Indigenous communities share $900,000 to curb alcohol abuse

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will share more than $900,000 in Queensland Government funding to help reduce the misuse of alcohol and other substances and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said the funding would support numerous projects including music, culture, and sporting activities, as well as domestic violence reduction and employment preparation programs.

Mr Pitt said the communities at Cherbourg, Cape York, the Northern Peninsula Area, Palm Island, Mornington Island, Yarrabah and Woorabinda were expected to benefit from the significant funding allocation.

“These projects have been developed by local people for local people, to give community members positive alternatives to alcohol and other substances,” he said.

“The projects go hand-in-hand with the alcohol restrictions in each community, helping to lower the demand for alcohol and control its availability, while allowing communities to build a better future for themselves.”

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.

“About $4.3 million has been provided to date from this program as part of our commitment to help Indigenous Queenslanders build a better future,” Mr Pitt said.

The funding has been allocated as follows:

• Brisbane Indigenous Media Association will receive $284,988 to provide nationally accredited radio training to youth in the communities of Aurukun, Cherbourg, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington Island, Napranum, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah

• Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Seisia and Umagico will receive $45,529 for a rugby league-related incentive program to reduce alcohol and drug consumption and domestic violence

• Speak Out – Stylin’ Out Regional will receive a total of $252,895 to provide arts, cultural and music activities to local youth to the communities of Cherbourg, near Murgon, ($108,256) and Woorabinda ($144,639)

• Woorabinda will also receive a $16,500 for a cultural and spiritual program for youth and $11,000 for a feasibility study to establish a recreation centre for young people and rural industry-focused training

• Yarrabah will receive $338,425 for youth-orientated sports, cultural, music and recreational programs, greater co-ordination of alcohol and drug services, community development, alcohol and drug-free concerts and a lifestyle expo day.

“I am confident this funding will help to build a better future for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders,” Mr Pitt said.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280 or 0408 701 379