FREE forums on alcohol and other drug-related issues are being held in coming weeks in Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Batemans Bay and Bega.
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The travelling road show is a collaborative initiative between Shoalhaven Community Drug Action Team (CDAT), South Coast Medical Services Aboriginal Corporation, Wandarma Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Service, Oolong House Men’s Rehabilitation Service and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
The aim of the forum is to provide a safe space for service providers, health and welfare workers, parents, teachers and the Aboriginal community to come together and get information on current trends and to learn about alcohol and other drug issues that are affecting Aboriginal people.
Presenters from a variety of services, including the First Step Program, will discuss alcohol and drug use, harm reduction and how services are changing to meet the needs of Aboriginal communities.
Local organisations such as Katungul, Southern Local Health District Community Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service will showcase their services.
Organisers are hoping for as many of the Bega Valley Indigenous community as are able to attend to learn about what drugs are currently in the community and what services are available to assist when alcohol or drugs are an issue in someone’s life.
The line-up of speakers for the Bega forum includes Jody Lloyd from Wandarma speaking on cannabis, Dr Rod MacQueen - addiction specialist for The Lyndon Community - speaking on alcohol, manager of the Stimulant Services at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney Brian Francis speaking on methamphetamines, and workers from the First Step program at the Illawarra Local Health District who will be talking about opioids, medications and steroids.
“The Times Are A Changing” Bega forum will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Upper St, on December 9, from 9.30am until 3.30pm.
The other forums are to be held in Wollongong on November 24, Nowra on November 25 and Batemans Bay on December 8.
Attendance is free and everyone is welcome to come for the full day, or just come for part of the day. Catering is provided.
For further information, or to register, call Natalie Beckett of the HIV and Related Programs Unit on 0418 549 365.
Transport will be available - to book call Jo Norton-Baker at Wandarma on 6492 0011.
