A community led committee, the Federation Primary Prevention Team – Alcohol & Drugs (FPPT) is to be established within the Federation Council Local Government Area.
The Federation Think Tank held in 2021, identified a high priority need for existing programs such as the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) and the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) to be brought together to streamline the planning and delivery of primary prevention interventions and initiatives.
This committee will implement initiatives and interventions that encourage long term sustainable change, delivered through evidenced based planning, the pooling of resources and knowledge and partnerships with others including government and industry, other regional health and wellbeing networks.
A research project is currently underway, funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, identifying and analysing data and statistics from both government sources, local service agencies and the local community. The research project will identify evidenced based primary prevention opportunities, and develop a five year Community Action Plan.
Working groups will be established, based on priority actions from the Community Action Plan, to support the planning and delivery of the FPPT initiatives and interventions.
As a result, Council and the current CDAT and LDAT members would like to hear from people and organisations who are passionate about building a strong, healthy and connected community, to join the FPPT and/or the various working groups.
Ideally, the FPPT and its working groups, would include representatives of local health professionals and service agencies, community groups, local traders/business associations, emergency services, schools, and individuals who have knowledge and expertise in contributing towards the prevention of alcohol and drug related harm.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Pat Bourke said the Federation Primary Prevention Team’s goal was to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs in the Federation community.
“It is fantastic to see the formation of two passionate groups who have come together to support one another in this important work for our community,” he said.
“Teams like this are a success due to the passionate volunteers behind them, who partner with lead agencies to make a difference. The more people we have become involved, the bigger impact we will see. Council encourages residents to consider this opportunity and nominate today.”
