Cardinia details alcohol spend - focus on reducing the effects

Cardinia Shire Council has detailed how much it spends on alcohol provided at civic and community events as part of its focus on reducing the effects of alcohol in the community, especially the link to family violence.

The issue was raised by Cr Colin Ross during a council review of expenditure.

A statement released by the council says it has spent just over $6,600 on alcohol this calendar year.

The main functions where council provided alcoholic drinks for guests were its community capital grants night ($2000), Civic Centre opening ($1300), volunteer recognition reception ($1815) and Australia Day awards reception and luncheon ($1145).

The statement says the events where council supplied alcohol were to thank volunteers and community organisations for their many hours of unpaid work.

“Water and non-alcoholic drinks were also available at the events and responsible consumption of alcohol was encouraged at all times”.

Council further adds that it has already discontinued serving alcohol at its own staff recognition event.

“We recognise the devastating impact excessive alcohol consumption can have in the community and know and are deeply concerned about the link between alcohol and domestic violence”.

“Alcohol-related family violence in Pakenham, for example, is three times the State average”.

Cardinia claims to be the first council in Australia to make addressing family violence its highest priority and has taken several initiatives to tackle the problem.

These include the Challenge Family Violence Project - a partnership with the Department of Justice and Casey and Greater Dandenong city councils and Together We Can a project involving the council with Melbourne University and Family Life.

Cardinia Shire also helps fund a community development officer that provides training and skills to assist local leaders respond to and prevent family violence.