CLUBS VENUES FOR DRUG SEMINARS

Leagues clubs across NSW will become venues for community drug
seminars as part of an anti-drugs campaign.

The plan, between the Leagues Clubs Association of NSW and the Ted
Noffs Foundation, which provides treatment for adolescent drug abuse,
will involve clubs holding seminars in city and country areas for
parents about the dangers and signs of drug use by their children.

The chief executive officer of the Ted Noffs Foundation, Mr Wesley
Noffs, said that for too long governments had neglected the bush in
the provision of drug and alcohol services.

He said MPs had limited understanding of drug and alcohol problems and
community needs.

"It's a wonderful thing that these clubs are doing, particularly for
the rural community which for so long hasn't had counselling
facilities for drug and alcohol problems," he said.

"The Government will never have the money to fulfill all the needs. The
community is best placed to say where there is the most need."

Under the three-year plan, to cost about $300,000 a year and be paid
for by the leagues clubs, counsellors would visit major country
centres at least once every two months to hold community seminars and
individual counselling sessions.

The chief executive officer of the Leagues' Clubs Associations of NSW,
Mr David Costello, who heads the Registered Clubs' Party's Upper House
ticket in the State election, said up to 60 clubs, including North
Sydney and Eastern Suburbs leagues clubs, would be involved.

"We understand we are a community-based organisation and this is just
one part of our community activities," he said.