tackling binge drinking off the radar

It was with great disappointment that I learnt about the failure of the federal government’s proposed “Alcopop” Legislation. The Greens had negotiated for a more comprehensive plan to tackle binge drinking with $50 million from the package committed for a range of health measures to address alcohol related harm.


























As Chairperson of the Shire’s Alcohol and Drug Working Group a clear message from local agencies working in the sector is that there is an urgent need to address the issue of alcohol misuse.

The Alcohol and Drug Working Group has been working on a plan which focuses on three key areas:
- Young people and the impacts of alcohol use
- Early intervention, education and health promotion and
- Access to services and enhanced service coordination and collaboration.

The group is made up of representatives from Eastern Drug & Alcohol Service, AGEnDAS Anglicare, Yarra Valley Community Health, New Life Program, Eastern Access Community Health, Bendigo Bank – Upwey, The Basin Centre, Victoria Police, DHS, Whitehorse Community Health and the Shire of Yarra Ranges.