Still in the early stages of planning, the forum will follow a number of similar events held across the Riverina, including very successful information evenings in Gundagai and Wagga. 

The Rotary Club of Cootamundra is one of the groups behind the forum with president Alan Moston saying with the issue of the so-called ‘ice epidemic’ sweeping regional Australia, the time had come for Cootamundra to step up and provide a platform for the accurate dissemination of information. 

“There is so much in the media about ice and we (the community of Cootamundra) need the facts,” Mr Moston said. 

It was decided that the forum would focus specifically on ice, rather than other drugs, as it is considered that the increase in the use of ice is such that is is becoming more of an issue for our community than any other drug. 

Rotary contacted local police about the idea of a forum in our town with the constabulary backing the initiative.

Speaking to the Cootamundra Herald at this week’s Police And Community Together meeting, Cootamundra Local Area Commander Superintendent Peter Wanczura said the idea of a forum was a good opportunity to "align perceptions with the reality" in our town.

There is no denying ice is affecting Cootamundra with an ice addict on a campaign for cash allegedly responsible for the recent armed hold-up at the Cootamundra Newsagency.

Speaker details are still being confirmed, however early indications are there will be a varied knowledge base shared providing attendees with all of the information relevant to the insidious drug. 

The forum will be held in the Auditorium of the Ex Services Club between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. 

It is to be open to all ages with parents asked to make a responsible decision of whether kids should attend. 

The entire community is invited and encouraged to attend the free information evening. 

Further details to come as confirmed by organisers.