Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) aim to make their local communities safer, healthier and stronger by reducing the harms associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs through evidence-based, primary prevention activities

A Community Drug Action Team (CDAT) is a group within a community made up of individuals who have a genuine concern for alcohol and other drug abuse within their local government areas. These individuals have a passion for their community and primary healthcare and volunteer their time to reduce alcohol and drug related harm.

CDATs work within their team to identify risky AOD behaviors in their community/LGA and develop and designs specific programs, resources and events to positively impact their community. These projects are delievered within the community to reduce AOD harms within specific target groups. An example includes hosting a “Safe Party” on a Friday night, an alcohol free event for youth to encourage health promotion and harm minimization by providing an alternative activity to risky behaviors

Anyone can join a CDAT. Members can include community members such as parents or youth and also community organizations, local council members and those from non for profit agencies.

CDATs target specific groups or actions within their community who they observe as at risk of AOD abuse. Some examples include: alcohol and drug use when pregnant, underage drinking, alcohol related violence, youth boredom as a promoter for harmful behavior, over the counter drug abuse, drink driving, curiosity, poor education regarding AOD, local culture of excessive drinking, social isolation, strong association with sporting and excessive drinking and liquor licensing.

CDATs ensure the community has the opportunity and education to make healthy and informed decisions regarding their health. It also provides a platform for individuals and agencies in the community to work together and share resources and equipment. CDATs have a history of enhancing the community and adding value through the projects they develop.

The NSW Drugs and Community Action Strategy, Evaluation Report (August 2004), NSW Premiers Department evaluated that CDATs had a massive local impact for the communities they worked with. (Possibly include Pie chart from Building Successful CDATs book??)

CDATs provide interventions but also education, which can include assisting communities to develop new skills to address AOD problems, training and resources

Yes – anyone can join their local CDAT in their community and bring a new perspective, ideas and passion to the role. See the list below to find your local CDAT or contact us (Maybe include or not?)

CDATs are local teams made up of volunteers. These volunteers participate in monthly (or bi-monthly) face to face or online meetings. In these meetings, CDATs discuss ideas, projects, AOD issues and it is a great place to meet other like minded individualswith a passion for ther community and harm reduction.

CDAT projects are funded by NSW Health in order to create projects of a high caliber with maximum community benefit. CDATs are also supported by Community Development Officers/Project Officers who assist with planning and development of these projects.

Training programs run across the state to assist the CDATs. They include XXX???

All roles within the CDAT are essential, however there is 4 main roles within a CDAT, which include: Chair (assist with the running of the meetings by guiding and directing conversation), Secretary (planning meeting agenda items and taking minutes), Treasurer (track budgets and liaise with the auspicing body to manage funds)

These projects can target specific groups and issues or address AOD issues as a whole within their community.