Mark Coulton (Parkes, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a much more positive note, I would like to acknowledge Moree resident Ros Laws who, after 10 years, has stepped down as Chair of the Moree Community Drug Action Team. Ros has been involved in community services in Moree for many years as both a paid social worker and volunteer. Ros has not only kept CDAT running in Moree for the past 10 years, but she has also been heavily involved in other community projects, including the establishment of the Moree Men's Shed.

Like Ros, I am very passionate about community drug action teams and the valuable contributions that they make to our communities. Like Ros, I understand that the best results when tackling the scourge of drugs in our community are those that come from within. CDATs are groups of volunteers who work together to minimise and prevent the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs in their neighbourhoods.

There are currently 10 community drug action teams across my electorate of Parkes, and they produce excellent results for their communities, including hosting successful community forums on drug and alcohol abuse. Under the guidance of Ros, the Moree Community Drug Action Team set up a drug and alcohol centre in conjunction with the Salvation Army to provide emergency assistance to those in need of support.

One of my staff members, Linda Woodbridge, in Moree is also heavily involved in CDAT, volunteering her time to ensure that Ros' legacy continues for many more years to come. Thank you, Ros, for your dedication and passion in ensuring the community drug action team's success in the Moree community.