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Input sought for substance use policy
Consultations are being held across the country during May 2013 to inform a new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples drug strategy (NATSIPDS).
Survey finds young Aboriginal people place high value on finding a job
A recent survey by Mission Australia on Australia's youth has found young Aboriginal people are more likely to be looking for work than their non-Aboriginal peers, however they are notably less likely to feel they can choose to go to university, travel or find a job upon finishing school than the latter group.
WA justice system - expensive and ineffective
A new report on the prison system in Western Australia (WA) calls for increased resources in justice reinvestment and a greater emphasis on evidence-based prevention and early intervention strategies for offending.
BushMob helping young people tackle substance use in Alice Springs
The Australian Government is investing more than $1.8 million in BushMob, a successful program in Alice Springs that helps young people stay free of alcohol and other drugs.
$100 million boost for Aboriginal youth in Northern Territory
The Australian Government is investing $100 million over the next 10 years in the Youth in communities program, a major initiative that is helping thousands of young Aboriginal people become more engaged with school, work and community life in the Northern Territory.
Free HealthInfoNet workshops in Albany, WA - 11-13 March 2013
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet will be in Albany, Western Australia delivering free workshops from the 11th - 13th March 2013.
Social Justice Commissioner welcomes new report on prison vs residential treatment
A new report by Deloitte Access Economics highlights the cost and health benefits of diversionary programs and community residential rehabilitation for Indigenous peoples who have been convicted of non-violent, substance use related offences.
Alcohol a key factor in suicide within Northern Territory
A new study has identified alcohol use as strongly associated with suicide in Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
HealthInfoNet workshops in the South West of WA - Bunbury and Busselton
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet will be in the South West of WA delivering free workshops from the 11th - 15th February 2013.
New website for Centre for Research Excellence into Injecting Drug Use (CREIDU)
A new website for a collaborative centre which provides information on injecting drug use (IDU) in Australia is now available.
Young Aboriginal researcher wins Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) Award
A young Aboriginal researcher's commitment to helping Indigenous Australians address alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems in their own communities was recognised with a national award.
HealthInfoNet cafe @ Local Drug Action Groups 2012 state conference in Perth
The Local Drug Action Groups Inc.
Mary G touring WA Goldfields to promote 'No grog no drugs' message
Mary G, the 'Queen of the Kimberley' is currently on a tour around the Goldfields towns of Western Australia (WA).
Low Aromatic Fuel Bill 2012 not recommended to proceed by Australian Parliament
The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress has expressed its dismay at the news that the Senate Committee has recommended that the Low Aromatic Fuel Bill should not proceed.
Report into Aboriginal service delivery in the Northern Territory (NT) makes 12 recommendations
A report into spending on service delivery in remote Aboriginal communities recommends a reassessment of priorities and greater transparency.
NCPIC produces flipchart to highlight awareness of cannabis use
The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC), based in Sydney, recently produced a resource designed to raise awareness among Indigenous communities about the negative impact of gunja (cannabis).
HealthInfoNet workshops coming to the Gascoyne/Midwest in November
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet workshops are coming to the Gascoyne/Midwest region in November.
Cannabis use increasing with alcohol restrictions in remote areas
Blanket alcohol restrictions in remote regions are being blamed for the increasing rates of cannabis use and a corresponding rise in episodes of psychosis in Cape York, Queensland.
Standard on culturally secure practice in the AOD sector launched
Minister for Mental Health, Helen Morton, launched the Standard on culturally secure practice (alcohol and other drug sector) [1st Ed.] on 28 August 2012.
HealthInfoNet workshops in the Pilbara (now including Newman)
The HealthInfoNet will be in the Pilbara next week delivering free workshops from September 10th to the 17th.
New contracts awarded to AOD services in the Kimberley and Pilbara
Eight new contracts have been awarded to alcohol and other drug services in the Kimberley and Pilbara region of Western Australia (WA).
HealthInfoNet workshops in the Pilbara
There are still places available to participate in upcoming Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (AIH) workshops in the Pillbara region of Western Australia (WA).
