Laura Anderson, provisional psychologist with Community Collective Victoria (CCVic) and co-located at WRAD Health, shared insights into her work at the recent AGM.
CCVIC is a community initiative providing a no-cost, multi-disciplinary service in low socio-economic areas. Laura’s role at WRAD health is to assess and support people on their healing journey. This includes using different therapy modalities, assessments and supporting NDIS applications where applicable.
Laura decided to study psychology to work primarily with neurodiverse children with ASD or ADHD or trauma, but her experience at WRAD Health has changed her career direction. “I am a big believer that there is always a reason behind behaviour and see substance abuse as a counterproductive coping mechanism, the tip of the iceberg with a much larger picture hiding under the surface,” she said. “I enjoy working with the complexities behind this coping mechanism, as well as listening and providing space for clients to tell their story. It is important to the healing process that people feel heard, safe and not judged.
“Every one of my clients has experienced trauma to a degree and research shows that 1 out of 4 people that walk into a drug and alcohol facility are undiagnosed neurodiverse,” Laura said. “This is a significant number that can be reduced.”
Laura works closely with WRAD Health clinicians to identify and support clients that have undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders. If the client has been identified as having a mental health diagnosis, the team at CCVIC and Laura then support an application for NDIS at the request of the client.
Her work is having an impact.
One woman presented with complex trauma, substance dependence, a pending court case, homelessness, suicidal ideation, limited support and all loss of hope for the future. The AOD clinician worked with her to reduce substance use and Laura completed tests that showed she had a mild intellectual disability. Laura was then able to support a NDIS application, at court, and for housing applications. The young woman is now continuing her healing journey, working and having goals for the future.
An unemployed man with suicidal ideation was referred to Laura after seeing a WRAD Health clinician for several months. She assessed him as having symptoms of ADHD combination. The clinician organised for him to go to a detox facility while Laura contacted his GP with a letter and report recommending a psychiatric review for ADHD. This person is now medicated, employed and his anxiety and depression symptoms have significantly reduced.
Laura says the referral process and co-location are beneficial to clients because of the continuity of care and easy transition into psychological support.
WRAD Health is steered by a dedicated group of volunteers who make up our Board of Management.
Three of those Board members – Glenys Phillpot, 25 years, Rob Coffey, 15 years, Shane Keogh, 10 years – were recognised at this week’s AGM for their outstanding contributions.
Glenys Phillpot, OAM, has been a dedicated member of the Board for 25 years and is Chair of the Lookout Committee.
“Since joining WRAD Health in 1999, Glenys has provided unwavering dedication, support and wisdom and has helped to shape WRAD Health into the vital community service that is today,” chair Helen Taylor said.
“Throughout her time with WRAD Health, Glenys has also made significant contributions to the broader community, including 13 years on Warrnambool City Council and four terms as Mayor,” she added.
Glenys said she continued to enjoy her time with WRAD Health. “It is very much a team effort and I’m most impressed by the passion, care and professionalism shown by the people that work here.”
Glenys added that the icing on the cake would be the approval of the Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Centre. “The community has embraced it and we need that facility here.”
Rob Coffey was a member of Warrnambool Apex in the 1980s when it conducted research into the drug and alcohol problem in Warrnambool, eventually paving the way for the creation of the Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre.
Helen said Rob continued his connections with WRAD Health during his time in Rotary and in education and as a volunteer.
“Rob’s ability to analyse and review risk management and to appreciate the need for good governance is very much appreciated and comes through in every meeting,” she added.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to serve where others don’t or won’t serve and be surrounded by people who share their passion for the community for those that need our help,” Rob said.
Helen said Shane Keogh had contributed a decade of dedication to WRAD Health, continuing a long connection between the Board and local police.
“As a member of Victoria Police, Shane has done remarkable work in the community, especially in building bridges with the Indigenous community,” Helen said.
“Shane was also a perfect bridge between WRAD Health and local police who has given us great advice and great connections.”
Shane was not present to accept his citation.
Congratulations Mark Powell on winning the national Smart Recovery family and friends Facilitator Award!
Mark facilitates a WRAD Health family and friends meeting on the Smart Recovery platform, as a voluntary addition to his work as CEO.
