The harrowing effects of drugs, alcohol and violence will be thrust into the limelight at a social responsibility forum next month.
Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club will host the forum to encourage young adults to “stay focused” and remind parents to do their “part”.
Club president Adrian Bettio says it’s important for the community to get together and tackle drug and violence issues, which are endemic, head-on.
“If we can keep kids involved in sport by trying to educate them through the perils of drug, violence and drinking, perhaps we can keep them on the straight and narrow,” Bettio said.
“I’ve got a responsibility, as a president, to keep as many players as healthy as possible.”
Port Melbourne Football Club coach Gary Ayres, Leading Senior Constable Philip Wyatt and sports consultant Rick Irwin will speak at the forum.
Bettio said drug and alcohol problems weren’t issues just for Bacchus Marsh, the western suburbs or sports clubs.
He said they were omnipresent issues and everyone had a responsibility to get the message out.
“If something’s worth doing, you have to do it,” Bettio said.
“You don’t get a financial return, but you get a social return and the social return, it pays dividends.”
Social responsibility forum
The social responsibility forum will be held on Friday, May 1, from 7.30-9.30pm at the Bacchus Marsh public hall, 207 Main Street.
More details: Adrian Bettio 0417 596 154.
