Free. Preventing substance abuse and promoting better mental health in children will be the focus of free upcoming sessions in Smithton.

As part of Rural Health’s two-year early intervention and prevention program, clinical psychologist and author, Andrew Fuller will speak on topics focused on building resilience in families and children.

Andrew has been a principal consultant to the national drug prevention strategy, REDI (Resilience Education and Drug Information).

The five sessions will be presented at the Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre over the course of the day on Monday April 27, with babysitting, lunch and supper provided.

Aimed at professionals working with children as well as parents, the day will be structured as follows: 9am Understanding Yourself and Others; 11.30am Seven Types of Tricky Kids and How to Engage Them; 1.30pm Approaches to Behavioural Issues; 3.30pm Survival Skills for Parents; 6.30pm Raising Real People – Creating a Resilient Family.

Question time and supper will follow.

Bookings are essential, contact Rural Health on 6452 1266 for more information or to request babysitting for the day.

In other news, Federal Member for Braddon, Brett Whiteley, responded to the Federal Government’s recent announcement of forming a National Ice Taskforce, headed by former Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay.

Mr Whiteley said “tackling the ice scourge” is a top priority, with more and more people affected daily.

The purpose of the taskforce will be to examine existing efforts to address ice, and identify ways to take a coordinated approach to education, health and law enforcement.