Last year, council resolved that it “investigate the formation of a forum involving partnerships between Kiama council, local police, schools and parents to educate our community about the scourge of MDMA, otherwise known as ice”.

The motion was spearheaded by councillor Dennis Seage. A forum was organised in partnership with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, the Australian Drug Foundation, and the local Community Drug Action Team.

The free ‘Methamphetamine and our Community’ forum took place at The Pavilion earlier this month.

It was hosted by Dr Suzie Hudson, an experienced social worker in the fields of substance misuse, mental health and research. 

Among the aims were to help families, the community and workers to understand the drug’s use, associated mental health issues and using culture. 

Dr Hudson believed there was a “lot of the misinformation out there about this drug has meant people feel quite overwhelmed”. 

“The key messages are really about encouraging the community... to feel confident that they are doing the right things,” Dr Hudson said. “That what our main driving effort should be is about reducing the stigma that’s associated with the use of this drug. That there is hope, that treatment does work for people, and that there are lots of different types of treatment options.”

Dr Hudson praised the Kiama community for being proactive. 

“Kiama is like a lot of communities where there are people struggling with some of the challenges the drug can present for people. 

“But it’s not across the board, and not every young person is out there using this drug, and I think that sometimes some of the misinformation gets out there that’s not helpful. We as a community need to see it is a health issue, and to support them should they want it.”