Indigenous communities share in $1 million to curb alcohol abuse

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on Cape York will share about $1 million in government funding for community development activities designed to reduce the abuse of alcohol and other substances.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said the communities would receive funds for various projects including support for music, culture, sport, radio and communication skills development, a school-based program and facilities for community activities.

“These communities have developed projects to provide local people with alternatives to alcohol, and which go hand-in-hand with each community’s alcohol restrictions,” Mr Pitt said.

“This two-pronged approach will lower the demand for alcohol and control its availability, allowing communities to build a better future for themselves.”

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the funding was available under Queensland and Australian government programs designed to reduce demand for alcohol and other substances in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state.

“The Queensland Government has allocated $12 million over four years for its Alcohol and Other Substances Demand Reduction Program and the Australian Government has provided $2 million from its Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative for Queensland,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These funds are available for a wide range of projects such as sports, arts and other recreational activities for young people, and the provision of drug and alcohol-free community events, family counselling services, programs to stop family violence and for rehabilitation services.

“It is just part of our commitment to helping Indigenous Queenslanders to build a better future.”

Under the funding announced today:
• Aurukun will get more than $170,000 for holiday diversionary activities and a traditional knowledge project
• Pormpuraaw will get more than $190,000 to run youth programs
• Kowanyama will receive more than $200,000 to deliver a structured prevention program for school students and young people
• Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Seisia and Umagico will get almost $300,000 for sporting and music activities for young people
• Indigenous media organisation Flashblack will receive $50,000 to develop resources for young people at Lockhart River, Napranum, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw and Yarrabah
• Cherbourg, near Murgon in southern Queensland, will get $76,000 to provide targeted support activities, and social and sporting activities.

“I am confident this effort will produce a better future for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders,” Mr Pitt said.

Media contacts:     Minister’s Office 3235 4280
                                  Mr O’Brien’s Office 4051 3849