Pubdate: Wed, 30 Mar 2005
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Illawarra Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.illawarramercury.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/205
Author: Rebecca Senescall
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

ASSAULT ON DRUG CULTURE TEAM READY FOR FIGHT

WHEN Reverend Richard Schoenmaker started touring the streets of Wollongong 
late at night four years ago, his eyes were opened to a whole new world.

"The average person doesn't see the tragedies that are out there," Rev 
Schoenmaker said.

"You see the effects of our culture of drinking and taking drugs for a good 
time, people destroying their lives ... the helplessness and hopelessness. 
It's depressing."

But the desperation he has seen around him hasn't dented Rev Schoenmaker's 
determination to fight.

He is leading a campaign to reignite a team of community members who will 
try to overturn the drug culture.

The Wollongong Community Drug Action Team was formed several years ago 
after the State Government's drug summit, but faded out last year.

Now its delegates - those who work with drug users including police, 
ambulance, housing, council and charity groups - are back with renewed vigour.

Rev Schoenmaker, the chairman, says the team has been inspired by a group 
of Illawarra parents of drug-addicted people who have offered to help the 
team work out ways to prevent drug use.

"It takes a community to change a community," Rev Schoenmaker said.

"Drugs and alcohol are ingrained in our culture - they have become part of 
who we are.

"We have to work to change the community position."

Rev Schoenmaker, minister at the Christian Reformed Church in Fairy Meadow, 
is the chairman of the Wollongong branch of Drug-Arm, an 
interdenominational Christian charity.

Its volunteers travel to popular meeting places between North Wollongong 
and Austinmer, offering food and drinks to young people - and the chance to 
discuss the dangers of legal and illegal drugs.

The volunteers also refer homeless and addicted people to agencies for help.

"If you took drugs out it would be a far better place to live in," Rev 
Schoenmaker said.

"We want to show people love, to show them that there is another way and to 
encourage a healthier lifestyle."

The relaunch of the Wollongong Community Drug Action Team will be held next 
Tuesday.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom