Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has called on more community-minded organisations across the electorate to apply for funding to help curb ice and other drug issues in their communities with Inverell, Tenterfield and Armidale among recent grant recipients.

Round four of the Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) program has opened and interested organisations have until December 7 to get their funding applications in.

Mr Joyce said through local partnerships, LDATs provide evidence-based prevention activities to minimise alcohol and other drug-related issues in their communities.

“The Liberal-Nationals government is committed to keeping Australian families and communities safe and through the proactive work of local LDATs, we are taking a preventative approach to tackling drug issues,” Mr Joyce said.

“So far we have seen 172 LDATs funded across Australia and these teams directly tackle the devastating impact alcohol and drugs – including ice – have on their communities.

“We have had some excellent examples of the work these groups are doing locally here in the New England to prevent drug use and improve health outcomes for our youth.

“In Armidale, the Nanyapura scheme is helping engage teens through boxing classes at the local PCYC. Round three grants of $10,000 are also assisting Tenterfield Social Development Committee, the Armajun Aboriginal Health Service in Inverell and Centacare New England North West to name just a few.”

The Minister for Regional Services, Bridget McKenzie said the teams were supported by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, which helped the LDATs develop and implement primary prevention activities in the community.

“This is all about community partnerships working together on a plan of action to prevent and stamp out the misuse of drugs and alcohol in their town – developing local solutions for local problems,” Minister McKenzie said.

More information about LDATs and the application process can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website here.

(ENDS)