Murraylands Local Drug Action Team – building a healthier Murray Bridge community
The Murraylands Local Drug Action Team drives community-based solutions to reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs.
Based in the Rural City of Murray Bridge, this team was originally formed through a mentoring program offered by Headspace. The initiative later evolved into a pilot site for 'Planet Youth' – an Icelandic prevention model aimed at addressing youth substance use.
In its early stages, the project received support from the local council and emerged as an extension of Murray Bridge SAFE. The SAFE program was a mayor-endorsed initiative that united stakeholders across various sectors and levels of government to tackle alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues in the community.
The Planet Youth prevention model
In 2019, the Rural City of Murray Bridge became a pilot site for Planet Youth.
Their pilot ran until 2024 and involved collecting local data through surveys of year 10 students in secondary schools. The aim was to better understand substance use patterns and address them through early intervention.
Following the pilot, the model was reviewed and found to be difficult to implement long-term in Australia. This was due to:
- cultural differences
- governance structures
- the challenge of sustained school engagement.
However, Murray Bridge's commitment to community-led action remained strong.
See Planet Youth on the council's website for more information.
About the Local Drug Action Team (LDAT)
While the Planet Youth model faced challenges adapting to the Australian context, it led to the development of a strong, locally-driven initiative.
The Murraylands Local Drug Action Team now leads development of a Community Action Plan each year. The action plan responds to local alcohol and other drug issues with practical, collaborative solutions.
The LDAT team brought together a number of important and diverse stakeholders, including:
- SA Police
- Rural City of Murray Bridge
- local schools
- local drug and alcohol support providers.
Visit Local Drug Action Team on the council's website for more information.
Funding and partnerships
The Planet Youth pilot and ongoing LDAT efforts have been jointly funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and Preventive Health SA.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation continues to support and fund creation of the annual Community Action Plan. This makes sure the team has the resources and guidance to remain responsive to community needs.
Promotion and reach
LDAT initiatives have been community-focused and inclusive. Efforts have included:
- distributing Family Calendars with positive messaging
- organising community events
- offering mentoring programs to young people and families.
One event was even recognised with the 'Community Event of the Year' award in 2025.
Key achievements
Over the past six years, the LDAT has:
- developed and implemented a Community Action Plan each year
- delivered prevention programs targeting youth and families
- increased community awareness about the issues of alcohol and other drugs
- built strong partnerships across sectors
- hosted award-winning community events that promote connection and wellbeing.
Positive impact on participants
The community has responded positively to the work of the LDAT. One community member shared:
"It is so nice to know that the community supports people in tough situations."
This feedback reflects the broader impact of the LDAT’s work – helping people feel supported, connected, and part of a healthier community.
Challenges and learnings
Key learnings from the initiative include:
- The success of an LDAT relies on strong collaboration, but also on dedicated leadership. Having a paid position to lead the Community Action Plan process is vital.
- Creating a Community Action Plan is time-intensive and requires coordination across multiple stakeholders. Resourcing this process makes sure it remains sustainable.
- Consistent leadership enables better communication, stronger networks, and more strategic action.
These insights have shaped the way the LDAT operates, with a focus on both effective planning and meaningful community engagement.
Outcome
The LDAT in Murray Bridge is a strong example of a community-led approach to alcohol and drug harm prevention.
Despite the challenges of implementing an international model, the ongoing development of locally tailored Community Action Plans has ensured long-term impact and support for those who need it most.
Find out more
For more information about the Local Drug Action Team in Murray Bridge, contact either:
Samaro O’Toole
Project Lead – Local Drug Action Team
Email: S.O'Toole@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
Community Development Team
Phone: (08) 8539 1100
Email: council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au