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Latrobe Valley Drugs Reference Group praisedA Victorian Government discussion paper has hailed the Latrobe Valley Drugs Reference Group’s work as an excellent example of community strategies being adapted successfully to the needs of the local community. By Latrobe City Council - 7th November 2003 - Back to News The strategies have resulted in a significant decrease in the number of chroming (inhaling harmful substances) incidents in the Latrobe Valley.
The Latrobe Valley Drugs Reference Group is made up of Latrobe City’s Youth Services and Community Safety units, along with other agencies such as the Victoria Police, Wanjana Lidj Aboriginal Family Preservation Program, High Risk Adolescent Reference Group and Youth Substance Abuse Services. It was set up in 2000 to look at implementing strategies and appropriate actions to reduce the high risk posed to adolescents, following concerns about the incidence of chroming in the area.
Statistics collated at the time showed that children as young as nine were involved in chroming and that 51% of chroming referrals were for Koorie young people. There was a high correlation between chroming and mental and physical health issues.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss said that the Reference Group had instigated many community action strategies to address the problems.
"The Reference Group was rightly praised for their action on gathering information about the location and incidence of chroming as well as increasing police patrols in these areas.
"Other solutions implemented included providing recreational, leisure, cultural, educational, health and social programs, funded by school focused youth services and establishing a youth club and youth program for Koorie young people in Morwell," Cr Middlemiss explained.
"Not only did the Reference Group suggest ways in which to deal with the problems, but the discussion paper highlighted some tangible results from these strategies. For example, there was a notable reduction in the level of chroming behaviour, and an increased involvement by young people in the youth centre or club activities along with an increased number of volunteers who assisted youth centre activities," Cr Middlemiss said.
"Local businesses either withdrew from sale, or found more appropriate locations for display and sale of volatile substances, especially paints, in their stores, and they refused to sell such substances to anyone under the age of 15," Cr Middlemiss added.
"The positive outcomes from action plans like this can only be good news for the Latrobe Valley. Reducing risks to these more vulnerable adolescents in our society means that our future is more secure," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
Local retailers can contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700 to obtain a ‘Responsible Sale of Solvents’ Retailers Kit.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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