RYAN PARK MP
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH
MEMBER FOR KEIRA

DR MICHAEL HOLLAND MP
MEMBER FOR BEGA

 
 NSW LABOR SUPPORTS INDIGENOUS HEALING CENTRE IN THE BEGA VALLEY

NSW Labor will support the establishment of an Indigenous healing centre for critical drug & alcohol rehabilitation services within the local Bega Valley First Nations community with an investment of $84,000 under a Minns Labor government.

Lack of investment by the current Liberal National Government in local health services, particularly rehabilitation following acute detoxification, have resulted in increased relapse rates for community members.

Driven by a self-determined model of care, the local indigenous community identified an Aboriginal-led Healing Centre is a solution to this problem, working in conjunction with healthcare providers and other local services.

This investment will provide three two-bedroom demountable accommodation units to help establish this initial service.

NSW Labor are also committed to working with the community and develop the centre into the future in accordance with community demand.

 
Ryan Park MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Health said:
 

“This initiative supports the local Indigenous community in determining their own health outcomes and pathway to healing.”

“We are listening to the local Aboriginal elders and community members, and they have told us the best approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation in the community is a self-determined program.”

“I would especially like to thank my colleague Dr Michael Holland the Member for Bega for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the community along with the local Aboriginal elders and community members who have come forward and worked towards this great initiative.”

Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega said:

“Having a self-determined solution is key in making sure our Indigenous community have a say in their own health outcomes”

“There was a strong sentiment for a local self-determined solution to the problem of rehabilitation and I hope this Healing Place will be a significant first step in moving towards a solution”

“The problem of the absence of local Aboriginal D&A rehabilitation services and its consequent contribution to homelessness and anti-social behaviour was raised by local Aboriginal elders and community members at a recent meeting with Bega Valley Shire Council, local business operators, police and health care providers.”

Quotes attributable to Donna Aldridge, Bega LALC Chairperson

“We appreciate the commitment today, in helping to identify ways to address the issue of drug and alcohol addiction in our community. We need to continue to find ways to deal with the significant barriers to recovery."

"We hope to continue to build a partnership with the health district, the shire council, and the incoming government to focus on these issues and to work towards closing the gap.”