First ice workshop doesn't pull any punches

The forum is the brainchild of the Tamworth Ice Action Group, and saw students take on an intense two hours at the TRECC.

They heard from everyone from mental health experts to police and ambulance officers, although it was the guest speaker who had mouths agape as he regaled some dark years of his life and how he left them behind.

Mr Kennedy was kicked out of school in year ten. As he suffered with obesity, he turned to drugs and a street gang to try to quell the inner monologue and “silence the worrying thoughts” that he believed were ruining his life.

“It is not about saying no to drugs, but about finding out why we want to do drugs – everyone is different,” Mr Kennedy said. “I had an overactive mind and I thought drugs could help.” 

In the meantime, the inner Sydney boy had fallen into a world of gangs and street fights, and after being stabbed twice, run over by a truck and given a second chance from a magistrate, he finally managed to turn his life around.

Mr Kennedy replaced his drug addiction with training, going on to become a state boxing champion before opening an award-winning gym, and going on to have a successful public speaking and writing career.

“Drugs and depression affect people from all walks of life so don’t judge people, be an example – to everyone,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Everyone responds differently so listen to people – education and hope are the best ways forward.” 

Ice Action Group chair and state MP Kevin Anderson hopes that the first-of-a kind sessions will make a difference to the students’ future choices.

“At this age they are sponges for information and looking over the cliff of life choices,” Mr Anderson said.

“For me education about ice and drugs at this age is a no brainer. We need them to know where and how to get help and support and want that message to spread.”