Riders support taskforce event

Wimmera Drug Action Taskforce received a donation of $1135 from organisers of the annual Arapiles Cycling Event earlier this month.

The event, also known as ACE Ride, was staged in October in support of the taskforce, with riders electing to cycle either a 128-kilometre circuit from Horsham to Mount Arapiles or a 53-kilometre circuit from Natimuk to Mount Arapiles. Rider fees and donations from the event support the taskforce.

Taskforce co-ordinator Sally Pymer said money raised from the ride would support a Knowledge Is Power drug education program for grade six students in the Wimmera.

“The four-session program covers what a drug is, why people take drugs, how to look after yourself and others along with information on nicotine, caffeine, alcohol and medicines,” she said.

Mrs Pymer said the taskforce would pair with the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly to present a forum on tackling illegal drugs at Horsham RSL today. It will also host an information night focusing on the supply of alcohol to young people, in March.

Mrs Pymer said the taskforce was calling for community groups to support it during the 201920 financial year so it could continue to employ a co-ordinator.

People interested in supporting the taskforce can call chairman Tim Shaw on 0427 810 122.