Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Alcohol, tobacco and other drug use can affect the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and the wider community. While many people use alcohol or medicines without experiencing significant harm, misuse can contribute to health problems, injury, family violence, mental ill-health, financial hardship and social disadvantage.
Maribyrnong City Council is committed to reducing alcohol and other drug-related harm through prevention, education, partnerships and advocacy. Our work is guided by the Reducing Harm from Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy 2023–2028,(PDF, 9MB) which adopts a public health and harm reduction approach. The Policy is underpinned by three guiding principles:
- Advocacy
- Partnerships
- Research
Our approach
Council recognises that reducing harm requires collaboration across all levels of government, health services, schools, community organisations and residents.
Council works collaboratively with government, health services, community organisations and local businesses to help create a healthier and safer community for everyone.
Our work focuses on:
- promoting health and wellbeing
- supporting evidence-based prevention initiatives
- advocating for safer and healthier communities
- strengthening partnerships with local organisations
- improving community awareness and access to reliable information
- reducing stigma associated with alcohol and other drug use.
Understanding harm reduction
Harm reduction is Australia's nationally recognised approach to alcohol and other drugs.
It recognises that while preventing harmful use is important, practical strategies are also needed to reduce the health, social and economic harms experienced by individuals, families and communities.
Examples include:
- preventing young people from starting alcohol or drug use
- supporting people to reduce or stop their use
- connecting people with treatment and support services
- promoting safer environments and informed decision making.
This approach is supported by the Australian Government and leading public health organisations.
Talking with your child
Parents and carers play an important role in helping children make informed and healthy decisions about alcohol and other drugs. Having open, honest and age-appropriate conversations can help young people feel comfortable asking questions and seeking support.
The following evidence-based resources provide practical guidance for talking with children and young people about alcohol and other drugs:
These resources include conversation tips, facts about alcohol and other drugs, and advice for supporting young people.
Community resources
Reliable information helps people make informed decisions about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The following organisations provide free, evidence-based information and practical resources.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation is Australia's leading source of evidence-based information on alcohol and other drugs.
Useful resources include:
- Drugs facts
- Alcohol facts
- Vaping hub
- Standard drinks guide
- Reducing risk and harm
FARE is Australia's leading not-for-profit organisation working to reduce alcohol harm through research, policy and community education.
Resources include:
- Alcohol facts and information
- Alcohol and pregnancy
For information about smoking, vaping and quitting nicotine.
The Victorian Government's Better Health Channel provides reliable information on alcohol and other drug treatment, harm reduction and support services.
Community language resources
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has developed videos and support resources in a range of community languages to improve access to reliable alcohol and other drug information.
Resources are available in several languages, including Hakha Chin, Burmese, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Gujarati, Amharic, Arabic, Somali and English.
Access these resources through the:
Do you need help?
If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol, tobacco or other drug use, confidential support is available.
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The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction.
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24-hour confidential alcohol and other drug counselling, information and referrals (Victoria).
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Free support to quit smoking or vaping, including Quitline and online resources.
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Information and support for young people, parents and carers.
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Support for families and friends affected by someone else's alcohol or drug use.
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cohealth provides a range of specialised services including harm reduction, physical health and wellness, integrated mental health care, and an integrated recovery approach to meet your individual goals.
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Free tailored support for someone impacted by alcohol or other drugs. It’s free, easy-to-use, and confidential.
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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
We monitor tobacco laws
- Smoking is not permitted in cars carrying persons under 18 years of age in Victoria.
- Smoking is not permitted in any enclosed area of a workplace, including shopping centres, restaurants and licensed premises.
- Everyone in a workplace must observe the smoking ban, including employers, employees, volunteers and customers.
In enforcing the Tobacco Act 1987(PDF, 351KB), we help local sporting clubs, businesses and workplaces implement smoke free areas.
We monitor licensed premises
We work with local businesses to ensure they comply with our policy and liquor licensing.
Holding an event
If you’re planning to serve alcohol at a community event, you will need to apply for a permit.
Report a needle/syringe
You can call the free Syringe Collection Hotline to arrange for the collection of needles and syringes in public areas such as laneways, parks and gutters.