Horsham’s Sally Pymer has taken over the role of co-ordinator from Brendan Scale.

Mrs Pymer said she had a strong interest in heath promotion.

“I was aware of the problem we have with drugs and alcohol in the community, I knew it was a big issue and I wanted to help,” she said.

Mrs Pymer was part of the organising committee for the Arapiles Cycling Event, which raised money for the taskforce.

“I had an interest in the taskforce before the ride, just from being a health conscious person, but then I become more aware through the event,” she said.

“When the job came up, I went for it so I could help the community.”

The taskforce aims to provide education and awareness of alcohol and other drugs.

“It’s not about clamping out drugs and alcohol, but trying to minimise the harm they cause in the community,” Mrs Pymer said.

“It’s good to be able to educate the community and let people know the dangers of drugs.”

Mrs Pymer said she hoped to continue the good work the taskforce had already done.

“There has been a lot of focus in the past on ice, so I would like to see a bit more awareness of alcohol and other drugs,” she said.

"Lots of people are not aware of the dangers of alcohol and how big of an issue it really is.”

She said she was looking forward to her new role.

“The taskforce is still operating and we hope to do more great things in the future,” she said.

Grampians Community Health is the lead agency for the taskforce.

Mr Scale resigned from the role earlier this year, after leading the taskforce since its inception.