Are there any hidden costs? 

Which element might drain our budget more than we realise? 

What marketing strategies can you suggest? 

What elements within our plan require improving in regards to Human Resources? 

 

Problem(s) - Goal(s) Substance abuse in regional NSW. There is a consistent pattern of higher rates of alcohol consumption and consequent harm within regional and rural Australia than in urban areas (Miller et al., 2010). Miller et al (2010) examined substance abuse research within rural and remote Australia and found that populations in rural areas experience disproportionate harm because of alcohol consumption. There is high levels of social disorganisation, division and disadvantages in education that are contributing to substance misuse (Jobes et al., 2005). High risk substance abuse is associated with many conditions, such as diabetes, heart attack and cancer, as well as acute harms such as assault, suicide and road accidents ultimately, putting an increased burden on rural NSW's already thin health care system (Miller et al., 2010). There is a lack of education resources on the safe consumption of substances. Our plan is to create an early intervention plan for high-school students - ultimately teaching them skills to make informed decisions about substances. The prevention and destigmatisation of addiction. Educating adolescents about the safe consumption of substances. UNSDG (4.A) - Safe and inclusive education facilities are being resourced. UNSDG (3.5) - Strengthening the prevention of substance abuse in rural and remote NSW. Design/Approach Firstly, our goal is to complete infield research by conducting student interviews and surveys at four rural and remote high schools in NSW. Our design includes building an educational van that travels to rural and remote high schools of NSW. We plan to design and create learning modules which address safe consumption, risk factors for addiction (or bad drug- related experiences), dealing with addiction, etc. We will use advertising and direct contact with schools to get expressed interest - where we will then plan a tour of the van (the route it will travel, the schools it will visit, and at what time of year). After research is completed as well as the education van being built and program and liaisons is completed the van will complete a designated tour to rural schools to develop learning modules that address substance abuse. Budget - Current Estimates for 12 month project: Accommodation - $1800.00 Transportation - $5000.00 Insurance - $1600.00 Personnel - $150,000.00 In-Kind Contributions - $73,065 Administration - $0 In-Kind Contributions - $2000.00 On-costs $130,000 In-Kind Contribution - $5000.00 Equipment - $0 In-Kind Contributions - $6000.00 Operations & Maintenance - $2000.00 Un Accommodation for one months stay for two research assistants across rural NSW during research stages of project. Economy airfares for two research assistants travelling from Sydney to Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Tamworth and Taree. Fuel for a two month tour around rural NSW carried out by the customised education van. Domestic travel Insurance during the one month research project. Domestic travel insurance during the two month tour. Campervan Comprehensive Insurance Research Associate - H02 (1) + 30% on costs, 0.5 FTE Research Associate - H01 (1) + 30% on costs, 0.5 FTE Liaison Officer Drug and Alcohol Specialist Secondary based teacher Speech-to-text program for transcription of interviews Printing for marketing/advertising Second hand campervan Mechanic - campervan conversion costs Carpenter - campervan conversion costs Interior Designer-campervan conversion costs Graphic designer to design logo and advertisements for marketing. Stationary Accessories such as cushions Laptops Education campervan Registration Education campervan - Vehicle Servicing THES