Drug fight funding now possible

A Harvey group focused on preventing drug and alcohol related harm in young people could benefit from a slice of multimillion-dollar funding announced in the Federal Budget.

Last week’s Budget revealed a $153.3 million extension of the National Ice Action Strategy, with part of this funding supporting Local Drug Action Team activities across Australia.

The program supports organisations to build or extend partnerships in regional communities.

There are 244 Local Drug Action Teams across the country made up of volunteers who work with to reduce and prevent alcohol and other drug related harm.

Within the communities, these teams are broken down into Local Drug Action Groups.

Harvey’s group leader Janine Quicke weighed in on the announcement, hopeful it would receive a slice of the funding.

“The funding for the Local Drug Action Team program was starting to run out,” she said.

“This meant that each LDAG applying for the funding couldn’t be guaranteed the full amount anymore, so the fact that they have now decided to increase it until 2021 will give us a better guarantee of receiving it.

“Our community action plan was only just submitted last month, but I do think we will have a better chance now.”

Extensive applications are done through the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation where groups are to provide evidence-based information.

“This is a really good opportunity for groups like ours and any community groups concerned about drug and alcohol through the community to have access to that funding,” Ms Quicke said.

“Should Harvey get the funding, they will use it to create a better youth environment.

“We are one of two youth-based LDAG’s in the whole of WA.

“Our group is predominantly targeted at youths, and our community action plan is based on providing alcohol and drug-free youth activities in a safe environment.

“We are very small, but very powerful.”

Ms Quicke hopes to develop a community youth advisory which would liaise directly with council.

She believes that the LDAG is vital for the community, working at a grass-roots level.

“We are there doing the ground work and creating the foundations,” she said.