The Alcohol and Drug Policy and Procedures apply to all members of the College community and to all activities undertaken on the College campus. This includes:

1. All enrolled students.
2. Employees whilst they are working for, or representing the College in any capacity.
3. Residents, contractors, honoraries, visiting fellows and visitors to the College.
4. Activities in residential accommodation.

1. Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985
2. Liquor Control Reform Act 1998
3. Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act (Vic) 1981

Longerenong College is committed to:

1. Encouraging and assisting staff and students to realise their full academic and personal potential within an environment that actively promotes their health, wellbeing and safety.
2. Minimising alcohol and other drug related harm to individuals, property and the reputation of the College.
3. Encouraging moderation and a responsible attitude toward the consumption of alcohol.
4. Meeting legal and compliance responsibilities across all College activities.

Longerenong College believes that:

1. Comprehensive alcohol and drug policies and procedures address the reality of drug use and associated problems in the community generally and reflect a commitment to the health, safety and welfare of the College community.
2. Members of the College community should not be adversely affected by alcohol or other drugs whilst engaged in College business.
3. Members of the College community should observe local, state and federal laws in relation to using, possessing, giving or selling alcohol or drugs.
4. Alcohol and drug misuse is a social and health problem, which is responsive to prevention, and appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
5. The inappropriate, irresponsible and unlawful use of alcohol or drugs can adversely affect academic performance, health, safety and personal relationships and result in damage to property, and potentially affect the rights and enjoyment of others.
6. All members of the College community share responsibility for protecting the academic environment by exemplifying high standards of professional and personal conduct.
7. It has a legitimate interest in taking appropriate action if alcohol or drug use is adversely affecting health, safety or performance of an individual or group within the College, or brings the College into disrepute.

Longerenong College does not condone or support the use, possession, cultivation or trafficking of illicit drugs or the misuse and abuse of prescription or other medication.

Longerenong College will contribute to the provision of a healthy and safe environment in relation to alcohol and drugs by:

1. Encouraging a responsible approach toward the serving and consumption of alcohol.
2. Ensuring an inclusive environment for staff and students who choose not to consume alcohol.
3. Promoting awareness of personal safety and security.
4. Providing support to staff and students who wish to address their patterns of alcohol or drug use.
5. Longerenong College will effectively manage risk through these policies and procedures that will:
6. Outline the responsibilities of staff, students and event managers.
7. Specify emergency and security procedures to be followed in the event of an adverse alcohol or drug related incident.
8. Specify event management procedures where alcohol is being provided.

Students must ensure that they do not attend the College if adversely affected by alcohol or drugs.

Students are encouraged to seek assistance if they require support in dealing with an alcohol or drug problem. Confidential help is available from the Student Support Worker.

Where a student fails to seek assistance for an alcohol or other drug problem and their behaviour is improper, unsafe or impacts upon the wellbeing or enjoyment of others, disciplinary action or other College procedures may be instituted.

Staff must ensure that they do not attend the College if adversely affected by alcohol or drugs.

If the College determines that a staff member is impaired by alcohol or drug use, the College will direct that staff member to cease work immediately. Where a staff member has been encouraged to seek assistance for an alcohol or other drug problem but fails to do so and his or her actions impact of the safety or enjoyment of other staff or students, disciplinary action or other College procedures may be instituted.

Staff members who are taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs that have specific warnings on use (i.e. that impact upon the workplace) should bring the matter to the attention of their Supervisor prior to commencing work. Staff in charge of College vehicles and machinery, handling hazardous chemicals or undertaking hazardous activities must not be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and must at all times comply with relevant Victorian laws.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for identifying and addressing safety issues or impaired performance resulting from alcohol or drug use. They must take action if there is a risk to the wellbeing or welfare of the person or others.

Staff members are responsible for setting parameters for acceptable behaviour and addressing inappropriate behaviour in students. Academic staff are not expected to diagnose or counsel students who appear to be misusing alcohol or drugs. However they do have a responsibility, where appropriate, to confidentially encourage students to seek assistance if they believe misuse of alcohol or drugs is occurring.

Where the behaviour of a student is influenced by drug or alcohol use and this behaviour is improper, unsafe or constitutes a risk to themselves or others, this issue must be addressed immediately. Staff members are to avoid acting in a manner that may itself be unsafe or aggravates the situation, and must bring the matter to the attention of their immediate supervisor or Manager. Where there is an issue of safety, the Principal must be contacted to determine an appropriate management plan.

Staff members working alongside a colleague whose wellbeing or job performance they perceive to be adversely affected by alcohol or drug use are encouraged to support them in seeking appropriate assistance.

Under Occupational Health and Safety legislation it is a requirement that all incidents, including those involving alcohol and drugs, are documented and reported.

All activities involving alcohol must have at least one person nominated as an Event Manager who will be responsible for the planning and management of the event.

Event Managers are responsible for the safe conduct of the event. They must ensure that they do everything that is reasonable and practicable to reduce or eliminate risk and minimise harmful consequences arising from the conduct of the event. This includes ensuring that the event is held in accordance with relevant Federal and State laws and College policies and regulations.

Event Managers must ensure that the consumption of alcohol is a social adjunct to, and not the purpose of, the event. They should ensure that the event is fully inclusive and welcoming of staff and students who are not of legal drinking age or who choose not to drink.

