CRYSTAL methamphetamine or ice and its prevalence within the community was the focus of a special information forum at the Nowra School of Arts on Thursday.
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More than 70 people attended the forum, determined to battle the drug that seems to be sweeping the region.
Growing community concern about the availability of the drug saw Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis, who said she had not previously realised the drug was such a problem locally, to convene the forum.
Representatives from local drug and alcohol rehabilitation organisations, Triple Care Farm, Oolong House, Salvation Army Nowra Bridge Program, Watershed and Family Drug Support addressed the crowd, who heard how young people across the region were now abusing the highly addictive drug more than alcohol or cannabis.
All five organisations outlined the services they provide but admitted they were struggling to meet the region’s growing demand.
The crowd heard heart-wrenching stories from parents and family members whose children and loved ones are addicted to the drug.
“Ice is a terrible, destructive drug that is taking hold in our community,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
“The South Coast Register is regularly carrying reports that local children as young as 15 are taking up this life-threatening drug.
“Over the past few weeks I have had a substantial number of approaches from some unexpected local parents, saying that they don’t know where to turn for personal support or for rehabilitation services in our area.”
Mrs Sudmalis hoped to compile a booklet of all the services available locally for help and distribut them to medical services, doctors’ surgeries and chemists in the region.
“We are also looking to form a family and drug support group in the local area,” she said.
Notable absentees from Thursday’s meeting were local state MPs Gareth Ward and Shelley Hancock, who were unable to attend because parliament was sitting, while no one from the Shoalhaven Police Local Area Command attended the meeting.
The Safer Community Action Team (SCAT), a partnership between the community, police, local government, industry and business designed to increase community safety, reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime in the Shoalhaven will stage its quarterly meeting at the Shoalhaven City Council administration building on Tuesday, November 25 from 2pm.
SCAT meetings provide the community with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of ongoing efforts in crime prevention.