This recognition, announced tonight in Sydney, shines a light on the importance of supporting loved ones who often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help those struggling with addiction.
Through our group, we provide a safe space for families and friends to share their experiences, gain practical tools, and navigate this challenging journey together. This award is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and evidence-based guidance in empowering loved ones to take care of themselves while supporting others.
At WRAD health we’re not just supporting individuals; we’re strengthening families and creating pathways for lasting recovery.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted us to walk this path with you. Together, we continue to make a difference!
#SmartRecovery #FamiliesAndFriends #SupportMatters #RecoveryTogether #CompassionInAction
Parents are the not-so-secret weapon in tackling teen vaping.
A recent study commissioned by VicHealth has shown parents and carers hold more power and influence in tackling teen vaping than they might realise.
The VicHealth research found one in three teenagers have tried vaping and one in five are currently vaping.
A special information session – Clear the Air – will be held at the Lighthouse Theatre on September 12 to equip parents and carers with the facts and tips they need to have informed conversations with young people about vaping.
Clear the Air will feature Dr James Durl, a researcher with Blurred Minds, a leading organisation in drug and alcohol education.
“Saying ‘vaping is bad’ is not enough,” Dr Durl said.
“One-dimensional messages about vaping fail to engage or convince students.
“Straightforward slogans like “just say no” or “vaping is bad” fall flat with today’s students.
“These oversimplified messages don’t address the complexity of vaping or give students the depth of information they need.
“Young people are savvier than we often give them credit for – they want real facts and honest discussions, not just rules to follow.”
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said Clear the Air was a great opportunity to gain insights into why teenagers try vaping and how parents can be informed and ready to provide accurate advice and support.
“It’s reassuring for parents and carers to know that they can still exert a strong, positive influence over the young people in their lives who are at an age when they are often seeking greater independence,” Cr Blain said.
“But the research shows, encouragingly, parents and carers continue to be key players in helping young people make healthy choices.”
The evening will also include a Q and A session with local representatives from youth services, health care, schools and young people.
Clear the Air is a partnership with Brophy, DARE (Drug and Alcohol Responding Early), South West HealthCare, VicHealth, the Barwon South West Public Health Unit and WRAD Health.
Admission to Clear the Air is free but people are encouraged to register their attendance via the Lighthouse Theatre website: www.lighthousetheatre.com.au
Clear the Air – facts for informed conversations about vaping
When: Thursday, September 12, 5.30pm
Where: Lighthouse Theatre
Register: www.lighthousetheatre.com.au
A new art therapy and nutrition skills program is being incorporated in the Sliding Doors non-residential alcohol and other drug rehabilitation program
Nourishing Recovery will enhance the recovery journey of participants and has received funding from the Wanless Family Fund, a sub fund of the Australian Communities Foundation.
The art therapy project will consist of a five-weekly session conducted by a professional artist who has lived experience of mental illness and substance use who has been in recovery for several years and now delivers artistic skills to participants to aid in building confidence and self-esteem.
The cooking program will consist of a weekly cooking session and dietitian education session that culminates in using a community-based kitchen facility to cook meals that are affordable on low income and also meet basic nutritional requirements.
The program will provide participants with a creative outlet for self-expression and emotional exploration, enhance their self-awareness and self-esteem, promote relaxation and stress reduction, and foster personal growth and empowerment.
In a world where fully bulk-billing clinics are becoming a thing of the past, WRAD Health is determined to continue providing free medical care.
As one of only two fully bulk-billing medical clinics in Warrnambool, WRAD Health faces challenges in ensuring the service’s viability but says it’s important that is stays for the community.
The clinic is used by about 2700 people each year for general medical support and now has eight doctors on staff.
While other local medical clinics offer mixed billing, only WRAD Health and Gunditjmara are fully bulk billing. Australia has reportedly lost more than 400 dedicated bulk-billing GP clinics in the past year.
A Guardian Australia analysis of bulk billing only clinics on the Healthdirect service finder GP database between 2023 and 2024 found 455 GP clinics switched from fully bulk billing to a mix of bulk billing and out-of-pocket fees in the year to February.
