By Bonny Burrows
Cardinia Shire Council has received $10,000 to launch a program aimed at reducing drug and alcohol use by young people.
The shire is one of 13 community groups to receive Community Ice Action Grants of up to $10,000 for the 2017-’18 financial year to tackle drug and alcohol use in their local area.
The Department of Health and Human Service’s grant will see the council plan and implement a “pledge program”, where parents and guardians pledge to have open and honest conversations that support their children to “abstain, delay first onset of use, or reduce consumption of alcohol and other drugs”.
Cardinia Shire Council’s team leader of safe and inclusive communities, David Lane said parent support was essential when trying to combat youth alcohol and drug use.
“We know that alcohol use is common amongst young people in Cardinia Shire, ranging from 21.6 per cent in Year 6 students up to 52.4 per cent in Year 10 students,” Mr Lane said.
“Of the young people that are consuming alcohol underage, the main supplier of alcohol has been found to be parents.”
Under the campaign, parents and guardians will be encouraged to visit a pledge webpage where they can select the pledges they would like to make.
They will then be given access to a variety of information and resources to see their pledge through.
Mr Lane said the council hoped the campaign would lead to increased informed open discussions between parents, guardians and young people about drug and alcohol use, while also promoting abstinence or delayed onset of use of the substances.
While the discussion started at home, Mr Lane said a range of organisations would jump on board.
“Other work in this area includes the Smart Generation program, which is currently working to reduce underage drinking by delivering targeted education programs to Year 8, 9 and 10 students and their parents,” Mr Lane said.
“Council is also working with liquor retail outlets to ensure regular ID checks are taking place to reduce supply through purchasing and from parents.
“We have already witnessed some promising trends in data as a result of these activities, and we look forward to seeing the benefits this grant will enable the council and the community to bring about.”
The program will be delivered through the Cardinia Alcohol and other Drug Action Group – a partnership of agencies and organisations committed to reducing the harms caused by alcohol
and drug misuse in Cardinia Shire.
