More Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) have been announced for the Parkes electorate, with funding set to roll out in Dubbo, Trangie, Warren, Cobar, Bourke and Wilcannia.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is pleased additional LDATs will receive funding through the fourth round of the successful Local Drug Action Program.

The LDATs to be funded include:
• Dubbo Local Aboriginal Land Council Drug & Alcohol LDAT
• Royal Flying Doctor Service – Trangie LDAT
• Royal Flying Doctor Service – Warren LDAT
• Cobar Shire Council – Basketball After Dark
• NSW Police Force – Bourke Desistance Project
• Boomalli Consulting – Yaata Wiitya LDAT (Wilcannia focus)
“I am pleased that funding is being committed to help address the harms caused by alcohol and drug misuse in our rural and regional communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“These six LDATs will receive an initial $10,000 to help them develop a local community action plan to deliver prevention activities. The LDATs can then apply for additional funding.

“LDATs work with service providers, schools, police, young people, Indigenous and primary health services and other non-government organisations to create change at a local level.

“This is about delivering evidence-based activities to help the local community prevent substance misuse.”

Mr Coulton said resources and support will be provided to the LDAT organisations by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

In June 2018, Mr Coulton announced four LDATs in his electorate – Kirkala-Pithiluku Aboriginal Corporation at Broken Hill, Moree Local Drug Action Team, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, and Centacare New England North West LDAT.

The Coalition Government is investing $298 million over four years under the National Ice Action Strategy to combat drug and alcohol misuse across Australia. The Local Drug Action Program is a key component of the strategy, with 244 LDATs now operating nationally. More information can be found at https://adf.org.au/

For free and confidential advice about treatment services for alcohol and other drugs, please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.