With $10,000 in federal government funding, AFL Riverina will become one of the first sporting organisations to form a local drug action team (LDAT) in partnership with the national Alcohol and Drug Foundation. 

“(This) is not something we’ve seen in many of our LDATs but it's a true goal of the program because of the role that organised sporting participation plays in protecting youth from alcohol and drug misuse,” ADF chief executive, Erin Lalor, said.

“So I do see that what we’re seeing in the Riverina is leading the country in being able to use that community partnership, community networks, and the huge regional network of the Riverina AFL to reach 5000-9000 youth in the area. That’s why we’re so excited about it.”

There are 172 local drug action teams (LDAT) across the country to help raise awareness, inform communities and build resilience in young people. 

To help spread the message through their clubs, AFL Riverina will develop a community action plan in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT, Calvary Drug and Alcohol, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Police and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. 

“All our clubs do serve that broader community. They are the real social fabric. Whilst they’re not going to be able to fix all issues in their community, any effort that can make to educate their club members is worth it,” AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was only too pleased to announce the funding at Wagga’s Robertson Oval on Friday, saying the initiative will help educate young people about the perils of drug and alcohol addiction. 

“This stance will help prevent impressionable young people making the wrong decisions and slipping through the cracks,” Mr McCormack said.

He encouraged all sports to continue to be involved in building stronger, safer communities.

“I know the other codes as well have put good programs in place. I know particularly with Group Nine rugby league, what they’ve done as far as programs promoting anti-violence measures are really encouraging,” ,” Mr McCormack said.

“And sporting clubs have a role to play. Sports in country areas are the very fabric of communities, particularly young people in those communities. 

“So if sporting organisations such as Group Nine rugby league, such as AFL Riverina, can lead the way – so far as having that campaign, waging that war against the scourge of drugs, making sure that young men in particular know that you shouldn’t lift a finger against a woman – this is to be encouraged and the federal government stands by ready to help by way of funding and by way of these sorts of awareness campaigns.

“If we save just one person from going on drugs out of this program, then it could be one life well worth being saved and one family that is not left heartbroken.”