• Drug Action Plan (PDF-555KB)

• Local Response Chroming Working Party Paper (PDF-24KB)
• Poster Final (PDF-87KB)

 
The Geelong Drug & Alcohol Forums were established in October 2003 in response from agencies and individuals across the human services sector requesting regular informative and educational forums. The Geelong Drug Action Plan Committee oversee the facilitation of these forums. Since 2003 regular forums have been held to address areas of concern or interest.

• Previous Forums Archive  

 
Updated annually this reference guide is in an easy to read format.

• Quick Reference Guide (PDF-136KB)

Copies can be obtained by contacting Steve Levakis on 5227 0833.
 

Drug Action Week is a national week of activities to raise awareness about alcohol and other drug issues. The City of Greater Geelong has been involved in supporting and facilitating Drug Action Week activities for number of years.

The week provides the opportunity to showcase the diverse range of services and programs available in and around Geelong and to undertake innovative community education activities.

Drug action Week also provides an opportunity to reflect and remember those who have been affected by the harm associated with drug and alcohol misuse.

Reflection

We come believing that all human life is valuable, no matter how it began or how it ended. We come to claim the truth and integrity which lived and died in these lives and which lives on in us. We come believing that the lives we remember today and for which now we experience loss are joined with all life, stretching into the past and into the future. These lives were lived in uniqueness with us and have now passed into the ultimate community of human existence with all its embracing diversity.

• Geelong Drug Action Week - Poster (PDF-518KB)
• Drug Action Week 2008 - Timetable (PDF-27KB)
• Anex - Sexual Health Forum (PDF-106KB)
• Anex - Women, Motherhood and Drugs Forum (PDF-67KB)
• Kate Holden - 'In my skin' (PDF-2079KB)
• Free Hepatitis C Forum (PDF-24KB)
• Pathways Rehabilitation and Support Service Forum (PDF-11KB)
• Barwon Youth 'Zones' Day Program (PDF-227KB)
• YSAS Open Day (PDF-73KB)

For more information contact Steve Levakis on 5227 0833.

Council focus on Alcohol and other drug misuse commenced 1999 as a result of identification of concerns via the Geelong Strategic Health Plan, the Local Safety Senior Management Committee, community concerns expressed through the Barwon Drug Action Committee and increased media focus on lack of adequate detox facilities in Geelong.
 

The City of Greater Geelong Drug Action Plan Committee has been successful in attracting a grant of $100,000 to work with local goverment authorities and key agencies operating within the Barwon Primary Care Forum region in developing a drug action plan and associated projects.

• Mental Health Funding Plan (PDF-31KB)

• Council adopted a statement on Drugs (8/12/199)
• Development and Launch of the Geelong Drug Action Plan (June 2000). Plan facilitated by Department of Human Services. Involved key agencies and interest groups.
• Establishment of the Geelong Drug Advisory Committee. 26 Members focusing on implementation of the Drug Action Plan.
• July 2001 review of Geelong Drug Advisory Committee recommends new model for implementation of plan, facilitation of appropriate networks and identification of priority issues.

• Establishment of the Specialist Drug Action Plan Committee
• Employment of a  project worker, July 2003.
• Review of Geelong Drug Action Plan 2000. Five key development areas were identified as priority actions during 2004:
  1. Media and Communication
  2. Research
  3. Data Collection
  4. Local Safety
  5. Network expansion/development
• Updating and redesigning comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Data manual. Draft report available.
• Development of media strategy which provides accurate statistics, useful information and positively promotes the groups often perceived as the ‘problem''.
• Engagement of the community in a range of forums and activities particularly over Drug Action Week. Two way information share - promote what is happening and hear from the local communities about their issues, concerns and ideas.
• Support and resource workers and agencies through the Drug Action Network forums.
• Annual one page service directory not only assisting finding where to go but also showing the range of services, supports and information resources.
• Development of partnership between DHS and City of Greater Geelong in relation to regional drug and alcohol strategy development
• Development of a partnership with the Hepatitis C Council of Victoria to address local issues.

The activities of the Drug Action Committee will continue to expand and develop, as it responds to the needs and concerns of the sector. A number of issues have been bought to the attention of the Geelong Drug Action Committee as priority concerns. These include:

• Death rate associated with Alcohol and Tobacco use
• Alcohol associated violence at Geelong nightclubs
• Lack of rehabilitation service in the Geelong region
• Limited rural drug and alcohol outreach/other services
• Meeting the complex needs/presentations of people

The employment of a Drug Project Worker in July 2003, has resulted in an increased profile of the Drug Action Committee, providing opportunity for expanded influence and activity within the Drug and Alcohol sector.
 
Helen Reddan, who is the dedicated worker, is currently on maternity leave. Steve Levakis is carrying out her role during 2007 and can be contacted on 5227 0833, email slevakis@geelongcity.vic.gov.au 
 

Since the inception of the Geelong Drug Action Plan 2000, the City of Greater Geelong, in partnership with a range of agencies, has worked pro-actively to address alcohol and other drug issues in the Geelong area. A number of key objectives have been achieved:

• Implementation of a drug initiative incorporating prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement and saving lives
• Establishment of youth detox unit - BAYSA, Barwon Health and YSAS
• Establishment of adult detox unit - Barwon Health and Salvation Army 
• Drug Safety Program - Barwon Health
• Family counselling program - Salvation Army
• Post withdrawal linkage support - Salvation Army
• Development of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training for City of Greater Geelong staff, Police, Salvation Army - City of Greater Geelong

The following activities result directly from the City of Greater Geelong role:

• Implementation of a range of activities during Drug Action Week (x 4 years)
• Quick reference directory of Geelong drug services (3 editions).
• Production of Geelong Drug & Alcohol report (May 2000).
• Establishment of an overdose response protocol and practice between Barwon Health, Watharuong and the Ambulance Service.
• Appointment of a 12 month project worker to facilitate the recommendations the Drug Action Plan and facilitate collaborations and projects - City of Greater Geelong, DHS
• Development of a drug and alcohol network in the Geelong region. Drug and Alcohol Network meetings, facilitated by the Drug Project Worker. The Network meetings attract over 70 representatives from throughout the services sector, client group and the wider community.
• Development of partnership between DHS and City of Greater Geelong in relation to regional drug and alcohol development
• Development of a partnership with the Hepatitis C Council of Victoria to address local issues.
• Establishment of the Geelong Local Response Chroming Working Party. Report received and recommendations implemented.
• Funding and support Somebodys Daughter Theatre Production for the work with marginalised youth. Two public performances have occurred in Geelong during 2007.
• Attracted $100,000 for regional drug planning.

• Good Sports