Local Drug Action Team applications open for community groups in Hinkler

The Coalition Government is continuing to take action to combat the scourge of ice and other illicit drugs with more Local Drug Action Teams set to rollout across Australia.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said applications are open now for the third round of the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) program, which helps to bring the community together to develop local plans and activities to prevent and reduce the harm being caused by drugs and alcohol in their regions.

“LDAT members could include representatives from local councils, schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups, non-government organisations.” Mr Pitt said.

“Any organisation with an interest in tackling drug and alcohol issues in their community is encouraged to apply.”

Mr Pitt said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will help new LDATs to develop and implement action plans targeted to their local needs.

“There are now 80 LDATs across Australia representing more than 300 partnerships, including the T@Y – Thursdays @ the Y – being run by YMCA Bundaberg, which received additional funding under Round 2 of the Program.

“Thursdays @ the Y LDAT’s project includes delivery of sporting activities, healthy eating initiatives, and a mentoring program to influence better health and wellbeing, both physical and emotional.”

Successful LDAT applicants will initially receive $10,000 to help them to develop a local action plan. Once the plan is finalised, LDATs can apply to receive up to an additional $30,000 in their first year (and then $40,000 a year) to support delivery of local activities.

Examples of activities that an LDAT might deliver in communities include:

• raising awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine (also known as ‘ice’) and encouraging users to seek help;

• working with vulnerable people to improve their current situation through education or employment services;

• providing support and information to parents and carers to enable them to talk about alcohol and other drug issues with their children; and

• developing local solutions for reducing violence and other harm related to alcohol and other drugs in public places.

“I’m encouraging more organisations to apply to join the LDAT program, to drive change at a local level,” Mr Pitt said.

Applications for round three of the LDAT program close 19 February 2018. There will be further opportunities to be part of the program later this year and in 2019.

For more information visit www.adf.org.au/ldat