A Sudanese community group will fight ice use in northern Geelong after a federal funding injection.
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson announced the $10,000 for South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria to “tackle the scourge of ice in our communities”.
The Sudanese association would form a new Local Drug Action Team in Geelong and use the money to draw up plans for combatting ice use in the team’s area, stretching from Corio to Williamstown.
The team would then have to apply for more money to put its plan into action, Ms Henderson said.
The team would be the second in Geelong, with a Barwon group established in October as part of federal plans for 220 teams across Australia by 2010.
“I’m pleased that people from Geelong are working together to tackle the devastating impact of alcohol and drugs including ice,” Ms Henderson 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.”
Rural Health Minister Bridget McKenzie said the coalition was investing $298 million over four years to combat drug and alcohol “misuse” across Australia under a National Ice Action Strategy.
“Regional communities are often the hardest hit when it comes to ice abuse and addiction,”
Ms McKenzie said.
“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.”
The government said more information about LDATs was available at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website, adf.org.au/ldat.