College events involving alcohol fall into one of two categories:

• Informal College Events involving Alcohol

These are informal gatherings of staff members and invited guests.

• Formal College Events involving Alcohol

These are events that are hosted and endorsed by, or affiliated with, the College regardless of their size, location or participants.

All events and activities involving enrolled students are classified as Formal College Events.

Event Managers organising Informal Events involving Alcohol must ensure the following:

1. The event is fully inclusive and welcoming of all invitees including those who are not of legal drinking age and those who choose not to drink
2. The event has designated times between which alcohol will be served
3. Non-alcoholic drinks including plain water are freely available
4. Appropriate food which does not encourage further drinking is provided
5. Alcohol is only consumed in the area designated for the event
6. Alcohol is not served to a person under the age of eighteen
7. Alcohol is not served to an intoxicated person
8. An appropriate standard of conduct is encouraged to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those attending the event.

Event Managers of Informal Events involving Alcohol are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the principles outlined in the Application to Hold a Formal Event with Alcohol and use these principles to plan and manage the event.

Event Managers of 'Formal College Events involving Alcohol' must complete the Application to Hold a Formal Event with Alcohol. This form can be accessed here.

This checklist must be completed to the satisfaction of the Principal or Campus Manager at least two weeks prior to the event occurring.

If the checklist is not submitted or not completed to the satisfaction of the Principal or Campus Manager, the event is not permitted to take place.

Under the Victorian Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, it is an offence to sell alcohol without a liquor licence, either directly or indirectly. These laws apply to all property owned or leased by Longerenong College .

Event Managers wishing to sell alcohol on College property must obtain permission of the Principal, via the Liquor Licence Request form. If permission is granted, the Principal will arrange to submit a formal request to Liquor Licensing Victoria for a temporary or permanent liquor licence.

An appropriate standard of conduct must be maintained to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those attending the event and other members of the College.

Event Managers must ensure there are safe means of managing difficult situations resulting from consumption of alcohol. Appropriate strategies to manage behaviour must be determined well before any event takes place.

Event Managers may need to consider an appropriate course of action in specific instances such as where someone:

• becomes grossly intoxicated at the event
• arrives at the event already grossly intoxicated
• passes out or becomes ill
• becomes violent
• leaves an event intoxicated

Event Managers must ensure they have a charged mobile phone along with Emergency contact numbers.

Symptoms of moderate to severe alcohol intoxication can include:

• slurred speech
• inability to stand
• mumbling

In such circumstances, an appropriate course of action is usually to:

• gain assistance where possible
• call an ambulance
• avoid body fluids if not wearing rubber gloves
• turn the patient on their side and tilt their head back to avoid inhalation of vomit
• cover them with a blanket
• reassure the person
• do not leave them unattended until professional assistance arrives

Security issues should be discussed with the Campus Manager prior to the event taking place

Security personnel assist in maintaining a secure environment and should be the first point of contact in threatening situations.

In the event of an emergency occurring at an event involving alcohol, the Event Manager should contact the Ambulance, Fire Brigade or Police Services as appropriate by dialling (0) 000 from all College internal phones or 000 from a public phone.

If a situation is life threatening, the Ambulance should be contacted first. After emergency services have been contacted, the Principal should be contacted and advised of the situation.

If someone is suspected of having overdosed, it is vital that they receive professional help as soon as possible. Quick responses can save lives.

• Call an ambulance immediately. Dial (0) 000 from any College internal phone or dial 000 from a public phone.
• Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
• In all emergency situations it is also essential that the Principal be contacted. During office hours dial 9 (from College phones) or 5362 2222 (from external phones) to advise Reception who will advise the Principal. After hours dial extension 276 (from College phones) or 5362 2276 (from external phones) or 0427 944 466.
• If possible, call your local first aid officer. It is also worth determining if anyone at the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Ensure adequate air by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing.
• If the person is unconscious, don't leave them on their back - they could choke. Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway.
• If breathing has stopped, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is required. If there is no pulse, CPR will need to be applied.
• Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can - drugs taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions.

People using syringes and needles are strongly encouraged to dispose of these responsibly using the needle disposal units provided.

In the event that a used syringe is found, notify the Campus Manager immediately. No attempt should be made to remove the syringe and the person reporting the matter should wait until assistance arrives.

Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs are available at:

Wimmera Health Care Group

90 Baillie Street

HORSHAM 3400

Phone: (03) 5381 9111

Local health service information can be found in Longerenong College Student Guide.

• The University of Melbourne , 'Alcohol and Drug Policy and Procedures'.
• Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre Inc., 'Campus Alcohol and Other Drug Policy Issues'.
• Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing 'National Action Plan on Illicit Drugs 2001-2002/03 '.
• Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing 'Alcohol in Australia : Issues and Strategies'.
• Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing 'National Alcohol Strategy: A Plan for Action 2001 to 2003-04'.

The following websites may also be useful:

• Drugs and Alcohol in Victoria http://www.health.vic.gov.au/drugs/
• Australian Drug Information Network http://www.adin.com.au
• Better Health Channel http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• DrugInfo Clearing House http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au
• Infoxchange Australia: Drug and Alcohol http://www.links.infoxchange.net.au/group/ixlinks/Drug_and_Alcohol/