Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is expected to announce a community forum on Friday to launch the drug awareness education module spearheaded by Life Education.

The community discussion will be held on Monday, November 14 at Wests’ Diggers.

The Leader can reveal Tamworth year five and six students will be among the first in the nation to take part in the Life Decisions Module, which will include information about illegal and legal drugs including ice.

Kellie Sloane, Life Education NSW CEO, said  the module, funded by the federal government’s Ice taskforce, will support the work being done in Tamworth and the region, to stamp out the problem. 

“We recognise that ice as a factor within a broader drugs program, is vital in areas like Tamworth,” Ms Sloane said.

"Regional areas in NSW have double the rates we see in the cities.”

“We want to make sure that students really understand the facts, so they can make informed decisions. We invite the local community to come to our Decisions information session and Q&A, to find out more about this module.”

Mr Anderson said the community forum would give locals an overview of what steps would be taken to educate young people on substance abuse, in addition to the work being done by the Ice Action Group, which involved people from all arms of the community.

“We know that educating young people about the dangers associated with drugs can have an effect on their future choices, which is why this program could have widespread benefits in our community,” he said.

“It’s important that the community can engage with local professionals, as well to gain an understanding of the direction we are heading in the fight against ice.

The forum will begin at 6pm.