The Turnbull Government is continuing to take action to combat the scourge of ice and other illicit drugs with more Local Drug Action Teams set to rollout across Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said that applications are now open for the third round of the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) program, which helps to bring the community together to develop local plans and activities to prevent and reduce the harm being caused by drugs and alcohol in their regions.

“LDAT members could include representatives from local councils, schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups, and non-government organisations,” Mr Vasta said.

“Any organisation with an interest in tackling drug and alcohol issues in their community is encouraged to apply.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the Local Drug Action Teams is a key measure within the Turnbull Government’s $298 million National Ice Action Strategy to combat illicit drug and alcohol use.

“The National Ice Taskforce recognised that taking action at the local level and building community engagement and capacity is vital to reducing the harms that alcohol and other drugs have on individuals, families and communities,” Minister Hunt said.

Mr Vasta said the Alcohol and Drug Foundation will help new LDATs to develop and implement action plans targeted to their local needs.

“There are now 80 LDATs across Australia representing more than 300 partnerships, but many more communities can benefit from this program,” Mr Vasta said.

“Successful applicants will initially receive $10,000 to help them to develop a local action plan. Once the plan is finalised, LDATs can apply to receive up to an additional $30,000 in their first year (and then $40,000 a year) to support delivery of local activities.”

Examples of activities that an LDAT might deliver in communities include:

• Raising awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine (also known as ‘ice’) and encouraging users to seek help;

• Working with vulnerable people to improve their current situation through education or employment services;

• Providing support and information to parents and carers to enable them to talk about alcohol and other drug issues with their children; and

• Developing local solutions for reducing violence and other harm related to alcohol and other drugs in public places. 

The Turnbull Government is committed to combating the scourge of ice and we encourage more organisations to apply to join the LDAT program to drive change at a local level. 

Applications for round three of the LDAT program close 19 February 2018. There will be further opportunities to be part of the program later this year and in 2019.

For more information visit www.adf.org.au/ldat

The highly successful Small Business Expo is coming to Upper Mt Gravatt in 2018 and local small businesses are encouraged to enquire now, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“This is a great opportunity for small businesses, particularly those without physical stores, to book a trade table where they can showcase their products and services,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s also a great opportunity for business owners to learn the latest business tips and industry insight to help bolster their business, as well as connect with other business owners in the community. Over 600 small business owners are expected to attend.”

The Brisbane Expo will include:

• 200+ trade tables featuring small businesses from across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Logan;

• Five speaker presentations from some of Australia’s leading business experts including Local Success story, Phillip Di Bella from Di Bella Coffee and Glen Richards from Network Ten’s popular Shark Tank Show;

• Food trucks and live music.

Small business owners will be able to attend a How To Sell From a Trade Table workshop prior to the Expo and is included in the trade table fee.

Organiser Paula Brand from Small Business Expos said it would be a fun event that would recognise and celebrate the hard work that small business owners do every single day.

“The Expo is now in its seventh year and has never been held in Brisbane before. I’d like to thank Mr Vasta for helping bring the Expo to Upper Mt Gravatt this year,” Mrs Brand said.

Date: Friday 4th May 2018
Time: Open from 10am to 4pm (Official Media and VIP Launch is at 9.45am)
Address: Hibiscus Sports Complex, 90 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
Price: Free entry

To showcase your business and receive an info pack please email paula.brand@livingwithit.com.au.