Local Drug Action Teams | Community-led prevention that works
Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) are community-led partnerships creating safer, healthier and more connected communities across Australia.
Supported by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, LDATs bring together local organisations, schools, health services, councils, sporting clubs, community groups and police to tackle alcohol and other drug harms before they occur.
Each team designs solutions that reflect the needs, strengths and priorities of its own community, because prevention works best when it's led by the people who know their community best.
"The program is spectacular. We strongly believe in it and can attest that through it we have been able to engage the community and increase engagement, sense of coherence, empowerment and wellbeing for community members. In some instances, likely changing the course of their lives."
LDAT partner, 2025 evaluation
Why Local Drug Action Teams matter
Alcohol and other drug harms affect every community differently. Communities also face a range of emerging challenges, including vaping, changing drug markets and increasing mental health pressures.
That's why Local Drug Action Teams don't use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Instead, communities identify their own priorities and design evidence-informed solutions that reflect local needs. Activities can include youth engagement programs, parent education, community awareness initiatives, leadership development, sporting and recreation programs, and First Nations-led cultural activities.
Every team is also supported by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation through prevention tools, planning resources, evaluation support and dedicated Relationship Managers.
"Our relationship manager and the support offered has been crucial to the success of our programs. Having that expert to call and bounce ideas off, ask for guidance and learn from, helps us to continue to maximise the benefits from our Community Action Plans."
LDAT partner, Independent Evaluation (2022)
Since 2016, Local Drug Action Teams have grown into one of Australia's largest community-led alcohol and other drug prevention programs.
Program snapshot:
- 273 Local Drug Action Teams
- 1,219 participating organisations
- 106 participating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
- 1,064 Community Action Plans funded
- More than $19 million in grants distributed
- More than $21 million leveraged through additional funding and in-kind support
- 78% of projects focused on young people.
Results achieved:
- 96% of Community Action Plans demonstrated positive community change
- 96% achieved or exceeded anticipated outcomes
- 84% of teams reported increased knowledge of evidence-based prevention planning
- Communities reported improvements in knowledge, confidence, connection, help-seeking and attitudes towards alcohol and other drug use.
Helping young people reconnect in Wiluna, WA
In remote Western Australia, the Wiluna LDAT supports young people with alcohol and other drug education, cultural connection and community activities.
Through educational sessions, games nights, cooking activities, sport and cultural programs, the initiative engaged more than 60 local young people.
The results were significant:
- 90% reported healthier attitudes towards coping without alcohol and other drugs
- 85% increased their knowledge of healthier coping strategies
- Several young people re-engaged with school after extended absences.
Creating connection in Surry Hills, NSW
The Surry Hills LDAT established a weekly community hub for social housing residents, creating opportunities for social connection, support and access to services.
What began with a goal of reaching 20 residents ultimately engaged more than 130 people through regular drop-in sessions and community activities.
Evaluation showed:
- 95% reported stronger social and community connections
- 79% felt more equipped to seek help
- 72% increased their knowledge of available support services.
Strengthening culture and connection in the Northern Territory
The Growing Strongbala Way LDAT brought together communities across the Northern Territory through cultural camps, community consultations and intergenerational learning activities.
Led by Aboriginal communities for Aboriginal communities, the initiative focused on strengthening cultural identity, peer support and wellbeing.
Following participation:
- 100% reported stronger connections with peers and Elders
- 100% reported strengthened connections to culture
- Participants reported feeling more empowered to seek support and advocate for their wellbeing.
A proven community-led approach
Independent evaluations consistently show Local Drug Action Teams strengthen partnerships, build local capability and help communities respond to alcohol and other drug harms in ways that are practical, sustainable and locally relevant.
By combining local leadership with evidence-based prevention, Local Drug Action Teams are helping communities across Australia build stronger connections, healthier futures and greater resilience to the challenges ahead.
"We're fostering that future generations workforce. It's planted that seed, and the seed will grow into a huge, massive tree... stronger than steel... and stand for hundreds of years."
LDAT partner, Independent Evaluation (2022)
Supported by
The Local Drug Action Team program is funded by the Australian Government through the Drug and Alcohol Program and delivered by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
Local Drug Action Teams across Australia
The Local Drug Action Team Program is funded by the Australian Government and is being implemented across Australia