Inaugural WA alcohol and other drug excellence award winners announced
The inaugural Western Australian (WA) alcohol and other drug (AOD) excellence awards winners were recently announced by Mental Health Minister, Helen Morton.
HealthInfoNet attending the Western Australian drug and alcohol conference on 7 August
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet will be running a cafe tomorrow the 7 August (2012) at the Western Australian drug and alcohol conference.
NSW Aboriginal prenatal health campaign to raise awareness of services available to pregnant women
A new campaign to raise awareness among Aboriginal women about the risks of alcohol and other drug consumption during pregnancy was launched on 27 July, 2012.
HealthInfoNet workshops in the Kimberley
The HealthInfoNet will be in the Kimberley next week delivering free workshops from August 6th to the 17th.
Positive responses received from HealthInfoNet Substance use survey
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet recently conducted a survey on the substance use section of its website - including alcohol use, illicit drug use, volatile substance use, and tobacco use.
Boodjari yorga program improves birth outcomes for Aboriginal women
A program designed to reduce pregnancy and birth problems for Aboriginal women is breaking down cultural barriers and making important inroads into improving maternal and child health in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia (WA).
Application lodged for Indigenous substance use rehabilitation facility in Canberra
A development application for a substance use rehabilitation facility for Indigenous people has been lodged with the ACT Planning and Land Authority.
2012 National Drug and Alcohol Award winners announced
The 2012 National Drug and Alcohol Award winners were announced on Friday 22 June at the Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne.
Indigenous Wellbeing Centre takes part in Drug action week campaign
The Indigenous Wellbeing Centre, located in Bundaberg, Queensland, will provide information on alcohol and illicit drug use as part of national Drug action week, running from 17-23 June 2012.
Funding announced for national alcohol and other drug research centres
Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, announced on 20 June 2012 that $24 million over three years is to be invested into alcohol and other drug (AOD) research.
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Awards winners announced
The winners of the inaugural National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Awards were announced on Thursday 7 June, 2012, during the 2nd National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) conference.
Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work launched at NIDAC conference today
The Handbook for Aboriginal alcohol and drug work was launched today (7 June 2012) at the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) conference in Fremantle, Western Australia (WA).
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol (NIDAC) conference underway tomorrow, 6 June
The 2nd National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) conference is underway from tomorrow 6 June, 2012, at the Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, in Western Australia (WA).
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet named a finalist for the National Drug and Alcohol Awards 2012
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet was recently nominated in the National Drug and Alcohol Awards 2012 for its work on the substance use section of its website.
Three year extension of funding granted to some AOD service providers
Following recent announcements that some alcohol and other drug (AOD) service providers would no longer receive Federal Government funding as part of the Budget 2012-13, some services have been granted a three-year reprieve.
Call for further remote area rehabilitation services
An Aboriginal legal aid organisation says the Northern Territory (NT) Government must provide more alcohol rehabilitation services in remote Indigenous communities.
Do you use the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet's substance use section? Take our survey
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is undertaking a survey to find out information on users accessing the website, particularly its 'substance use' section.
Applications open for Criminal property confiscation grants program
Attorney General Christian Porter launched the latest round of the Criminal property confiscation grants program on 2 May 2012.
Government funding withdrawn from successful SA substance use treatment service
The Federal Government has withdrawn funding from a South Australian (SA) Aboriginal community controlled organisation after 38 years of operation.
DoHA shortlists applicants for substance use funding initiatives
The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) has now assessed and shortlisted organisations who submitted applications for funding to address substance use issues.
Northern Territory Budget 2012 delivers $20 million investment into correctional services
A $20.2 million investment in correctional services was announced by Correctional Services Minister Gerry McCarthy on 22 April 2012.
Bourke community to launch awareness campaign targeting alcohol and other drug use
On Wednesday 2 May 2012, the Bourke Alcohol and drug working group (BAWG) will launch an alcohol and other drug awareness campaign in Bourke, New South Wales (NSW).
Greens call for data collection on drug use in remote APY lands
The Greens want the South Australian (SA) State Government to consider collecting data on marijuana use in the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Aboriginal lands.
South Hedland Primary School celebrates Close the Gap Day
South Hedland Primary School, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia (WA), held a whole school celebration for Harmony Day and Close the Gap Day on 21 March 2012.
Safe and sober support service - making a difference in Alice Springs
The Safe and sober support service, an alcohol and other drug treatment service in Alice Springs, is making a difference in the community.
2012 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music competition
The National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre has announced the 2012 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music competition.
Dual-purpose alcohol and other drug centre to open in Carnarvon
A new centre providing day and night treatment services for people in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia (WA) with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems is set to open.
Reducing alcohol and other drug use in remote Northern Territory communities
The Australian Government is investing $2.31 million to tackle the impact of alcohol and other drug use in Katherine, Tiwi, the Daly region, and the greater Darwin region in the Northern Territory (NT).
Midnight basketball program helps reduce youth crime in Kempsey
The New South Wales town of Kempsey has implemented a social inclusion program for its youth to help reduce substance use and criminal activity.
HealthInfoNet workshops: helping to 'close the gap' in Indigenous health
To increase access to its web resource and build the capacity of the frontline health workforce - and to assist the health workforce in 'closing the gap' in Indigenous health - the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet will deliver a program of free workshops across Western Australia (WA) over 18 months from April 2012.
Recipients of Strong spirit strong mind awards announced
The Strong spirit strong mind awards were announced on the 14 March 2012 at the Western Australian (WA) Aboriginal drug and alcohol worker forum.
Victorian healing program a success for Indigenous participants
A unique Aboriginal initiative in Victoria is helping break the cycle of addiction and despair by combining indigenous spirituality with conventional treatment.
Plain language background information for volatile substance use now available
The plain language background information for the volatile substance use web resource is now available online.
Extra funding for Indigenous communities to address substance use
Certain Indigenous communities will receive extra funding under the government's Breaking the cycle of alcohol and drug abuse in Indigenous communities initiative.
New Indigenous mental health web resource launched
A new web resource for Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) workers is now available on the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet website.
ACT Government to consider future exemptions for kava consumption
The ACT Government will consider future exemptions that allow for kava consumption after a conditional trial at the National Multicultural Festival.
Tennant Creek sobering up shelter to open in February 2012
A $1.6 million sobering-up shelter will open in Tennant Creek next week, replacing an older facility which was demolished.
Volatile substance use background information available now
The web resource for Volatile substance use now includes background information.
Nominations open for Strong Spirit Strong Mind Awards 2012
The Strong Spirit Strong Mind Awards are being presented by the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA) in 2012, as part of the Aboriginal alcohol and other drugs (AOD) worker forum being held in Perth from 14-15 March.
New funding and upgrade for the South East Metropolitan Community Drug Service
The South East Metropolitan Community Drug Service (SEMCDS) has received state Government funding towards an upgrade and new premises in Thornlie, Western Australia.
Australia's first Indigenous youth alcohol and other drug rehabilitation facility opens
On December 15, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) celebrated the opening of Bunjilwarra, the first Australian alcohol and other drug rehabilitation facility dedicated to helping young Aboriginal people.
Healthy Lifestyle Worker toolkit launched
The Director of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Professor Neil Thomson, today attended the Canberra launch of a new Healthy Lifestyle Worker toolkit to help tackle chronic disease in Indigenous communities.
Halls Creek benefits from alcohol restrictions; new health worker positions
The Drug and Alcohol Office has released a report on 8 December 2011, on the impact of liquor restrictions in Halls Creek, Western Australia.
New alcohol and other drug worker positions for north-west WA under Royalties for regions program
Up to 31 alcohol and other drug worker positions will be created to expand treatment, prevention and counselling services across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.
More Indigenous Australians accessing targeted health services
There was a significant increase in the use of services targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in 2009-10 compared with the previous year, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Government releases NT consultation report
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin released the Stronger futures in the Northern Territory consultation report in Alice Springs last week.
BushMob's bush adventure therapy program success
A Bush adventure therapy program run by BushMob has experienced success in its fourth year, through its annual horse trek.
