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Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
Year in Review 2016
MISSION & OUTREACH
Forum tackles ice scourge
T
he IanMcLennanCentre inMooroopna was packed onApril 19 when hundreds of concerned
people joined a community forum to tackle urgent social issues associated with the drug, ice.
The forum was organised by St Mary’s Parish and Primary School, and led by Parish Priest,
Monsignor Peter Jeffrey. When announcing this significant initiative, Mons Peter said, “The
Goulburn Valley has a huge issue with the abuse of drugs and ice. The levels of domestic violence
as a result are well above the state average.” “The Parish Pastoral Council at Mooroopna sees an
urgent need to raise awareness and seeks to address this critical issue. Families especially with
children at our schools need to be aware of the prevalence of this social scourge.”
Many local Churches, community care organisations, police, medical practitioners, State
and Federal politicians, leaders of the Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Warung peoples, teachers,
parishioners, sporting and business community representatives and many young people were
among the wide range of groups, families and individuals represented at this important forum.
MC for the evening, Steve Hicks, from the Regional Catholic Education Office (and currently
the acting-Principal at St Joseph’s in Benalla), welcomed key speakers Jenny O’Connell, Belinda
Swift and Detective Snr Sgt Paul Maher. Ms O’Connell, a well-known counsellor presented
practical information and examples from “Leading From Within”, which she co-founded with
her husband, Patrick.
“Leading From Within” offers a method of counselling which can help people dealing with the
trauma so often associated with ice. Ms Swift, a loving wife and mum, told the story of her own
family’s courageous coping with this issue, a story she shared in a recent episode of A Current
Affair. Belinda stressed that early intervention is critical for any person showing signs of ice use.
Detective Snr Sgt Paul Maher presented sobering facts regarding the extent and effects of the ice
epidemic across Victoria, different forms of the drug, signs of use and much more.
For further information see: “Leading From Within” website and facebook
Hundreds gathered in
Mooroopna to discuss
the scourge of ice in
the community.