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The Border Watch : February 12th 2015
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4 NEWS Guest speaker to address drug addiction THE reasons why some people are driven to substance addiction behaviour will be among the topics addressed at an upcoming free community information session. The public can learn about addiction and mental health at the session in Naracoorte next week. Guest speaker and dual diagnosis expert George Patriki will talk about what is behind addictive behaviour and the negative effects it has on individuals, families and communities. He will be joined at the event by a range of service providers from across the region. Underlying issues that drive addictive behaviour will be addressed, including the cycle of addiction, stages of change, grief and loss, anger and hatred, according to mental health clinical nurse Kathy Galbraith. “George will look at the issue from a holistic perspective, outlining the emotional and psychological factors that predispose people to using chemicals as a coping mechanism,” she said. “He will also highlight the importance of health interventions necessary to improve treatment outcomes as well as the key issues relating to suicide prevention. “It is important to understand what people go through when they experience addiction, so we will walk through the cycle of addiction and explore the physical and mental effects that alcohol and other drugs have on wellbeing and functioning.” The session will be held at the Naracoorte Town Hall next Wednesday from 7pm. The renowned speaker will remain in Naracoorte to deliver a two-day intensive dual diagnosis training program for anyone who would like qualifications in the area. “This training focuses on the importance of delivering brief interventions to clients presenting with substance abuse issues and a concurrent mental health problem,” Ms Galbraith said. The information evening is an initiative of the Naracoorte Mental Health Round Table Discussion Group in collaboration with the newly-formed Naracoorte, Lucindale and Districts Suicide Prevention Network. For more information contact Kathy Galbraith on 8762 8160 or Deborah Salt on 0421 502 908. INDUSTRY STANCE: Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI) board representative Pete Balnaves has voiced the sector’s opposition to unconventional gas extraction in the region. Wine body submission Coonawarra group highlights gas mining stance Mr Balnaves said. COONAWARRA’S peak wine body has made a submission to the state parliamentary inquiry into unconventional gas mining. Over 140 submissions have been received by the inquiry, which will be carried out by parliament’s natural resources committee. Coonawarra Grape and Wine Incorporated (CGWI) board representative Pete Balnaves said it was an important step for the industry organisation, which is keen to have its concerns formally acknowledged. “We were one of five wine industry bodies in the state who made a submission to the committee convening the inquiry,” “While an awful lot of work went into the preparation of our submission, collectively there was a lot occurring behind the scenes to ensure the concerns of the wine sector were strongly represented.” Speaking about the focus of the submission, Mr Balnaves said the main issue was protecting aquifers and water supplies. “We are against fracking because of the possibility that unconventional gas mining practices may compromise our aquifers,” Mr Balnaves said. “We live in a region where the aquifers naturally have a lot of faults. “We are not against mining per se, but what we are seeking is a much more considered approach to the mining process ... if it does happen to proceed.” He said vignerons were also concerned about the intensity of the mining process, citing that one or two mining sites would have a different impact on the landscape and geological structure compared to hundreds of wells. Mr Balnaves will have the opportunity to elaborate on the organisation’s viewpoint when he and expert witness hydrogeologist Dr Glenn Harrington present to the committee on Tuesday at the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre. Man pleads guilty to aggravated assault charges LEON RADEMEYER A MOUNT Gambier man pleaded not guilty last week to charges of aggravated assault after his partner and mother of their children claimed he throttled her until she lost consciousness. The man was arrested on October 13 after allegedly manhandling his partner. His partner described via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court how they had an argument in the kitchen on the evening of October 9 last year, with him allegedly grabbing her by the upper arms and forcing her down to the extent of her jaw striking her knee. She said she sustained serious injuries to her lower jaw, including a number of loose teeth. In an argument in the hallway the following even- VISIT US ONLINE borderwatch.com.au Ice forum to discuss issue From front page “It is a big enough issue to be concerned, but it is not a reality to think there is an ice dealer on every street corner,” Dr Holmwood said. “It is not an epidemic, it is problematic.” Meanwhile, Mr Horsburgh - who works at the coalface of social issues in the city - said ice use appeared to be an issue in the community. “We are aware it is an issue, but it is difficult to say how big it is,” he said. “People who come into the Salvation Army don’t admit to having a drug problem.” He said people did not disclose drug use because there was a lot of stigma surrounding ice. Mr Horsburgh praised the organisers behind tonight’s milestone event, which he described as an important tool for community education. “It is a good idea,” he said. “It is good to be forewarned and forearmed.” The Salvation Army leader said he hoped the community could find solutions to methamphetamine use. Describing it as a “scary issue”, he said education was the key to solving the problem. “We are not to give up hope, something can be done - it is not unsolvable and we can tackle it as a community,” Mr Horsburgh said. He said illicit drug use, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment were all issues facing the community. Dr Holmwood - who is a guest speaker at tonight’s forum - said country hospitals in the South East were seeing a rise in presentations relating to ice use. He said Drug and Alcohol Services SA was also recording a similar trend. While surveys suggested only two percent of the population used ice, he said the problem facing authorities was the strength of the drug. “They are seeing more trouble as a result,” Dr Holmwood said. He said around five years ago authorities in country areas such as Mount Gambier were generally just seeing problems in regards to alcohol and cannabis. ing on October 10, she claims he grabbed her by the throat with both hands and choked her until she lost consciousness. She said she woke up in a bedroom on the floor with the man trying to revive her. Prosecution produced evidence in court relating to the woman’s injuries, including seven colour photographs and a police crime scene worksheet. However, the validity of the evidence was questioned by the defence counsel, which indicated the bruises depicted in the photographs did not match the severity of the alleged attacks. The court heard the couple’s 11-year relationship had been stormy and involved drinking and drug abuse. The case was postponed until February 17 for a decision on conviction. “What has changed is that methamphetamine use has crept into country areas where previously it was a metropolitan phenomenon,” Dr Holmwood said. He said concern over ice use was being reflected in other country communities and not just isolated to the Blue Lake city. Dr Holmwood praised the community for rallying together and organising the forum. He said the forum would provide a vehicle for the community to respond sustainably and evidencebased. The forum starts at 7pm and no bookings are necessary. Phone 8725 6025 | 30 James Street www.shesapplessa.com.au | e: mtg@shesapplessa.com.au OPEN TIL 6.00PM WEEKDAYS, 7PM THURSDAY & 3.30PM SATURDAY 4 - The Border Watch, Thursday, February 12, 2015 This week’s special... NEcTARINES $2.99Kg WHITE & YELLOW On special until close of trade: Tuesday, February 17th. While stocks last. $1.99EA IcEbERg LETTUcE ALL our fruit & veg is 100% Australian Grown* (*Excludes Kiwi Fruit when unavailable) 659302
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