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Funds boost war on drugs

Taylar AmoniniNorth West Telegraph

The war on drugs in Port Hedland could be about to turn as a new action team is formed to tackle the scourge.

The team will be one of 40 Local Drug Action Teams across the State to work with communities at a grassroots level to help those battling drug and alcohol addictions.

Member for Durack Melissa Price last week announced $10,000 of funding for the Port Hedland Alcohol and Other Drug Management Plan Working Group.

“The primary focus of this LDAT is the prevention of alcohol and other drug-related harm in their community,” she said.

“Its work will centre on engaging young people and families to provide appropriate education and build resilience.”

The initiative is a part of the Government’s $298 million investment over four years to combat illicit drug and alcohol use through the National Ice Action Strategy.

Port Hedland’s not-for-profit Bloodwood Tree was identified as the lead agency in the action group, and will be responsible for delivering the program to the region.

Bloodwood Tree chief executive Kelly Howlett said she was pleased the working group was able to transition and join the national LDAT network.

“Through this process, the Port Hedland proposal will now see an enhanced program of work aimed specifically at reducing the secondary supply of alcohol to youth,” she said.

“This funding will enable us to develop localised alcohol messages for an array of media platforms that will raise the awareness in our community of the potential harmful impact of youth alcohol consumption.”

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