Grants to prevent use of Ice

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing is encouraging community groups to apply for grants to create initiatives that will help prevent and reduce the impact of methamphetamine (ice) on their communities.

The Community Ice Action grants are part of the state government’s Ice Action Plan, to help curb ice abuse across Victoria, which affects everyone – from the breakdown of families and communities to increased hospital admissions and assaults on first responders.

The grants provide recipients with up to $10,000 each to create initiatives that will help prevent and reduce ice related harm in their communities. Over the past three years, 38 grants have gone to services across Victoria including health services, sporting clubs and local safety committees.

Past grant recipient, AFL Gippsland, implemented successful community initiatives.

“The use of ice is taking a terrible toll on our communities. Initiatives like the Community Ice Action Grants will support community groups to come up with their own ways to educate people on the dangers of ice,” Ms Shing said.

“Every local community is different, and we’re proud to be supporting groups to respond to ice through strategies that they think will work for their area.”

“We’ll continue working with great community groups like AFL Gippsland to take action and make a difference to people trying to tackle their ice addiction.”

This year’s state budget invested a record $259.9 million in alcohol and other drug services, which includes ongoing implementation of the $87 million Drug Rehabilitation Plan released last year.

Applications for the next round of Community Ice Action Grants are now open. More information about the grants can be found at ice.vic.gov.au/safer-communities.