A new $1 million Turnbull Government initiative aims to give Kimberley residents completing drug and alcohol treatment programs their best chance of making a full recovery and leading productive lives.
Minister for Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt AM, said the post-residential rehabilitation program would support people recovering from mental illness and drug and alcohol dependence as they re-entered their communities
“Once people have finished live-in rehabilitation programs, there is often a fragile balance between maintaining their new lifestyle and relapsing in the days, weeks, months and years ahead,” said Minister Wyatt.
“This program provides personal care plans tailored for each individual, which identify risk factors in each person’s home and community environment, how they can be protected and any interventions required to enhance their recovery.”
The initiative is part of the National Ice Action Strategy and the Indigenous Australians Health Program, and has been commissioned by the Western Australian Primary Health Alliance – Country WA Primary Health Network (PHN).
“The program will target people recovering from alcohol, methamphetamine and other drug misuse and expects to help up to 200 people a year,” Minister Wyatt said.
“This support service will be culturally sensitive and, where possible, will be provided by Aboriginal people.
“It is designed to ensure all Kimberley people in need of support, both indigenous and non-indigenous, receive the follow-up care they need to stay on track after they leave residential rehabilitation.”
Broome’s Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation will work in partnership with Wyndham’s Ngnowar Aewah Aboriginal Corporation to provide the comprehensive support service to help keep people well in the West and East Kimberley.
“The commissioning of this program follows extensive consultation with local communities,” said Minister Wyatt.
“Most importantly, it has been designed around family participation, which is proven to have a positive influence on long-term recovery. This type of service will fill a gap in this region and complement existing treatment and support programs.
“I congratulate everyone involved for their dedication and the holistic treatment approaches that will help many clients and their families across the Kimberley.”
The program will start to treat clients this month.