Both Cr Allgood and Cr Marian have joined the Grampians Community Health FebFast team and are calling on the community to support their efforts.

Proceeds from the 2010 FebFast fundraising efforts will be distributed via the Australian Drug Foundation. Various drug and alcohol programs such as YSAS, Youth Substance Abuse Service (Victoria) will share in the money raised.

Cr Marian laughingly noted that for a person who `likes her share of the region's finest red wines', FebFast would be a challenge.

''It's all for a great cause and many of my friends have pledged to pay good money to see me abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire month of February'' Cr Marian said.

''In all seriousness though, there are so many substance abuse issues within our community, and they impact upon all of us in different ways, ranging from health issues to alcohol-related violence and financial stresses.

''We as a community need to support and raise the profile of these events which tackle these hard issues in within our society.''

The FebFast challenge can be undertaken by anyone as either a team or as an individual.

Cr Allgood said Grampians Community Health was one organisation that dealt with alcohol and substance abuse issues within the region.

''This initiative raises awareness of the drug and alcohol abuse issues and raises money for services which have to deal with these issues at the coal face,'' Cr Allgood said.

''Cr Marian and I are very proud to be able to help out and I would ask the people of Ararat and our surrounding communities to get behind our efforts and sponsor us to help raise funds for this vitally important cause.''

Supporters can log on to sponsor Crs Allgood and Marian online at www.febfast.com.au or call in to the council offices, corner Vincent and Barkly Streets, Ararat.