Meth march shines spotlight on harm

Raising awareness of the harm caused by methamphetamine use will be at the forefront of a community march against the drug next month.

The first March Against Meth has been organised by the Great Southern Noongar Emerging Leaders group to take place on Friday, April 6.

Its aim is to prevent use of the drug and increase access to treatment and support services.

The group consists of young leaders representing 17 Noongar family groups in the Great Southern region. Great Southern Noongar Emerging Leaders committee member Stuart Roberts said the group was committed to helping youth lead healthy lives.

“The march is really about making a stand on behalf of the community and families that are affected by methamphetamine use and to show the community that there is help available,” he said.

“The overall objectives of the march will be to increase awareness and knowledge of health and legal consequences of methamphetamine use, increase awareness of potential risks associated with methamphetamine use and to increase access to support services at an early stage.

“It is often hard to recognise that someone is using methamphetamine and experiencing problems.”

The march, supported by the Palmerston Association and WA Police, will start at 11.30am at the Anzac Peace Park and will finish with a sausage sizzle at Town Square.

It will include guest speakers and information stalls with advice from key support services in the region.

Mr Roberts said the community was welcome to join the march up York Street.