The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have welcomed the commitment of $2 million to a program to tackle ICE in regional communities.
The awareness and mental health support program was announced as an election commitment by Queensland Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington MP at NRL Cowboys House in Townsville today.
The proposed program would be delivered by the Cowboys community team, in collaboration with government and affiliated stakeholders, and would target high-risk groups, particularly 15 to 35-year-olds.
The Cowboys would reach communities in their broad footprint with a high-impact educational roadshow, local opportunities and events, and digital content through their social media channels and game day.
Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the club was well-placed to contribute in the war against ICE.
"Our club has a strong track record in partnering with government and industry to achieve education, health and social outcomes for our community," Mr Reibel said.
"One example of this is NRL Cowboys House, which is a collaboration between the Federal and Queensland Governments, NRL and like-minded corporate partners to reduce distance as a barrier to quality secondary education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
"We're very experienced in program delivery and are continually looking for ways, like the initiative announced today, in which we can positively contribute to the communities and region that support us."
Ms Frecklington said the program would be focused on education and raise awareness of the dangers associated with ICE and other illicit drugs, and also link to mental health and other health support services.
"ICE is infiltrating our small towns and cities, families are being torn apart, and it is destroying the very fabric of our communities," she said.
To learn more about Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and support services, visit cracksintheice.org.au.
