THE role of alcohol in the Wimmera community was in the spotlight at an event in Horsham on Friday night.
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The ‘It’s OK to Say No’ information night in Horsham Town Hall was aimed at parents, teenagers and other members of the community.
The session – a Horsham Rural City Council initiative – featured performances from Horsham’s St Brigid’s College year 10 students about alcohol issues in Horsham.
It also included presentations from organisations including Victoria Police, Grampians Community Health and Wimmera Drug Action Taskforce.
Organisers’ vision is to see more young people socially supporting each other to reduce risky drinking, and consequently reduce harm for themselves, their family and friends, and the wider community.
Comedian Fiona O'Loughlin was the guest speaker at the sold-out event.
O’Loughlin – a mum of five and the most recent winner of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! – has spoken publicly before about alcoholism.
Horsham Rural City mayor Pam Clarke said the information night drew a large crowd.
“The aim was to change the culture around drinking with young people and their parents. It’s about parents recognising that they are an example to their children of how to behave with alcohol,” she said.
“The night was also to educate parents on the fact that providing children alcohol before they are of legal drinking age can actually damage their brain and development.
“It was also about allowing young people to feel comfortable to say no. The pressure put on by those around you – especially when you’re young – and having a lot of your peers having a drink and wanting you to be involved can be difficult.
“But not drinking doesn’t impede on having fun. You don't have to a drink to enjoy yourself.
“We want young people to feel confident in saying no and not be bullied into doing something they don't want to do.”
Cr Les Power – who also attended – said he thought people were responsive to the session’s messages.
“Rob Martin from Horsham police told everybody the law in relation to alcohol, which was great because unless you go looking for it, you don't hear that very often,” he said.
“Fiona was exceptional. It took guts for her to get up and talk and say, ‘I’m an alcoholic’.
“To go through her life story in relation to ups and downs and her family was amazing.
It's about parents recognising that they are an example to their children of how to behave with alcohol.
- Mayor Pam Clarke
“It was just a really good night.
“It wasn’t overwhelming – you could take what you wanted out of it.”
Cr Power said about 40 students were involved in the St Brigid’s College performance.
“I'm hoping out of those 40 kids, 50 per cent would come out and take on the message and reduce their association with alcohol, and help raise awareness with others,” he said.