Last week, we had the pleasure of officially opening ACSO’s Shellharbour Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Hub, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how the event unfolded. The event was well-attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including local MP Anna Watson, representatives from Justice Health, Corrections, and Community Resorative Centre, all of whom contributed to the warm and supportive atmosphere that made the opening such a success.
The Shellharbour AOD Hub is a vital part of Premier Chris Minns’ initiative to establish 12 new AOD Hubs across regional and rural NSW, a response to the 2018 Special Commission into Ice Addiction. This commission highlighted the urgent need for better support services, especially considering that about 80% of people in NSW prisons require AOD assistance.
The event opened with a Welcome to Country by local elder Uncle Richard Davies, which was followed by a series of insightful speeches that contributing to a broader understanding of the importance of this new Hub. Our CEO, Vaughan Winther, shared his vision and excitement for the Hub, emphasising the crucial role it will play in the local community.
Our Chief Strategy Officer, Larissa Daniel, spoke passionately about the importance of fostering local connections. She highlighted how integral these connections will be in ensuring the Hub’s success and in making a tangible difference in the lives of those in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
A particularly moving speech came from Karina, brought to life the very real challenges that our services aim to address, and her story underscored the importance of the work we’re doing.
Karina is a Wiradjuri Ngunuwal woman who has witnessed firsthand the impacts of intergenerational incarceration and the structural inequities of the criminal justice system. These experiences have driven her to join ACSO’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel and pursue a double degree in psychological science and social science, majoring in criminology.
One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity to network with fellow service providers and community members. The conversations were both inspiring and productive, sparking ideas on how we can collaborate effectively to support individuals in need of AOD services. It’s clear that this Hub will be a cornerstone in the effort to provide comprehensive care for people in the Illawarra.
The positive energy from the event has already translated into action— we’ve received quite a few referrals since the opening, which is a fantastic start! This immediate response reinforces our belief in the necessity and potential impact of the services we’re offering.
With ACSO’s 40 years of experience and our ongoing presence in the Illawarra since 2016 through employment services and our youth mentoring program, BOOST, we’re well-positioned to make a meaningful difference. The Shellharbour AOD Hub will provide comprehensive services, including assessment, counselling, and care coordination, to support individuals in the region.
Chantelle Miller, our General Manager of AOD and Mental Health, shared her journey with the program from its inception. She highlighted the collaborative efforts that made this Hub a reality and expressed our collective commitment to creating a safe and empowering environment for our clients.
“Our goal is to create a service where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to make positive changes,” Chantelle said.
“We work with people regardless of their background, accepting referrals from justice services, other health and community services, or self-referrals. From the moment of intake, through comprehensive assessment, counselling, and care coordination, we aim to help individuals reclaim their lives and build brighter futures.”
Chantelle also took the opportunity to thank our key partners, including the South Coast Correctional Centre, Wollongong and Nowra Community Correctional Services, the Community Restoration Centre, and St Vincent de Paul Society. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.
Opening the doors to the Shellharbour Hub is not just about providing another service, it’s about building a stronger, healthier community where individuals can find the support they need to make meaningful change.
The Shellharbour Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Hub delivers a free and voluntary service for individuals that are concerned about their substance use.
A suite of AOD treatment and support options will be provided, including assessment and psycho-social interventions such as counselling, as well as care and recovery coordination. A collaborative treatment plan will be developed to support participants to reduce harms associated with their substance use, and work towards increased health, linkage to other services, social connections, and provide opportunities for ongoing recovery.
For more information, email ShellharbourAODHub@acso.org.au
