ALTONA DISTRICT GETS SHARE IN $500,000 TO TACKLE ICE

Local groups can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 to try to combat ice in the community, Member for Altona District

and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy announced today.

The Andrews Labor Government is providing $500,000 to fund grassroots Community Ice Action Groups across regional

and rural Victoria.

Groups can apply for the grants which will enable community members to come together for the first time to develop

effective, local solutions in the fight against ice, and for other groups to build on existing successful locally-based

responses. A range of activities including forums, production and development of communications, promotion of

education opportunities and the evaluation of these initiatives and interventions will be supported.

These community grants are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $45.5 million action plan to reduce the supply,

demand and harm of a drug that is ruining lives and destroying communities. The Labor Government’s Ice Action Plan was

developed on the advice of the Premier’s Ice Action Taskforce, which brought together Victoria Police and legal, health and

youth experts.

Under the Plan, the Government is providing $4.7 million to support families affected by a loved one’s drug use. This

includes the 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238) phone service which directs users and families to the treatment and support

services they need, and can also provide general information to the community about the drug and its effects.

The Government is also investing $18 million to expand drug treatment and rehabilitation, so users can better access the

help they need, and $1 million to provide improved training for people who work with ice users.

New measures to reduce the growing supply of ice on our streets include $4.5 million to crack down on clandestine drug

labs and tough new laws to stop dealers.

More information on Community Ice Action Group grants is available at: www.ice.vic.gov.au.

Local residents concerned about a family member or struggling with ice addiction can also contact existing support services

such as:

• Western Health Drug Health Services Program – 03 8345 6682

• ISIS Primary Care – 03 8368 3000

• Cohealth – 03 8398 4100

Quotes attributable to Member for Altona District, Jill Hennessy

“Too many lives are being ruined by ice – it’s a devastating drug, with tragic consequences all across Melbourne’s West”

“The Government’s Ice Action Plan recognises that one of the most effective ways we can beat ice is by working with locals

who understand the situation on the ground.”

“These grants mean that we will get the best ideas and the best initiatives to fight ice for our community.”

Media Contact Evelyn Ek 0412 887 853 | evelyn.ek@minstaff.vic.gov.au