Scientologists Celebrate Australia Day with a Pledge to be Drug Free

27 January 2006

In Parramatta, Australia, a city in the Sydney metropolitan area, a group of young people called the Drug-Free Ambassadors celebrated Australia Day this year by offering a helping hand to the youth of the area, educating them on the truth about drugs and encouraging them to pledge to be drug free.

Amid the fireworks and entertainment, including a special appearance by Australian Idol Guy Sebastian, these youngsters spread the word to thousands of residents that “drug free is the way to be!”

What motivates these youth to spend the holiday helping their peers is information from the Bureau of Crimes Statistics showing that possession or use of marijuana in Parramatta increased by 100% between the years 2000 and 2004. With Ecstasy use also on the increase, the Drug Free Ambassadors are concentrating on spreading the word about these two drugs.

The Drug Free Ambassador program was established twelve years ago by the Church of Scientology of Australia. The program works with children as young as six years of age, to help them stand up to peer pressure to experiment with drugs.

“We have something very special to celebrate this year,” said Drug-Free Ambassador spokesperson, Cyrus Brooks. “Just last week the Drug Free Ambassadors Australia Incorporated was given charitable status by the federal government.” Brooks went on to say.” Author and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard said, ‘when children become unimportant to a society, that society has forfeited its future.’ In keeping with this, we are dedicated to helping children avoid the tragedy of drug addiction.”

Parents, teachers and community leaders are invited to form their own Drug Free Ambassador chapters. For information on how to do so or to get free drug-education booklets in Australia contact: info@drugfreeambassadors.com.au or phone: 02 9692 7308 or visit their web site at http://www.drugfreeambassadors.com.au.