Media release

A big boost for tackling local drug problems

Today the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD) welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of an additional $14 million for the Community Partnerships Initiative.

Chairman of the ANCD, MajorBrian Watters, described this prevention initiative as being “the ‘essence of community participation’ with local groups being supported to develop solutions to their community’sillicitdrug problems.”

Major Watters added “the ANCD is very pleased to be chairing the group responsible for advising the Federal Government on the allocation of these grants. The importance of putting in place a number of unique and innovative prevention programs should not be underestimated, particularly as it encourages the community to be involved in reducing the uptake and use of drugs in our communities. This is not an issue that can just be left to ‘the experts’ or governments to solve, it is vital everyone takes part.”

ANCD Member and Chairman of the Expert Advisory Group charged with the responsibility of reviewing the applications, Mr David Crosbie, CEO of Odyssey House Victoria, expressed his satisfaction at being involved in such an initiative.

“As someone from the community sector, I am very pleased to see this successful initiative from the Tough on Drugs Strategy being continued. Over the last 4 years this initiative has allowed local communities to become involved in tackling the drug problems they see around them.”

5 September 2002

The ANCD is the principal advisory body to Government on drug and alcohol issues.

For further information, please contact:

MajorBrian Watters(Chairman)
0400 780 509

Mr David Crosbie (Advisory Group Chair)
0419 624 420

MrGino Vumbaca (Executive Officer)
0408 244 552

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