10 June 2009

Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeship Program

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, has today allocated almost one million dollars over three years, to deliver a state-wide Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeships program in the non-government sector.

Mr Della Bosca said the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeships program will play an important role in the State Government’s commitment to drug and alcohol issues in Aboriginal communities.

“The program aims to increase the number of tertiary qualified Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol workers in the non-government sector,” the Minister said.

“It will also raise awareness of Aboriginal alcohol and drug issues in NSW among non-government organisations.

“The Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Traineeships are part of NSW Health’s commitment after the NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse 2003.

“The Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (NADA) is the peak organisation for the drug and alcohol non-government sector in NSW and is funded primarily by NSW Health.

“NADA’s membership comprises more than 100 organisations which offer drug and alcohol treatment, early intervention and prevention services,” the Minister said.

“The increasing role non-government organisations play in the delivery of drug and alcohol services is a reflection of their success in being able to provide professional, appropriate and meaningful programs,” he added.

Chief Executive Officer of NADA, Larry Pierce, said the work of the network has continued to grow across a range of areas and it, along with the Government, is working hard to achieve health equity for Aboriginal people.

“The partnership project and additional resources will help non-government drug and alcohol services to contribute to the development of the Aboriginal drug and alcohol workforce,” Mr Pierce said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au