Blacktown City Council will launch a 3-year partnership with the Australian Drug Foundation's (ADF) Good Sports Program at 6.00pm on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 in the Baseball Function Room at Blacktown Olympic Park (Eastern Road, Rooty Hill). The partnership will aim to educate local sporting clubs about common problems with alcohol.

Blacktown City Council will be the first Sydney Metro Council to become involved with the Good Sports Program - a national intervention program developed in response to research into contributing factors to high risk alcohol consumption, binge and under age drinking and drink driving.

As part of Council's Road Safety Strategy 2006 - 2010, Council aims to involve at least 10 - 15 sporting clubs from the Blacktown City Local Government Area, within the first year.

Throughout the program, Council in conjunction with the ADF will offer local sporting clubs and associations the opportunity to move through an accreditation process which focuses on liquor licensing compliance and alcohol management practices

“Blacktown City prides itself on being a City of ‘Good Sports-Great Fun’ so it is fitting that Council works with the local sports community, making them aware of alcohol related problems that may arise within their clubs,” Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Leo Kelly, OAM said.

Local sporting clubs and associations are invited to attend the launch and forum on Tuesday, September 20 to find out how the Good Sports Program works and how they will benefit.

Councils already implementing the program include Shellharbour City, Hastings and Leeton Shire. Interested sporting clubs are encouraged to take a look at www.goodsports.com.au and phone Council on 9839 6363 for further information.

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Media Contact :
Rosalyn Nicholas - Media and Marketing Officer - Blacktown Olympic Park - 9839 6595