YOUR SAYDo you think banning alcohol will solve problems in communities like Halls Creek? The decision whether or not to implement a ban on take-away alcohol is dividing Halls Creek. Do you think banning alcohol is the way to solve alcoholism-related problems?
What can be done to educate communities about the dangers of drug use?
"If I had to spend 60 % of my income on smoko I`d be a bit depressed as well,weed should be free,o..."
What old Living Black footage would you like to see again?
"Dear Karla "
What can be done to educate communities about the dangers of drug use?
"Drugs prohibition is an utterly failed policy as was alcohol prohibition. The only beneficiar..."
I'm a high school student at halls creek. i think alcohol is hurting families. i think it's driving people mad and getting young people fighting.alcohol is bringing outlying community people into town causing them to fight with local people. i want alcohol to be controlled like it is in fitzroy crossing..
Yes i do simply because if People can not identify that they have a problem with Alcohol then it simply wont stop, therefore in this situation with Alan Carpenter taking the intiative to stamp out Aloholism is a start but it its not the root of the cause of the problem but we have to start somwhere. in order for a better future for our Children..
Aboriginal people have as much right to choose to consume alcohol. I think alcoholism is a result of much larger problems. Instead of implementing bans perhaps the government should implement Alcoholics Anonymous programs for those who chose to give up and consult with people to see what incentives could be used to inspire them to look to something else. The real issues need to be addressed, not just another patriarchical law.
I don\'t believe this is the solution to alcohol-related problems. The reasons for drinking vary for different people but generally It all comes back to Self-esteem and wellbeing..Our people need to be Shown that they are special and we need to be strong and proud of who and what we are!!! The problems to address isn\'t the alcohol It\'s the problems around it!! P.S. It\'s Joey from the NAIDOC Ball (Friday 11/07/08) in Gosford...Take Care Karla!!
As already been suggested, it requires a lot more than just a quick band-aid fix to a huge problem. I live and work in a community in close proximity to halls creek and I witness first hand the effects of alcohol abuse in these communities. But just as the problems arise similarly with young people sniffing - its not about the quick fix, or the harm minimisation - let's seriously look at "why" this is happening. Until the issues of social dysfunction are addressed, what's the point? We need to look at issues of health, environmental health, education, housing, overcrowding, gambling, only to name a few. The saddest thing I witness is the effects of these behaviours on our children and young people - let's try for more collaborative ways of working "with the people, rather than for them" - and help to strengthen these families.
Those who say no have not lived in a town destroyed by grog. Where the family unit lays wasted amongst the cans...dysfunctional, suffering and worst of all, without hope. banning the grog should never be seen as the answer alone - rehab centres, diversionary activities are but a few. However, at our afflicted communities are train crashes. Who will step up to help...
Banning alcohol is not the answere to the communities problems. Only some people have trouble with alcohol and those people need treatment. As someone who has worked in the field of substance abuse for thirty plus years it frustrates me to see inexperienced people involved in so called rehabilitation centres. Alcoholism is a genetic condition and requires appropriately trained people to deal with it, just as other illnesses do.
It may eliminate the alcohol accessablity but will it lead to other forms of substance abuse such as cromeing (petrol
Re: Cracks In The Creek - 28th May, 2008. When will it be enough - drastic measures can only work when community and government work together on this. Many services have been implemented whether it was on a long or short term basis over the years. Why not try or trial something different, what have you got to lose? Stand up and make a change - put you own wants aside for the needs of your community. Government, listen also to the silent voice.
While immediate action is definitely needed right now, alcohol bans are only part of a solution and need to be implemented with a broader framework. Creating sustainable and meaningful employment and addressing housing, health and education as the big picture are critical. As a former resident of Halls Creek my heartfelt support goes to the outstanding and tireless efforts of the amazing people who persevere to make a difference. Where is the support of the businesses who profit from alcohol sales?