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Posters face of drinking drive

People with binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption problems will be the focus of a new alcohol education and prevention campaign being rolled out by the Town of Port Hedland.

Mayor Kelly Howlett said it was important for community members to know there were support networks to help them deal with alcohol problems.

“The Alcohol Education and Prevention campaign is part of the Town’s strategy to improve antisocial behaviour and address the underlying causes to create a safer community for residents,” she said.

Local organisations are being asked to display posters which have been created to promote the campaign.

Cr Howlett said the posters were designed to elicit an emotional response from the community.

She said they would raise awareness of the significance of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption and the effect it had on personal and family environments.

The Town of Port Hedland and the Port Hedland Alcohol Management working group, partnered by the Department of Health and Public Health Advocacy Institute, will roll out the plan.

Bloodwood Tree Association chief executive Bob Neville said it was important the Town of Port Hedland, as a community leader, stood at the front of the campaign.

Mr Neville said excessive alcohol consumption had always been a problem in the region.

“It’s an issue which I’m pleased to see the Town of Port Hedland has taken hold of, and it’s an issue I’m pleased to see the community has embraced as well,” he said.

Mr Neville said the local government’s new campaign was part of a broader strategy to help those with alcohol-related problems.

To obtain copies of the posters or to learn more about how to support the campaign, contact the Town’s community safety facilitator, Neil Abernethy, at csf@porthedland.wa.gov.au or call 9158 9370.

Those who would like to talk to someone about binge drinking or excessive alcohol consumption can contact the Pilbara Mental Health and Drug Service on 9174 1240, or visit its office at the Hedland Health Campus.