The Condobolin community and Warrumbungle shire have taken up the challenge of preventing drug and alcohol-related harm, by forming officially recognised Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT).
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton welcomed the formation of the Condobolin ‘Men-to-ring’ around us LDAT, formed by Western Plains Regional Development Incorporation, and the
Warrumbungle LDAT, formed by Warrumbungle Shire Council.
“I’m delighted that Western Plains Regional Development and Warrumbungle Shire Council now have a partnership to deliver locally-based solutions to prevent drug and alcohol misuse and harms in the Condobolin community and Warrumbungle shire,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Condobolin ‘Men-to-ring’ around us LDAT will focus on increasing capacity through community leadership and mentoring to address alcohol and other drug issues, while the Warrumbungle LDAT will deliver evidence-based prevention activities to reduce the risk and harms of alcohol and cannabis use, particularly amongst Aboriginal families and young people.
“Local Drug Action Teams bring together organisations across the community, including service providers, schools, police, young people, Indigenous and primary health services and other non-government organisations
“The LDAT program recognises that every community is different and solutions to these problems, which can be very complex, have to come from the community.”
LDATs deliver evidence-based information, prevention, and harm reduction activities, to connect, engage and empower people, especially young people, to help steer them away from misusing alcohol and other drugs.
Mr Coulton said the new Condobolin and Warrumbungle LDATs will each receive $10,000 from the Federal Government to help get established and develop a community action plan tailored to local needs.
“The Condobolin ‘Men-to-ring’ around us and Warrumbungle LDAT will be assisted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, which manages the national LDAT program for the Government,” Mr Coulton said.
“I look forward to seeing the Community Action Plans developed and implemented, and the positive impact it will have on Condobolin and Warrumbungle shire.
“The LDATs will then be able to apply for additional funding to support the delivery of its action plan in the community.”
The Condobolin and Warrumbungle LDATs are among more 40 new partnerships across Australia which have been accepted into the Australian Government’s LDAT program.
They bring the total number of LDATs nationally to 280.
Other LDATs in the Parkes electorate include Moree LDAT, Lake Cargelligo/Murrin Bridge and districts LDAT, Auburn Youth Sound Project, Broken Hill LDAT, Walgett LDAT, Dubbo LALC D&A, Basketball after Dark, Royal Flying Doctor Service – Warren, Royal Flying Doctor Service – Wilcannia, Royal Flying Doctor Service – Trangie, Bourke Desistance Project and Cobar Community LDAT.
The LDAT program is part of the Government’s $450 million National Ice Action Strategy to combat drug and alcohol misuse across Australia.
Free and confidential advice about treatment services can be obtained from the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.