THE Rotary Club of Wangaratta is leading the way on the city’s fight against the drug ice, hosting a free information night next week.
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The event follows a recent rotary meeting where family members of drug users expressed their concern for the lack of drug rehabilitation facilities in the North East.
Club president Dave Clark said recent crime statistics were also cause for concern.
“Wangaratta was rated in the top five in the state for crime rate per capita,” he said.
“Families that attended the meeting have told us that drug users have to go to Melbourne for detox because there’s nothing in the North East that can help, apart from the hospital.
“The hospital has little space to deal with this, we really need our own centre here.
“The community is aware about what’s happening and want to support the issue.”
The forum will be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on March 30, from 6.30pm to 9pm.
Guest speakers include Michael Miller, Victorian project officer for Family Drug Support, as well as representatives from state and local services.
Mr Clark said members of the rotary club had formed a sub-committee to get answers about ice in the community.
The Victorian government recently unveiled a $45 million plan aimed at tackling the state’s growing ice problem.
Premier Daniel Andrews has promised extra resources for police and rehabilitation.
“We have sent letters to Daniel Andrews’ office asking what support we can receive,” Mr Clark said.
“We want to get community members involved by joining our sub-committee and writing to the state and federal governments to get funding.”
Limited places are available for the event, RSVP to Keith Snowdon by March 27 on (03) 5721 3541.