News

Ice - Everyone's responsibility to 'Get the Facts'

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 10:53:00

Project ICE Mildura is urging community members to inform themselves about one of the region’s biggest illicit drugs problem at its latest community forum this week.

The information session aims to provide parents, carers and community-members with facts about methamphetamines (ICE) to improve the level of awareness about the drug, and reduce its uptake and use.
The forum is the next step in a six-month campaign to try to counter the alarming influence the drug is having in the Mildura area.
Health and welfare organisations and police consider ice to be Mildura’s number one drug problem, and Project ICE Mildura is a consortium of organisations that are combining resources to run a concerted awareness campaign.
“There’s a lot of talk now going on about amphetamines and ice – and that’s a good thing, because awareness in the community is one of our key aims,” said Project ICE spokeswoman Melissa Lonsdale, from Sunraysia Community Health.
“We think one of the most effective approaches to counteract the spread of ice use is to make sure people are aware of what it does and the impacts it has on not only the user, but their family, their work and the wider community.
“But the flip-side to the work that’s been going on to increase awareness is that it is a bit of a shock for people and a bit scary – this is a nasty drug, highly-addictive and its effects can be devastating.
“We’re hearing from parents and carers in particular that they’re worried about this drug and the aim of our forums is to give people the opportunity to get the facts.”
Project ICE Mildura brings together organisations including Sunraysia Community Health, Mildura Rural City Council, Mildura Police, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and the Northern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.
The group is organising the next forum this Thursday at the Benetook Room at the Alfred Deakin Centre between 6 and 7 p.m.
Ms Lonsdale said the two previous community forums and a youth forum have attracted 250 people, indicating the level of concern in the community about ice.
“Knowledge is the most powerful resource that everyone in the community can have, and this forum will have presenters from Anex that are among the best-respected in Australia in the field,” Ms Lonsdale said.
“By attending you will gain insight into what this drug is, what it does and how it impacts on the physical and mental health of the user, and the rippling effect on the community in general.
“The effects of the drug Ice are not something that is only someone else’s problem; it’s impacting on the whole community so it’s really everyone’s responsibility.
“What we want to achieve is to help people understand the facts about ice and what you can do if you or someone you know is using it.”
Anyone with drug or alcohol problems can get assistance and support from Sunraysia Community Health Drug Treatment Services team (5022 5444) or Mallee District Aboriginal Services Alcohol and Other Drugs team (5018 4100).  Information about drug-related activity or crime can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers 1800 333000 or www.vic.crimestoppers.com.au