Lismore Confrmed as One of Two Regional Drug Summit Forum Locations

ROBERT HEYWARD

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park has confrmed that Lismore will host one of the NSW Government’s two Drug Summit regional forums on Monday, 4 November.

These regional forums are designed to ensure that the unique experiences of communities in regional NSW are refected in the larger discussions at the Drug Summit.

The summit will bring together a diverse range of participants, including medical experts, police, individuals with lived experience, drug user organizations, families, and service providers. These forums aim to build consensus on how NSW should address drug use and the associated harms.

Minister Park also announced that former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former NSW Leader of the Opposition John Brogden will co-chair the NSW Drug Summit. The Co-Chairs will collaborate with attendees to develop and prioritize solutions focused on improving community health, safety, justice, and integrated social support systems.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Bringing the summit to regional areas like Lismore is essential because drug use impacts communities in different ways.”

“It’s important that Lismore’s experiences with illicit drug use are refected in the summit’s deliberations.”

“Janelle [Saffn] has been a strong advocate for her community, and it’s ftting that we can return to hear from Lismore in 2024.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn added:

“I’m thrilled that Lismore will be hosting one of the two regional forums of the Drug Summit.”

“We have unique challenges here, and I am determined that Lismore’s voice will be heard in this statewide conversation.”

“In 1999, I participated in a successful Drug Summit, and I am excited to bring forward local perspectives once again in 2024.”

The Lismore forum will be an opportunity for local voices to contribute to a broader statewide effort aimed at addressing drug use and improving public health outcomes across NSW.