The Latrobe Valley will now have a dedicated Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) to help combat the harm of drugs and alcohol in the region.
Local MP Darren Chester welcomed the announcement, saying it was the fourth LDAT established in Gippsland.
“Having dedicated services for drug and alcohol misuse will help provide locally-based solutions and prevention measures,” Mr Chester said.
“The LDAT program recognises that every community is different and solutions to these problems, which can be very complex, have to come from the community.
“Latrobe LDAT will work to create a community action plan and implement it within the community.”
Mr Chester said Latrobe LDAT would receive $10,000 from the Federal Government to establish and develop the community action plan for the area.
“The LDAT will work with service providers, schools, police, young people, Indigenous and primary health services and non-government organisations to create an informed and accurate image of the impacts and issues within the region,” Mr Chester said.
“We already have established LDAT in Wellington and East Gippsland that are doing important work in those areas, so this additional placement means tailored support with be available across all three LGAs.”
Latrobe LDAT is one of over 40 new partnerships across Australia accepted into the Federal Government’s LDAT program. This brings the total number of LDAT’s to 280 nationally.
The Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) program is part of the Government’s $350 million National Ice Action Strategy to combat drug and alcohol misuse across Australia.
Free and confidential advice about treatment services can be obtained from the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.