In addition, 114 bulk-billing clinics were no longer on the register, having either closed or been removed for other reasons. However, 124 clinics switched from mixed billing to fully bulk billing, while 35 new dedicated bulk-billing clinics were added to the register.
WRAD Health’s determination to stick with bulk billing comes despite tough financial challenges.
CEO Mark Powell said the organisation’s mission was to provide accessible services to the local community.
“We’re a not-for-profit organisation and running bulk billing practices are a service to the community first and foremost, ensuring access to healthcare for those vulnerable people unable to pay out of pocket,” he said.
“We want to be as accessible as we can to the community and believe that bulk billing is one way of achieving that. Access to free healthcare given the current financial pressures means people can get medical care in a timely way.
“It can prevent the need for more costly healthcare such as going to hospital.”
Mr Powell said he was aware of cases where people had avoided going to a doctor because they were worried about costs but eventually had to go to hospital to have the problem treated.
Bulk billing clinics increase accessibility to affordable health care, encourage regular health check-ups, support vulnerable people and families, a comprehensive care approach to chronic disease management, and reduce healthcare costs.
“Especially in regional areas like Warrnambool, where income levels may vary and access to healthcare can be limited, bulk billing practices play a crucial role in providing necessary medical care to a larger portion of the population.”
Despite the importance of bulk-billing clinics, more are finding it is no longer financially viable to be bulk-billing-only general practitioners.
WRAD Health says the community can play its part in retaining this local service. “It’s nice for the local community to know there is a bulk billing service here. That’s something for the community to be proud of and support,” Mr Powell said.
He admitted maintaining the clinic was challenging. “We are covered through Medicare for the doctor’s time but there are other aspects of a consult that aren’t funded,” Mr Powell said.
“If the community wants the services of WRAD Health to grow, it needs to show its support. If people value having this free service in the community, they can donate by contacting info@wrad.org.au.
Mr Powell said there were still misconceptions about WRAD Health, with some people not realising it is a general medical clinic.
“The change of name from Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre to WRAD Health was to address that and show we are delivering more general health care,” he said.
“The medical practice runs as a general medical practice and people attend for a vast array of medical reasons including mental health concerns, management of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases, skin health checks, sexual and reproductive health, procedures and immunisations.”
Mr Powell also laid to rest any misconception that bulk billing GP services are not as good as clinics that charge gap fees.
“We have well-respected and experienced doctors who have been in the community for many years and we reinvest in their knowledge and development. The service here is as good as any clinic.”
WRAD Health has eight full and part-time doctors and also hosts GP registrars. “The feedback from our doctors is that they love working here. They appreciate what we are trying to achieve for the community and find it a positive environment to work in.”
WRAD Health is also a strong supporter of training and development and regularly hosts registrars and doctors in training.
For Mr Powell, providing affordable care to the community is part of the attraction of WRAD Health.
“Personally, I really enjoy working for an organisation that has these kinds of values and is working to support the community and the feedback from patients is also very positive.
“People appreciate that they can seek the care they need without worrying about financial barriers.”
Additional information: Gunditjmara provides fully bulk billing services and headspace is fully bulk billing for people aged under 25.
“I am beyond disappointed that The Lookout has once again been overlooked in the 2024-25 Victorian State Budget but remain committed to making this essential residential rehabilitation facility a reality.
This disappointment is in my capacity as CEO of WRAD Health and also as a former Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Clinician, where I know the absence of this facility will cost lives and continue to tear apart families.
But I will not lose hope. The Lookout represents a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with addiction in south-west Victoria. With the support of government funding and community stakeholders, we can transform lives, strengthen communities, and pave the way towards a brighter, healthier future for all.
I stand ready to continue these conversations so that instead of community disappointment again in 12 months’ time, we are sitting down with architects to make The Lookout a reality.
I will continue working with the Victorian State Government to ensure The Lookout is a reality in the 2025-26 State Budget.
The need for a dedicated AOD Residential Rehabilitation facility in south-west Victoria has been evident for more than a decade. WRAD Health has been pursuing the development of The Lookout for more than seven years, driven by a comprehensive demand analysis that underscores the urgency for such a facility in the Great South Coast region. It is well supported by a range of community services and community members with more than $1 million pledged or donated to get this project off the ground.
The statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by our communities.
In 2023, WRAD Health’s AOD clinical services delivered 826 treatment episodes, with alcohol being the primary drug of concern for 53% of cases. Unfortunately, demand outweighs treatment provision.
Health perspective data from 2012-2021 shows;
• There were 8,302 hospitalisations where drugs were the main reason for admission in Warrnambool, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Corangamite and Moyne.
• For a similar time period there were 5,844 alcohol and drug related ambulances attendances across Warrnambool Moyne, Glenelg, Corangamite, and Southern Grampians.
Further, there were 2,173 deaths related to alcohol and illicit drugs within the Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool areas. These numbers do not reflect road deaths, but where is our ‘Towards Zero’ campaign?
Criminality has also seen an increase. In Warrnambool we have seen an overall 13.8% increase in offending with rates of Family Violence up 18.5%, higher than state average with women 81% of the affected family members. Incidents involving assault are up, incidents involving breach of family violence orders are up, drug possession is up. Similarly in Glenelg, increased rates of breach of FV order and drug possession as well criminal damage.
The absence of a dedicated AOD Residential Rehabilitation facility exacerbates these issues, leaving individuals and families without access to the crucial support they need to overcome addiction. Without proper intervention, the cycle of substance misuse perpetuates, leading to further strain on healthcare systems, law enforcement, and social services.
The Lookout, spearheaded by WRAD Health, aims to address this pressing need by providing evidence-based, proven treatment in a supportive and therapeutic environment. By offering comprehensive programs tailored to individual needs, including counselling, medical services, and supported accommodation, the facility will empower individuals to reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society without the need to return to substance use.
Despite repeated calls and extensive efforts, the lack of commitment from government bodies to support the establishment of the facility is deeply concerning. It is imperative that stakeholders recognise the urgency of the situation and allocate the necessary resources to bring this vital project to fruition.”
Injecting room campaigner to inspire Warrnambool residents
One of the leading campaigners behind the creation of a medically supervised injecting room in Richmond hopes to inspire Warrnambool residents to keep up their campaign for the Lookout residential rehabilitation centre.
WRAD Health and the Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre will host author Judy Ryan at the library from 5-6.30pm on Tuesday, April 16.
It is first in a new series of “Sticky Subjects” panel discussions at the library that will invite the public to explore their way of thinking about complex issues.
Ms Ryan says her message is simple – if she can identify a problem and do something about it, so can others. “I will tell my story as an accidental activist and then throw it open to the audience – is there an issue here and is there something you can do about it?”
During her Warrnambool presentation, Ms Ryan will be joined by WRAD Health CEO Mark Powell and program manager for Brophy Family and Youth Services’ youth AOD program DARE, Jess Moloney, who will talk about the local drug and alcohol situation.
Ms Ryan said the campaign for the Lookout residential rehabilitation centre was a great example where “people can become activists without marching up and down the street”.
“It can be as easy as contacting your local politician; we can change the world just by doing that.”
Ms Ryan released her book ‘You Talk We Die’ last year, received an OAM in 2022 for services to community health and has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel overseas in late 2024 to learn how drug-impacted communities engage governments to save lives using health-based solutions.
She said Warrnambool people could follow her lead in successfully campaigning for a much-needed health facility.
Originally from country Victoria, after raising her family Ms Ryan moved to Melbourne in 2012 and saw a problem and realised something needed to happen.
“I’d lived in Richmond in the late 70s and knew there were drugs, but after we moved here in 2012, I was totally shocked at the extent of the public health crisis. We couldn’t get in or out of our homes because someone had overdosed. Non-medical people like me were going up to people who were slumped over to see if they have a pulse, ring 000 and stay with them until the ambos came.
In 2016 she came home and found a young man collapsed at her back gate. “That was my turning point. People are dying in our streets and no-one is doing anything. I said `they’ should do something and my husband John Riddiford said `who’s they’?
“I didn’t see the people with addiction as junkies; I saw them as someone’s child or grandchild that needed some help.”
Ms Ryan googled heroin overdose deaths and saving lives and found the Sydney injecting room. “I thought, that’s what we need in Richmond…but what could I do?”