Raising awareness of petrol sniffing in urban South Australia
Professional educators Warren Miller and Jimmy Perry spend most of the year travelling through rural and remote South Australia, trying to divert people in Aboriginal communities away from petrol sniffing.
Health workers honoured at the Deadly Awards
The 17th Deadly Awards were held at the Sydney Opera House on the 27 September 2011, recognising outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements in sport, the arts, music and health.
New rehabilitation services available in the East Kimberley
Stage two of the Ngnowar Aerwah 7 Mile Residential Rehabilitation Facility service was officially opened in Wyndham on 8 September 2011.
Indigenous Football Festival message: cannabis and sport don't mix
Educational messages on mixing alcohol and other drug use and physical activity were delivered at the Indigenous Football Festival recently in Alice Springs.
Drug Aware cannabis prevention campaign for WA
A new Western Australian state campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about the risks associated with cannabis use.
New Victorian alcohol and other drug strategy - call for public submissions
The Coalition Government has announced a new whole of government strategy to address alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in Victoria.
Weed it out project funding extended until 2012
Funding for the Weed it out project in Queensland has been extended until 2012.
New cannabis intervention requirement laws for WA
The Western Australian government is introducing new laws on cannabis use from 1 August 2011.
Rehabilitation centre to open in Port Hedland
Port Hedland's first alcohol and other drug rehabilitation centre is set to open in mid-2012.
WA state budget 2011-12: alcohol and other drug sector
The Minister for Mental Health and Disability Services Helen Morton announced funding for the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector in a budget bulletin 2011-12.
$160m to Indigenous alcohol and other drug initiatives in WA
An increase in mining royalties to more than $4 billion in 2012 has given a bonus to the WA government's Royalties for Regions scheme.
Budget 2011-12: alcohol and other drug services
The Government has announced the new budget for 2011-12, including funding for the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector.
New National pharmaceutical drug misuse strategy under development
A consortium led by the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University are currently developing a National Pharmaceutical Drug Misuse Strategy (NPDMS) in response to the emerging problem of pharmaceutical misuse.
New look DrugInfo website launched
The new look Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) DrugInfo website and email alert service was launched on 4 May 2011 at the 6th International Conference on Drugs and Young People.
More substance use treatment services needed
The drug policy group Anex is calling for better treatment services for alcohol and other drug use in regional areas such as the Far West.
Injecting drug use and associated harms among Aboriginal Australians report released
A major new report on injecting drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders was released on 27 April 2011.
Book aims to weed out Indigenous drug use
A new resource has been introduced into an Indigenous community in far North Queensland as part of the Weed it out project; a crime prevention initiative started in 2007 and run by the Queensland Police Service Far Northern Region Drug Squad and James Cook University (JCU) to identify the full extent of cannabis use and the impact of that use on the community.
Substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has just released a report on substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, focusing on the three main areas of tobacco use, alcohol consumption and illicit drug use (including petrol sniffing).
National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference (NIDAC)
The inaugural NIDAC conference was held at the Adelaide convention centre on the 16 - 18 June 2010.
New report released: The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The latest results from national statistical collections on the health and wellbeing of Australia's Indigenous population have been revealed today with the release of The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 2010.
HIV strategy targets Aboriginal drug users
Australia's sixth national HIV strategy has been developed by the federal, state and territory governments with input from community organisations, doctors and researchers.
Nationwide review of investment into Indigenous drug and alcohol programs
The National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) today released a report identifying the areas of greatest need to address harmful Indigenous alcohol and other drug use.
Bush medicine put to the test in WA
In Warmun, about 200 kilometres south of Kununurra, elders are working with a psychologist on a program to combine traditional healing and conventional treatment methods to address substance use issues among the local Indigenous youth.
The Northern Territory Emergency Response and cannabis use in remote Indigenous communities
In his letter to the Medical Journal of Australia, Professor Dennis Gray points out that alcohol restrictions remain one of the most effective ways of reducing alcohol-related harm and that the evidence base does not exist to support claims widely asserted in public debate that the Northern Territory alcohol restrictions (those introduced as a part of the NTER and those that exist under the NT Alcohol Management Plans) are responsible for the unintended consequence of cannabis substitution.
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