Such is the case with Tracy Reece, who last week bravely told two ice forums of the struggles she has faced with her drug-addicted son. It’s a subject, sadly, she has raised time and again. Each time, her voice crackles with emotion, the pain obviously just beneath the surface of her normally sunny disposition.

It was Tracy’s decision to go public last year, firstly in a story in the South Coast Register and then in a harrowing interview on radio 2ST’s now defunct Three Way Turf Talk, that mobilised the community into action.

Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis heard the radio interview and set about organising the first ice forum at the School of Arts in Nowra. Tracy’s story brought similar struggles with ice addiction to light and there grew a sense this scourge had to be tackled head-on. 

Subsequent law and order meetings in Sanctuary Point also focused on ice. Information shared with police led to the establishment of Strike Force Croci, which in spectacular fashion conducted a series of raids, disrupting alleged local ice dealing networks. 

A former employee at the Register, Tracy effectively was the catalyst for a whole community to take action against the ice trade. It was not an easy decision by any means. Most families jealously guard their privacy, especially when it comes to drug addiction. Casting aside any sense of shame, this courageous mother opened the dialogue by revealing her own anguish. This encouraged others to come forward to share their experiences. 

We believe Tracy is a community hero whose bravery and determination to help others in similar circumstances ought to be applauded.