Attitudes and knowledge of alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in a rural Australian city: A baseline survey

Aims: This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol related harm minimization initiatives in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia, as part of a community project aimed at reducing harms associated with excessive drinking. Methods: Baseline data were collected from a stratified, community sample, using a purpose designed instrument. The community's readiness was determined by interviewing key stakeholders and community leaders, using the ‘Readiness for Change’ interview instrument. Findings: There were substantial levels of binge drinking accompanied by low awareness of alcohol as a local problem and lack of knowledge about interventions that are currently operating in the community. Support for measures designed to reduce problems associated with excessive use of alcohol was polarized. Community readiness to tackle alcohol related issues was low indicating a need for awareness raising. Conclusions: These findings are critical to informing the development of interventions to ensure they are tailored to this community's needs and abilities. Since knowledge and awareness of alcohol related issues are low in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the first step in changing community attitudes is to create greater awareness of these issues and their consequences, and provide information on potential interventions to address the current problems

"Don't wake up angry no more"

On 1st of March 2008, at the request of the Norseman Aboriginal Community and following extensive consultation and negotiations with stakeholders and community members facilitated by the Drug and Alcohol Office (Department of Health, WA) and Population Health (Goldfields), the following voluntary restrictions were imposed on the sale of take away alcohol: "Between 12 midday and 6pm, Monday to Sunday, red and white Lambrusco wine was limited to one 5 litre cask per person per day, port wine was limited to one 2 litre cask per person per day and non fortified wine was limited to one 4 litre cask per person per day. No sales of the above mentioned products were permitted at any other time." This report collates quantitative and qualitative data gathered from a number of sources to evaluate the effect of the restrictions including: alcohol-related emergency department and hospital admission data; alcohol related offences; alcohol sales data; and the views of community members and other key stakeholders about the restrictions. Key quantitative findings include:1.    An overall 10.3% reduction in total police tasks attended in the 12 months after the restrictions from 165 tasks to 148.2. A 17.5% reduction in assaults from 40 cases to 33 and a 15.3% decrease in domestic violence incidences, from 46 cases to 39.3.    A 19.5% increase in charges to random breath tests (RBTs) from 33 to 41 cases, attributed by the police to a change to more targeted testing of hotel patrons.4.    A 60.5% decrease in the number of alcohol related hospital admissions from 38 to 15 admissions in the 12 months after the restrictions.vii5.    A decrease in per capita consumption of alcohol of 9.84% from 21.39L to 19.29 L, with the majority of the decrease observed in cask red wine, fortified wine and RTDs. A National Drug Research Institute report funded by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation (AER) Foundatio