DISMAL TURNOUT TO PUBLIC DRUGS FORUM

The turnout for a regional drug summit public forum yesterday was dismal,
but the message was unified and strong.

Participants called for increased government, corporate and community
funding, combined with improved integration of existing drug and alcohol
services.

They spoke about practical solutions to drug problems, including family
intervention for those at risk and the need for more rehabilitation and
detoxification beds, rather than focusing on contentious topics such as
shooting galleries and Naltrexone.

Yesterday's public forum in Wollongong Town Hall was organised to gauge
public opinion in the lead up to the Illawarra-Shoalhaven Drug and Alcohol
Summit community parliament later this month.

There were no more than 30 people at the forum at any one time and many of
these were scheduled speakers, including drug and alcohol workers.

Co-convenor Kristine French said the attendance was disappointing, but did
not reflect the level of interest in tackling the growing drugs problem.

Ms French said she had received many letters, e-mails and phone calls from
people who wanted to contribute in some way.

``We want to put the Illawarra first and foremost in the politicians' minds
in Sydney and I think it's important to keep the attention focused on our
area. We are doing that just by holding this summit,'' she said.

The Illawarra has been the only NSW area to organise a comprehensive drug
summit, with workshops and public forum, after the Sydney-based May Drug Summit.

Illawarra Connection chairman Peter Kell said the business community should
back drug prevention and treatment strategies with finance and ideas. The
drug problem was far reaching and the community could no longer solely rely
on governments for support.

Lisa Parker, who was reporting on a summit workshop on young people, said
the community firstly had to acknowledge there was a drug problem and
secondly provide accurate information about the effects of drugs.