Published on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 at 1:11:38 PM
4 December 2024 For immediate release
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is urgently calling on the Minister for Health to address critical issues of drug and alcohol harm affecting our community, following a recent community meeting held in Fitzroy Crossing in late November.
Shire President Peter McCumstie, who attended the meeting, listened to our community members as well as local police who expressed deep concern over the escalating issues of alcohol and other drug harm and the limited availability of support services. Residents shared that these issues are deeply impacting their health, safety and the future of their children.
“Every voice in the room echoed the same sentiment – that these problems are getting worse, not better,” said President McCumstie. “This reflects the broader challenges we are seeing across the Kimberley region involving alcohol and other drug harm.”
The Shire is writing to the Minister for Health to advocate for increased funding and support for the West Kimberley, emphasising the immediate need for harm reduction services, including safe needle disposal and exchange facilities, as well as greater collaboration between local agencies and state resources to improve outcomes for affected communities.
The Shire is calling upon the Minister for Health to extend similar support of increased services for minimising drug and alcohol harm that was recently announced for the Shire of Broome, to other Kimberley towns, where the need is equally urgent, including funding for disposal of needles and the development of a standalone needle exchange facility.
“We’re facing the same challenges as Broome, including the additional costs and safety risks associated with improperly disposed needles,” said President McCumstie.
The Shire remains committed to working with the State Government, police, and other stakeholders to ensure that the voices of the West Kimberley residents are heard and that the necessary support is provided to create a safer, healthier future for all.
ENDS
For media information:
Peter McCumstie
President
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
PO Box 94 Derby WA 6728
08 9191 0999 I peter.mccumstie@sdwk.wa.gov.au
Tamara Clarkson
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
PO Box 94 Derby WA 6728
08 9191 0999 I ceo@sdwk.wa.gov.au
Maria O’Connell
Media and Communications Officer
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
PO Box 94 Derby WA 6728
08 9191 0999 I media@sdwk.wa.gov.au
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