Community will march in the battle against meth

The Albany community is being urged to take a stand against methamphetamine and join in an annual march against the drug next week.

March Against Meth organisers hope the second march up York Street on Friday next week will highlight the harm caused by ice and bring attention to the support services available in the region.

Great Southern Noongar Emerging Leaders group committee member Ricky Inman implored the community to take part and said it was important the issue remained at the forefront of discussion.

Mr Inman said he was hoping for a bigger turn-out than last year.

“What we want to do is bring it out again and make it noted that we still have this problem and it’s not going to go away unless we try to do something about it,” he said.

“It’s still rife and we are trying to make all aware it’s still there.

“It’s close to me. I’ve been affected by it. I’ve got family members who are doing it now.

“It’s a sad, sad thing to see someone who has been so high up in the workforce and the community be really low as possible.

“I would hate to see anyone’s family like that.”

The march will start at 11.30am at the Anzac Peace Park and finish with a sausage sizzle at Town Square.

The event will include guest speakers and information stalls, with advice on offer from key support services.

Ice Breakers facilitator Jenny Williams said she expected the march to grow in its second year.

She said as well as a 12-week non-residential rehabilitation program for users, Ice Breakers also supported the families of those addicted to meth.

“A big part of our role is to also support families,” she said.

“It’s a real struggle for families, especially if they don’t know much about methamphetamine. It’s on the rise still, which is sad.”