WARNING: VACCHO advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that the following article contains references to those who have returned to the Dreaming.

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has launched a model of care that outlines an Aboriginal-led alcohol and other drug (AOD) detoxification and rehabilitation service, designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The Women’s AOD Model of Care which was launched yesterday at the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum in Sale, was designed to deliver on Recommendation 38 of the Inquest into the death of Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson, who died in custody in 2020 while on remand.

The coroner found that had Veronica been able to access appropriate community-based AOD support, she would not have entered police custody and that her death was preventable.
VACCHO Acting CEO Jim O’Shea, said the model was created with funding from the Victorian Government, because Aboriginal women had expressed that the current system was not working for them.

“Far too many women are forced to choose between getting the support they need and caring for their children, while others never access treatment because services do not feel culturally safe.”

“Aboriginal women continue to face significant barriers accessing existing AOD services, including a lack of cultural and clinical safety, inflexible service requirements and the impossible choice between entering rehabilitation or remaining with their children,” he said.

VACCHO Executive Director of the Balit Durn Durn Centre, Sheree Lowe, explained that the model was designed by Community, for Community, recognising that healing is about much more than treating addiction.

“Healing is about Culture, connection, family, housing, wellbeing and ensuring women can recover in an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported.”

VACCHO is now calling on the Victorian Government to fund the implementation of the Women’s AOD Model of Care.

“This model would be an investment in healthier women, stronger families and stronger Communities. It will save lives, reduce demand on hospitals and the justice system, and deliver lasting benefits for generations to come,” Ms Lowe said.

Ms Lowe said the time for action is now, as emergency department presentations for alcohol and drug-related harm among Aboriginal people increased from 26.5 per 1,000 people in 2022-23, to 32.3 per 1,000 in 2023-24.

“The model combines detoxification and rehabilitation with wrap-around supports that strengthen families, improve health outcomes and promote long-term healing,” Ms Lowe said.

The model was designed with funding from the Victorian Government under Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Action Plan 2023-2026.

Funding to establish the Women’s AOD Model of Care would align with the new Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Action Plan 2026-2028 and VACCHO’s election platform.