Who We Are
Discover Our Purpose
What's Happening at HCA
Supporting Affordable Nutrition
Encouraging Movement for All Ages
Promoting Health and Unity
Help Make a Difference
Together Creating Impact
Support Healthier Futures
View Upcoming Events
Join our community
Manage your account
In the Illawarra region, the term Community Drug Action Team is used to describe a network of over 20 local organisations who come together regularly to support evidence based primary prevention programs and activities to reduce the harms from alcohol and other drugs in our communities.
The aim of networks like ours is to provide a platform where organisations can come together to discuss common issues. The community concerns around alcohol and other drugs are many and complex, and too big for just one organisation alone – we are stronger together, can pool our resources and bring many different perspectives and experiences to primary prevention initiatives.
“Since 1999, Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) across NSW have been building safe, healthy and resilient communities through preventing, responding and reducing health, social and economic harms related to drug and alcohol use.”
Team member
The Community Drug Action teams meet bi-monthly, sometimes face to face and sometimes online. It is currently chaired by a representative of the Drug and Alcohol Service of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District with secretariat support from Healthy Cities Australia.
Other organisations represented include government agencies, NSW Police, local government, community centres and not for profit organisations.
Domestic and family violence in migrant and refugee communities: Foundational skills for bilingual community educators, Illawarra region 2022
Training and delivery of “Preventure”, a unique personality-focused workshop for secondary students which helps them navigate stresses, reducing risks of alcohol and drug harms and protecting mental and emotional health, Illawarra region 2018 – 2022
“Boost” program support and cultural immersion camps for 14–17-year-olds at risk of breaching AVOs, 2022.
‘One Families Story’ a forum reducing stigma in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities, Wollongong 2021
‘Rethink Addiction; Invest in Prevention’ Conference, Shellharbour 2023
Active in Betweens program, Bellambi and Bundaleer, 2023-24
Various submissions regarding alcohol advertising and liquor licencing.
You can find out more about what you can do in your community through the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and the NSW CDATs.
Subscribe and get a FREE guide to the Top 10 Playgrounds in the Illawarra + COFFEE!
Plus, stay informed on wellbeing programs and the impact we’re making through public health initiatives.