WA festival workers to benefit from new Govt program
Image: Listen Out festival
Up to 450 frontline workers, including people who are involved with Western Australia’s music festivals, will be trained to reduce the harm created by meth.
It’s part of the State Government’s $14.9 million Western Australian Meth Strategy. The government has announced a new training program and resource strategy to train and support frontline workers in Perth and regional centres across the State who deal with methamphetamine-affected people as part of their day-to-day duties.
The resource package includes an audio-visual trainer’s guide, tip sheets for workers and wallet cards for users. The aim is to allow workers to “respond appropriately to meth-affected people, including how to de-escalate a crisis, keeping the user, the public and themselves safe”, said Mental Health Minister, Andrea Mitchell, in a statement.
The call for action against the meth crisis has intensified in recent years due, in part, to the epidemic of drug abuse at music festivals. Festivals such as Stereosonic and Defqon have faced major drug related issues in the past, while the effects of drugs have also been seen locally in Western Australia.
Yesterday’s Listen Out Festival at Western Parklands venue at HBF Arena in Perth was marred by reports of security guards being “overrun” by up to 200 people trying to jump the fence. Six police cars were sent to the venue, including several mounted police. Three police officers were subsequently assaulted during the disturbance, including one officer who was bitten.
Listen Out Perth, 2015
While meth is not directly responsible for all festival-related violence, the drug is a popular choice for patrons as they seek to enhance their festival experience. Commonly, however, users ignore the risks associated with taking the drug, resulting in injuries, fatalities and public disturbance, with frontline workers bearing the weight of the aftermath.
In light of the impending festival season that is set to begin in early October, Mitchell expects an increase in festival workers and organisers taking part in the training.
“At this time of year, leading into the music festival season and school leavers celebrations, the commission expects to see an increase in festival and event organisers seeking training,” she said.