In 2008 DAW will kick-off on Sunday, 22 June and conclude on Saturday, 28 June with features such as the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, 26 June, and the gala presentation of the National Drug and Alcohol Awards in Melbourne on Friday, 27 June. In past years, communities across Australia have stepped forward to raise awareness of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues through the staging of social gatherings, workshops and forums, sporting events etc.