Lismore to host regional drug summit

LISMORE will be the site of one of the NSW Government’s two Drug Summit regional forums on Monday, November 4.

The forums will ensure people’s experiences in regional NSW are reflected in the summit’s deliberations.

The Drug Summit will bring together medical experts, police, people with lived and living experience, drug user organisations, families, service providers and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives on how NSW deals with drug use and harms.

Former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden will serve as the summit’s co-chairs.

Their remit is to develop and prioritise solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of the community, as well as to address other issues including equity, respect and inclusion, safety and justice, keeping people safe, and integrated care and social support.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said taking the summit to regional areas like Lismore is integral.

“We know that drug use impacts communities in many different ways,” Mr Park said.

“It is really important to me that the unique experiences of places like Lismore when it comes to illicit drug use are reflected in the summit.

“As always, Janelle [Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin] has been a strong advocate for her community to host this forum.

“She held her own forum around the time of the first summit, and it’s very fitting that we can return to hear from her community in 2024.”

In 1999, Ms Saffin participated in a successful drug summit convened by then-Premier Bob Carr and Deputy Premier Dr Andrew Refshauge.

“Before that, I organised and hosted a local community drugs summit at the Lismore Workers Club,” Ms Saffin said.

“It too was successful, and I was able to take forward the many views – some coalesced, some [were] contrary, but I was able to take the local voices forward.

“We have our own unique challenges when it comes to this issue, and I am determined that Lismore’s voice is heard in this statewide conversation.”