Sutherland Shire Council Suports Parents To Raise 'drink Wise' Teens

****EMBARGO UNTIL 7:00AM WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER 2009****

Wednesday 2 December 2009

Mayor Adds New Prong to Anti-Social Behaviour Drive

Sutherland Shire Council has continued its commitment in reducing anti-social behaviour joining with DrinkWise Australia to bring the community a practical guide to help parents decrease the risk of their teen misusing alcohol.

The guide, the DrinkWise Parents 5-Point Plan, offers practical advice to help parents have a positive influence on and decrease the risk of their teen misusing alcohol and was produced as a result of Australia-wide research.

It was launched at a function at Hazelhurst Regional Art Gallery before a gathering of around 80 people including medical professionals, educators, police, and representatives from the liquor industry, local clubs, churches, and youth service organisations.

"Sutherland Shire Council has an ongoing commitment to reducing and preventing anti-social behaviour and we're delighted to be working with DrinkWise to provide such a valuable resource as the Parents 5-Point Plan to help inform our community," said Sutherland Shire Mayor Councillor Lorraine Kelly.

"This council recognises that tackling anti-social behaviour requires an all-of-community approach and DrinkWise is supporting us in this by providing the 5-Point Plan," she said.

""The DrinkWise 5-Point Plan gives parents tips on how they can handle a variety of situations regarding adolescents and alcohol. It was developed as a result of extensive research with parents on their needs and was compiled by experts," said Trish Worth, Chair of DrinkWise Australia.

"We know that parents are a major influence in their child's life when it comes to alcohol. Helping parents to positively influence their teen's attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol and delay initiation, is critical to addressing the growing problem of alcohol misuse in Australia," Trish Worth said.

In launching the guide, the Mayor recapped what the council had already achieved in its efforts to prevent anti-social behaviour and outlined initiatives to be undertaken in 2010.

Among the planned new initiatives will be a new student leadership program aimed at equipping high school students to deal with issues surrounding teen drinking, illegal drug-taking and other forms of anti-social behaviour such as graffiti.

Council's new regulations relating to the serving of alcohol on council properties will also come into effect.

The regulations require clubs and associations using council-owned properties who apply for liquor licences from the NSW State Government, to first notify council and to allow input into the decision-making process.

Councillor Kelly said council would also be continuing its work rolling out the 'Good Sports' program among local sporting clubs. Good Sports encourages a responsible approach to alcohol within community sports clubs.

Mayor Kelly said engagement with the Shire's educators would gain momentum in 2010 with council continuing to host regular principals' forums.

"Our work to reduce the instance of anti-social behaviour can only continue with the support of our community and with the help of partners such as DrinkWise, NSW police, the Shire's youth services, liquor retailers and local principals, among others, we will continue to work to bring about a shift in people's attitudes and behaviours," Clr Kelly said.

Media Contacts:
Andrew Herring, Communications Manager (02) 9710 0493 or 0410 456 676 or
Karen Frith, Senior Media Officer (02) 9710 0344 or 0414 193 843


SOURCE: Sutherland Shire Council