A GOVERNMENT program using sporting clubs to tackle the use of the drug ice will be extended into regional areas, Victorian Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge will announce on Tuesday morning.
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The Good Sports program will work with 980 sporting clubs in regional Victoria, including in Bendigo, after it was announced for metropolitan sporting clubs earlier this month.
The $200,000 extension of the program into regional areas will "up skill" members of sporting clubs to act as community leaders to respond to the ice issue.
The program, run by the Australian Drug Foundation, will support sporting clubs in developing strategies to identify and tackle instances of ice use.
Ms Wooldridge will announce the statewide extension of the program during a visit to Queen Elizabeth Oval tomorrow morning.
She said sporting clubs could use their status at the heart of communities to tackle the ice issue.
"Local sporting clubs such as football and netball clubs are often the heart of the community and by running drug education, diversion and support programs in this familiar environment, young people and their families can learn about the harsh realities of ice," Ms Wooldridge said.
"Education and prevention is a key element to stopping young people from experimenting with this dangerous drug and the Good Sports program is well placed to provide the education as well assisting families and those needing help to access the support they need."
