REGION TO VOICE DRUG VIEWS

Wollongong will project its own voice next month on how to control
spiralling illicit drug and alcohol abuse.

An Illawarra/Shoalhaven Drug and Alcohol Summit has been planned to
canvass a broad range of community opinions on dealing with drug problems.

The summit was organised by the Illawarra Area Health Service (IAHS)
and non-government agencies, in the wake of the Sydney-based May Drug
Summit.

During an official launch yesterday, IAHS director of drug alcohol and
HIV/AIDS services Brian O'Neill said the event would galvanise the
community to find solutions to widespread substance abuse problems.

``I think the big challenge for us now is take to whatever increase in
funding we get and use it to reach out to a wider community,'' he said.

``Twenty years ago drug and alcohol problems were something on the
edge, something that people didn't usually talk about, something that
was a bit weird and different.

``Drug and alcohol problems today are part and parcel of our society
and affect everybody.

``This drug summit gives us a chance in the Illawarra to take the
initiative that's been handed to us from the NSW Government and look
to reach out to everyone and do something about the drug problems in
the region.''

Wollongong Crisis Centre director Kristine French said consultation
groups would be formed to discuss topics including treatment and
prevention, families and intervention, youth, and community safety.

A public forum will be held on September 7 at Wollongong Town
Hall.

Information gathered in the working groups and at the public forum
will be presented at a community parliament to be held at Wollongong
University on September 24.

Mr O'Neill said more than 1000 people were expected to attend the
community parliament and vote on strategies which will be passed onto
NSW Health Minister Craig Knowles and the Premier's office.

He said one of the contentious issues would be devising ways to reduce
the number of heroin-related deaths in the Illawarra.