A community approach

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How can the community build or support healthy public policy?

Have an overarching alcohol strategy that is shared by relevant agencies and communicated to the community.
Make the community and agencies aware of the Liquor Control Act 1988 and how it regulates the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol.
Let police know about local issues relating to alcohol.
Shires can work with local sporting clubs to develop alcohol policies.
With the help of the schools and work places, develop school drug policies that reflect realistic community expectations and relevant government policy.
Schools can also work with SDERA - School Drug Education and Road Aware to develop a drug policy.

Work with the appropriate agencies to ensure regular responsible sale of alcohol (RSA) training is available and that licensees have involvement in setting local policy and guidelines for venues.
Run regular alcohol free events for the community.
Start an awareness raising educational program that outlines the issues associated with excessive consumption of alcohol.

Establish a local drug action group that reports to and advises local agencies.
Work with key funding agencies to track funding going into the community - and identify new resources.

Start a peer support program where suitable educational materials and referrals are made available.
Up-skill health professionals and related support group leaders in alcohol and other drug use prevention.
Source appropriate information resources and distribute them to the broader community (see our publications and resources section).

Encourage school involvement in school drug education.
Schools and treatment agencies can work together to identify and manage students at risk of alcohol and other drug use.
Organise a forum to raise awareness about existing problems in the community.
Utilise groups such as Local Drug Action Groups and McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth.

Identify existing networks and groups in the community who might be concerned about alcohol-related harm.
Identify the nature and extent of the problem.
Arrange a forum to discuss the problem and raise community awareness.

Encourage police to regularly visit licensed premises as part of a proactive community strategy.
Provide data on alcohol-related harm to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor for use when considering liquor license applications.
Community leaders and elders can take a lead role in establishing a local alcohol management committee.
Support local government in the development of a policy.

Last updated on 07 October 2011