A broad community response in the key to stamping out the use in regional areas – and it’s the message that Gundagai residents will hear during a forum this week.

Commonly known as ‘ice’ – crystal methamphetamine has been spreading into regional areas more and more.

Gundagai Shire Council’s community, library and information services manager Cindy Smith said there was a need to inform the community.

Ms Smith said crystal methamphetamine use which was virtually unheard of in Gundagai 10 years ago was becoming more prevalent.

The Gundagai Dual Diagnosis Action Group (GDDAG) had formed to help address the problem as drug use could often the be the cause of, or refuge for people with mental health issues.

The forum is their first event.

“Their first goal is to hold a forum and the second is to inform and education,” she said.

The forum will include several representatives including health professionals, former users, police officers and paramedics.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s (MLHD) alcohol and drugs clinical director Doctor Gilbert Whitton said he aimed to give residents some knowledge about the narcotic.

“It’s a drug which has existed for a long time, my first forum about it was eight years ago,” Dr Whitton said.

Dr Whitton said all that had changed was the drug was now being used and found in regional towns and cities.

He said medical professionals had a wealth of knowledge about ‘ice’ which would help the community fight-back and debunk some of the myths.

“As a community we’re responding to a problem, sharing our perspectives and knowledge … it’s a problem which needs to be tackled on all levels.”

Dr Whitton said that meant co-operation between the community and sporting organisations, enforcement and health services.

Thursday, May 14 at 6pm

Gundagai High School’s MPC

Open for all residents of high school age and older.

There is no charge to attend and refreshments are provided.