She stood as an independent local government candidate on the single issue of a supervised injecting facility in Richmond and polled better than expected, giving her a mandate to continue. She visited the Sydney injecting room and found it treated people with respect, kept them alive and offered them support to get off drugs.
“I brought together a group of people I met during the election campaign and we ran community forums and a rally in 2017. It was a great community building experience and that changed the government’s mind, along with three coroners’ reports recommending a facility.”
The safe injecting room opened as a trial in 2018 and became permanent in 2023.
Despite some negativity, Ms Ryan says it has been a success. “Trained staff have managed nearly 8,000 overdoses, with no deaths in the facility. Two independent reviews have been very positive. Generally speaking, people living near the facility are pleased as it has reduced the amount of people injecting, overdosing and dying in their gardens and carports.”
Ms Ryan is also involved in the campaign for another supervised injecting room in the Melbourne CBD.
She says it’s up to local communities to push for facilities if they’re needed. “It’s about evidence,” she said. “There’s no use sending country people to other areas for support. People need to be near their families to get the support they need. It just doesn’t work to send someone from the country to Melbourne.”
For bookings visit:
https://warrnamboollibrary.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=790979
or contact the library on 5559 4990.
Speaking on the eve of International Family Drug Support Day on February 24, Mr Powell said WRAD Health strongly supported the engagement of families and recognised the important role they play in the care and treatment of anyone struggling with substance disorders.
He backed calls from Family Drug Support (FDS), for more recognition of the voice of families.
Founder and CEO of FDS, Tony Trimingham OAM, who started the organisation after the death of his son Damien 25 years ago, said it was now abundantly clear that the national drug policy debate was missing a critically important voice – families.
“When a family member is badly impacted by substance use, it can break you. It can break relationships. It can break families. Broken families weaken communities and are often hard to see, because we’re all very good at hiding the issue.
“It appears everyone has a say on our current drug policies, including politicians, police, religious leaders and media commentators, yet families are too often left out of these discussions, despite being the people, along with the people using drugs, most affected by the current policies.”
Mr Trimingham said that in FDS’s recent Voices to be Heard Survey of more than 600 family members affected by someone else’s drug and alcohol use, families were unambiguous about their deep dissatisfaction with the status quo regarding drug policy.
“This was especially the case with the zealousness of government to pursue the punitive responses rather than those of compassion, which are far more effective in reducing harm and exacerbating problems for families.”
In looking at the results of the survey, families overwhelmingly support the following: • Needle & syringe programs (87.5%) • Pill testing services (85.7%) • Pharmacotherapy (methadone, buprenorphine etc.) programs (86.3%) • Medically supervised injecting centres (83.1%) • Medicinal cannabis (83.9%) • Prescription heroin programs (74.8%)
In addition, families wanted to see resources allocated to harm reduction strategies by a factor of almost 7:1 when compared to law enforcement strategies.
The reality being experienced by families from the extraordinarily harmful legal consequences of drug use resulted in families overwhelmingly supporting the legalisation of cannabis and strongly supporting the decriminalisation of all currently illicit drugs.
Furthermore, it is also clear that families often try tough love approaches (60%) when trying to deal with drug and alcohol issues with family members but find them to be ineffective and problematic. As a result, families become far more in favour of strategies that encourage connection and coping (86%), with as few as 10% continuing to support tough love approaches.
Mr Powell said the survey shows families support a harm reduction approach. “They recognise that a punitive approach to people with addiction is unhelpful and doesn’t engage them into treatment, creating even greater risk.
“This is echoed people working in the field.”
WRAD Health has been facilitating groups for families for several years and recognises the impact and distress families face and some of the barriers to treatment for them including feelings of anger, guilt, shame and stigma.
“Hopefully days such as IFDS bring a spotlight to their experiences and further breakdown those barriers,” Mr Powell said.
WRAD Health continues to support and advocate for focused interventions for families and significant others of someone using substances.
Emergency call 000
For medical issues call South West Healthcare 55 631666
For mental health issues call SWH emergency dep't 55 631 666 or 1800 808 284
For drug and alcohol issues call Directline 1800 888 236
For Lifeline call 13 11 14
Or click on the links below for help.
Recent Comments