Building resilience and life skills
Takamuna LDAT was one of 92 new LDATs announced across Australia that have commenced developing and implement their projects from May 2018. The Minister for Rural Health and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Bridget McKenzie, was in Smithton to launch the work of the Takamuna LDAT.
The municipality of Circular Head in Tasmania’s far north-west has its fair share of challenges: with high levels of unemployment, industry closures, and generations of social disadvantage.
This has contributed to the rising level of drug misuse, including use of crystal methamphetamines, which have become a significant community issue.
“Community services in Circular Head had noticed an increase in the use of methamphetamine over the last four or five years”, said Dianne Baldock, CEO of Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC).
It’s in this context that CHAC, along with partner Seven Up Youth Centre in Smithton, launched the Takamuna Local Drug Action Team (LDAT).
Strengthening protective factors
With the priority focus being young aboriginal youth aged between 11 and 20 years of age, the Takamuna LDAT is working to strengthen individual protective factors including:
- resilience
- self-esteem
- life-skills (in particular, leadership and decision-making)
- managing positive peer relationships
- and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Takamuna LDAT was one of 92 new LDATs announced across Australia that have commenced developing and implement their projects from May 2018. The Minister for Rural Health and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Bridget McKenzie, was in Smithton to launch the work of the Takamuna LDAT.
Importance of being community led
During her speech, the Minister picked up on a key element of the LDAT program, this being the importance of a community led approach that tailors local solutions to local needs. “We know what works here in Smithton doesn’t work always in Hobart, and so we need local solutions”, said Minister McKenzie. Launch video on ADF facebook
Main image (left to right): Seven Up Youth Centre committee member Anna Kay (Takamuna LDAT partner), CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Dr Erin Lalor, Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Senator Bridget McKenzie, General Manager of Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation Tony Smart, and CEO of Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation Dianne Baldock (Takamuna LDAT partner).