Region united in rehab battle

Three Kimberley and Pilbara drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation centres have signed a formal agreement to improve community access to appropriate detox and recovery services in the regions.

Broome-based Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation, Wyndham’s Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation and the Yaandina Family Centre, which runs the Turner River rehabilitation facility in South Hedland, signed a memorandum of understanding this month as part of efforts to support patients battling addictions, including ice.

Milliya Rumurra chief executive Andrew Amor said the partnership symbolised a commitment from all the facilities to respond to high levels of harm caused by alcohol and drugs collaboratively.

“The three rehabilitation services of the Kimberley and Pilbara are committed to working together to improve community access to appropriate detox and residential rehabilitation within the two regions,” he said.

“An MoU has been recently signed to strengthen our working relationships to ensure that we maximise the efficiency of resources, are able to share information as required and improve clinical care pathways for our clients.

“As the partnership develops, we will be seeking input and support from our communities to assist us in responding to the unacceptable level of harm caused by alcohol and drugs within our regions.”

Ngnowar Aerwah chief executive Paul O’Neill said the agreement provided a solution to keeping clients on country.

“To have a detox place in the Kimberley is our preferred option,” he said.

“However, for immediate results and the need that’s ever growing, coming together ... with the Pilbara already having an established detox facility, instead of clients being rejected from our rehab, they can access detox in the Pilbara addressing the cultural sensitivities as well.”