across borders to connect with remarkable individuals who are working tirelessly to create positive change in their communities. It’s been a humbling and inspiring experience to hear their stories and share in their purpose.

While this opportunity is an immense honour, one I’m truly grateful to receive, it also comes with a responsibility: to bring these insights home and contribute to meaningful change within Australian communities.

I don’t expect this to be easy. Change never is. I know I’ll face setbacks, resistance, and challenges along the way. That’s why, during my time in London, I took on a personal side project seeking inspiration from none other than Sir Winston Churchill.

Churchill’s legacy is well documented in history books, but I was drawn to explore the man beyond the headlines. He was no stranger to failure or criticism. His ideas were often ahead of their time, and his personal battles, including with what he called the "black dog," tested his resilience. And yet, he persevered. He remained loyal to his purpose, stood firm in his convictions, and never stopped pushing forward.

What struck me even more was the role his family, and most importantly his wife, Clementine, played in his life. Her unwavering support, honest counsel, and love were a pillar of strength for Churchill, reminding me of how important it is to be surrounded by people who lift you up and keep you grounded.

I leave London with a deeper understanding of resilience, leadership, and the human side of influence. This journey has given me renewed inner strength and a clearer sense of purpose. Whatever the future holds, I’m committed to continuing forward with courage, conviction, and connection at the heart of it all.

REPOST - 10 June 2025

London Part 1

During my time in the United Kingdom, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the country's approach to emerging drug threats. While the UK, like much of Europe, has not experienced the same level of fentanyl-related harm seen in North America, synthetic opioids such as Nitazenes are raising growing concern. Since June 2023, there have been over 500 deaths attributed to synthetic opioid overdose or poisoning.

As part of my Winston Churchill Trust - AU Fellowship, it was important for me to engage with law enforcement and understand the proactive strategies being implemented to protect communities.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is playing a key role through an ongoing initiative that monitors overdose incidents and provides expert consultation to police services across the UK where Nitazenes are identified. They also collaborate with health services to ensure consistent, informed communication across a wide range of partner agencies. Their efforts support ongoing public awareness and ensure a coordinated response.

At New Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police Service are participating in a Home Office led project focused on intervention, treatment, recovery, enforcement, and diversion. The team is developing innovative initiatives within various areas of the community including contemporary youth-focused programs that reflect the complexities of today’s landscape.

I also had the privilege of speaking with Jo, a person with lived experience who is now a peer support worker helping others on their recovery journey. She generously shared her personal story, including reflections on her interactions with police during her period of addiction. It was a powerful and humbling insight into the human side of these challenges.

The approaches I observed were proactive, forward-thinking, and genuinely inspiring. It is clear that both law enforcement and health partners are committed to evolving their responses in ways that reflect the realities of substance use today.