Drug action team to tackle ice in Geelong

THE federal government will establish a Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) in Geelong to tackle the impact of ice and other drugs.

Under the program, partnerships work together to empower and education communities to prevent and reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs in their community.

The South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria (SSCAV) will receive an initial $10,000 in funding to help develop a local Community Action Plan.

The group can then apply for additional funding (up to $30,000 in the first year and up to $40,000 in following years) to help deliver targeted, local projects, with support from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson congratulated SSCAV on their successful application.

“I’m pleased that people from Geelong are working together to tackle the devastating impact of alcohol and drugs – including ice,” she said. “The teams will deliver local health prevention activities, including education, mentoring and support for vulnerable people to minimise their risk of alcohol and other drug related harms.”

“This is why the roll-out of our own Local Drug Action Team will be important for the strength, health and well-being of our community now, and into the future.”

Minister for Rural Health Bridget McKenzie said the federal government was investing $298 million over four years to combat drug and alcohol misuse across Australia under the National Ice Action Strategy.

“Regional communities are often the hardest hit when it comes to ice abuse and addiction

“I want to congratulate all successful LDATs; it is important that we provide communities with the right tools, resources and support to drive change at a local level.

For more information about Local Drug Action Teams around the nation, head to adf.org.au/ldat.