Sufficient demand needed for Goulburn rehab unit : Goward

The Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) will advocate information on alcohol and other drug harm prevention projects along with the existing Community Drug Action Team (CDAT).

The Goulburn LDAT will be led by Australian mental health advocate Mind Blank and funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF). 

CDAT chair Carol James welcomed the partnership between the two bodies, including the support of the Goulburn Suicide Network, and said she looked forward to spreading the word.

“There will be an assessment of the region and we will determine where the need is and how we can get information out most effectively,” Ms James said. 

“We’re looking at ways to direct our focus.”

According to Ms James, discussions have begun about the direction of future projects, with a focus on high school students and young adults.

“The more information you can get out, the better. I think [this issue] is everywhere, I don’t think we’re an isolated area,” she said.

“It’s better to be forearmed with knowledge.” 

Community based treatment and support such as counselling and case management services is in high demand, rather than residential rehabilitation, according to Pathways Goulburn team leader Kaylene Mallott.

The organisation, which links clients to mental health assessments and withdrawal services, has more than 70 clients across Goulburn, Crookwell, Yass, Braidwood and Gunning. 

Currently, those without private health in the NSW southeast region can access the 12-bed Arcadia House in Canberra. 

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing drug and alcohol problems. Treatment and support should be tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances,” she said.

“However, there is definitely a shortage of beds that can cater to people who are seeking to withdraw from alcohol or other drugs.”

Ms Mallott argued a four-bed detox unit would be a “significant benefit” for the area.

“This would speed up the process for people seeking admission to a rehabilitation facility. It would also assist with community based treatment and support, delivered in Goulburn or their local community,” she said.

Of the 12 beds, two are prioritised for clients in the region. 

Over the past year, four clients have been admitted to Arcadia House, another eight have been admitted to other rehabilitation centres.

Coordinare Primary Health Network has recently funded an additional priority bed in Arcadia House for people living in the region.

The admission of a client is dependent on an initial assessment, with a wait for a bed lasting for up to 12 weeks. Services range from residential rehabilitation to intensive day programs.

“The rehabilitation service that people choose can depend on factors such as whether they are a young person or an adult, whether they would prefer a single sex service, whether their children will be accompanying them and the length of program they are seeking,” she said.

“It is not possible to meet the diverse needs of a population group in one facility.” 

Member for Goulburn Pru Goward, who lobbied for Pathways two years ago, said she was pursuing a detox unit for Goulburn with the support of Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard. 

“Their service will be robustly evaluated by the Health Department and if there are service gaps I’m sure Pathways will make a strong case,” Ms Goward said.

“Methamphetamine use is particularly concerning in the bush because of the ease with which small quantities can be moved in and out by bikie drug gangs. Our police are especially focused on this and are an important part of the answer to this terrible scourge.”

Funding for a future detox unit would need to be secured, with evidence to support a “sufficient regional demand,” Ms Goward said.

“I’m on the case but ultimately this will be a decision for the board of the local health district together with the Ministry,” she said.