Funding extension for alcohol and drug treatment in Wiluna

The Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation drug and alcohol treatment service in Wiluna has been given Federal Government funding for a further year for their Substance Misuse program.

Member for Durack, Melissa Price said Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation could continue to offer programmes to help individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

“The Government has allocated $87 million in 2015-16 for alcohol and drug treatment activities provided by non-government organisations,” Ms Price said.

“This means that Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation can employ an Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor to improve access to drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Wiluna and surrounding areas.”

Services will address education, intervention and residential rehabilitation. The Substance Misuse program will also establish and maintain networks with relevant government and non-government services and establish referral pathways based strictly on client need.

Ms Price said a review of the drug and alcohol treatment services sector, commissioned by the Department of Health, was under consideration by the Commonwealth, state and territory.

“The review was initiated in 2013 to examine the duplication and overlap between services and propose a better way forward,” Ms Price said.

“Extending funding for 12 months will provide clarity for Ngangganawili Aboriginal Corporation and others in the alcohol and other drug sector while these longer term plans are developed.”

Ms Price said the review’s findings required analysis and consultation between the Commonwealth, states and territories, all of which provided funding for alcohol and other drug treatment.

Commonwealth funding provides treatment and support to individuals including mothers, teenagers and older Australians, as well as families and communities affected by substance misuse.