The State Government is hoping to discourage parents from providing alcohol to people under 18 with a new media campaign.

The campaign will start today (Sunday) and will feature Dr Fiona Wood. 



It will include State-wide television, radio and press advertising.  The latest campaign is a joint initiative between the Drug and Alcohol Office; The McCusker Centre for Action on Alcohol and Youth and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.  Funding will be provided through the State Government from Healthway.

Mental Health Minister, Helen Morton said that there was overwhelming evidence that alcohol can damage young people’s developing brains and their bodies.

“There are many misconceptions regarding alcohol and young people and we’re here to present the fact that for under 18s no alcohol is the safest choice,” Mrs Morton said.

Dr Wood is the well-respected director of the Burns Unit at Royal Perth Hospital. Minister Morton said that  Wood has volunteered her time to tell people about some of the alcohol-related harm being experienced by young people that she has seen.

“I think her radio ad is compelling, and I hope parents and friends pick up the message that for the healthy development of our young people it is essential they do not drink alcohol until they are at least 18.

“We want this campaign to spark some informed discussion among families, and give parents some tools for talking about this issue with their children.”

Families and parents who want to discuss this issue with their children can find more information and help tools at the following web address: http://www.alcoholthinkagain.com.au

Dr Wood is a previous recipient of Australian of the Year in 2005.

World championship, silver medalist  javelin thrower, Kim Mickle, has been named the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) Athlete of the Year.

Sport and Recreation Minister, Terry Waldron presented the award at the WAIS Annual Dinner last night.



The award caps off a stellar year for the WA athlete who won a silver medal at the 2013 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Moscow and took home her eighth national title in April.

During the function, the minister also elevated Ric Charlesworth - former captain of both the Australian and state hockey teams as well as the state cricket team - to legend status in the WA Hall of Champions.

Minister Waldron congratulated both Kim and Ric and all the other winners on the night.

 “The State Government is proud to be a major supporter of WAIS and we’re thrilled that these athletes have been awarded for excellence in their sport. These winners set the bar high and I know will offer inspiration to all the other athletes working their way towards Glasgow and Rio,” the Minister said.


AWARDS PRESENTED ON THE NIGHT

• WAIS Junior Athlete of the Year Award:  Alex Hagan and Hannah Vermeersch (rowing)
  
• WAIS Athlete Career and Education Excellence Award: Jesse Phillips and Stephen Bird (canoeing)
  
• WAIS Program of the Year Award:  Canoeing
  
• WAIS Coach of the Year Award:  Grant Ward (athletics).

Water polo player Danielle Woodhouse was also inducted into the WA Hall of Champions after playing 154 games for Australia between 1993 and 2000.