Alcohol and drug forum

Alcohol and other drug use in Northern Grampians Shire will be the topic of a second ‘Speak Out’ forum at Stawell Church of Christ.

Organising committee spokesman Terry Dunn said the free event, on July 29, had already generated a significant amount of interest.

“The night will feature an interesting and informed array of guest speakers,” he said.

“I urge all northern Grampians residents and others who might be interested to come along.”

Sergeant Bill Alford will speak about policing issues associated with drugs and alcohol in the region, while pharmacist and Northern Grampians Shire councillor Jason Hosemans will discuss prescription drug misuse, along with drug and alcohol consumption issues with the municipality.

“A high point of the evening will be when a Grampians Community Health drug and alcohol counsellor talks about the road back from what is often the depths of despair for friends and families of addicts,” Mr Dunn said.

He said he was concerned to learn drug and alcohol issues were not uncommon in primary-school aged children.

“We should all be concerned at a very deep level about what is happening to our young people,” he said.

The forum will start at 7pm.