By Esther Lauaki
Melton and Ballan drug action teams have been created to help prevent harm to the community.
The Melton team includes representatives from Linking Melton South, Djerriwarrh Health Services, Melton council and Melton South Community Centre.
The Ballan-based Moorabool drug action group includes representatives from Moorabool council, Sports Central Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh Medical Clinic and Bacchus Marsh College.
The Local Drug Action Team program, run by the federal government and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, supports building or extending partnerships to deliver drug harm prevention activities or events.
There are 58 teams across Victoria.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief Erin Lalor said teams organised primary prevention initiatives such as peer support, mentoring, education in schools, support for young people and resources to reduce alcohol harm in pregnancy.
Dr Lalor said tailored, community initiatives were vital in preventing and minimising harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.
“Every community is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing alcohol and other drug issues,” she said.
Both drug action teams will receive an initial $10,000 each to develop community action plans and can apply for further funding to deliver activities.
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Esther Lauaki
