- Cook Labor Government launches Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention Network to strengthen FASD awareness
- New network to bring together subject matter experts to work collaboratively towards prevention
- $50,000 worth of community grants distributed to five recipients
The Cook Labor Government today launched a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention Network to strengthen awareness of the risks associated with alcohol use during childbearing years.
The network will provide a forum for service providers, policy makers, researchers, and leading subject matter experts to work collaboratively and share information about FASD prevention activities across Western Australia. It will also create opportunities to share evidence, evaluation tools, and best practice approaches from across WA and nationally.
It builds on existing State Government investment in FASD prevention, including a State-wide media campaign, education and capacity-building initiatives, and community grants supporting local prevention activities.
Today's launch will include an announcement of $50,000 in grant funding to be distributed among five community organisations:
- Holyoake Mid West;
- Holyoake Great Southern;
- Radiance Network South West;
- Investing in Our Youth; and
- Uplyft Wheatbelt.
FASD is the most common preventable cause of acquired brain injury, neurodevelopmental disability, and birth defects in Australia.
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"We know FASD is a preventable condition, and we must work together to reduce the risks of harm associated with alcohol use during childbearing years.
"Preventing FASD aligns with the Cook Labor Government's commitment to support the wellbeing of all Western Australians.
"This new network will complement existing efforts to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of FASD in Western Australia."
