News Community Voices Shape Early Prevention in Bellambi and Warrawong The Wollongong and Illawarra CALD Local Drug Action Teams recently completed community consultations in Bellambi and Bundaleer, Warrawong, facilitated by Healthy Cities Australia, members of the community drug action team and the Australian Drug Foundation. Engagement included face‑to‑face sessions, online surveys, and focus groups with local professionals. Participation included: 181 children and young people 47 adult community members 26 professionals and 14 LDAT members The consultation highlighted a strong community call for early drug and alcohol prevention focused on children. Key recommendations included developing a Type 2 Community Action Plan (CAP) with priorities to: Deliver an early‑intervention drug and alcohol education program tailored to pre-teen children. Address community identified needs such as safe spaces for children, early education on alcohol and drug harms, healthy food options, fun community activities, and positive relationship role modelling. Provide term based, family‑inclusive sessions to strengthen connection and build protective factors around drug and alcohol prevention. Read Bellambi Consultation Brief here. Read Bundaleer Consultation Brief here. In response, a Type 2 CAP has been developed and funded, launching an early prevention program under the Connecting Belonging and Social Toolkit for both local areas. It is hoped that with the envisaged success of this term, that one year funding can be secured for these high priority population areas. This work strengthens protective factors for children by creating safe environments, building community connection, and ensuring young people receive clear, age-appropriate health messaging about drug and alcohol harm prevention. We thank everyone who was involved, ADF relationship managers, stakeholders and in particular the communities who gave their valuable insights and remain committed and strong advocate to having supportive programs in their area. ——– For further information on the program or the full consultation report you can email michelle@healthycities.org.au Michelle Barry, Team Leader for Children’s Health Promotion, Healthy Cities Australia