EXPRESS The
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Locally owned and proudly independent
Locals gather to commemorate 70 years of Victory in the Pacific Bishop Tony Hall-Matthews of Yungaburra, was just one of many who turned out to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific (VP) at the Rocky Creek War Memorial on Sunday. Turn to page 6 for the full story.
Breaking the Ice
By Justin Fris
THOSE who attended last Wednesday evening’s ‘Breaking the Ice’ community forum at the Atherton International Club walked away with more than they came into the building with. A series of informative presentations and a panel discussion were fixtured into a packed two hour timeslot, which aimed to aware and educate residents on the Tablelands. The use of Crystal Methamphetamine (or known on the street as ‘Ice’) is gradually crippling our nation’s health system, bright young minds and concerned friends and families of
those addicted. Authorities sought a community forum to express and dispel myths about the practice and how they can assist in reducing its prevalence across the region. After the evening began with an opening address from Mayor Rosa Lee Long, Dr Leanne Mortimore from the Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Department (Qld Health) took to the stage; speaking about the medical impacts of the drug. Dr Mortimore said the process of battling an ice addiction was extremely difficult, but believed she had witnessed some clients who had overcome it over time.
“We’ve seen people who have been addicts who’ve been able to get their lives back together again,” she said. “The other thing to put into perspective as well is the fact that methamphetamine has been around for a very long time. “The first use of ‘Ice’ was in the 1880s; it was also used during WWII by both the Germans and Allies to keep them awake and alert.” Crystal Methamphetamine can be sourced in several ways, shapes and products, along with how it can be consumed into the body. Dr Mortimore concluded her presentation by outlining the several long-term effects which can
be experienced from users; these range from diluted pupils, jaw clenching, and aggression. Det. Snr Sgt Kev Goan (of the Far North Drug Squad) explained that the police had a ‘three pillared’ approach to dealing with methamphetamine use across Australia. Sample prices of amounts bought and sold were also displayed, with the prices simply staggering. The room was aghast, when told an ounce of methamphetamine could fetch anywhere from $10-14,000. With each batch of methamphetamine produced, a substantial amount of by-product results. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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