Healthcare and community organisations throughout the shire have come together in the expectation of forming a drug action group next month.

The united effort follows the formation of the Central Highlands Drug Action Taskforce in November. 

A drug awareness forum, A Way Forward, has been organised by the Moorabool Community Leadership Program and Bacchus Marsh police for May 28. 

Council staff will meet with Victoria Police this week to discuss applying for a state government Ice Community Education grant.

Mayor Paul Tatchell said the community needed to work together to combat the drug.

“Every region will have a particular drug problem,” he said. “It is about drilling down and finding out what the particular issue is within our region.”

Cr Tatchell said there needed to be a focus on young drug users. 

“There is a fear of younger people using the drug,” he said. 

“It is not just about attacking the drug problem, but finding out what stimulates young people to go into drugs in the first place.”

Cr Tatchell said communities needed to consider the opportunities available to young people. 

“Are we keeping these kids in school? Do they have jobs? Are we allowing kids the opportunity to speak out? 

“Our young people are disillusioned and we need to find ways to engage with them.”

The drug action group will meet in June to establish itself formally as a group. 

The group will feed into the Central Highlands Drug Action Taskforce. 

Council’s community service department and community leadership programs work proactively with the government, police, Djerriwarrh Health Services and service providers on the issue. 

To attend the A Way Forward forum on May 28, contact Jim Ross at james.ross@police.vic.gov.au. 

kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au