New alcohol, drugs withdrawal service for the Kimberley

By PETER ROWE

The WA State Government has opened the first-of-its kind Aboriginal community-controlled withdrawal service in Kununurra.

Delivered by Wunan, the Kimberley Withdrawal and Intervention Centre will provide a low medical withdrawal service in the Kimberley region, offering the local community a safe place to withdraw from alcohol and other drugs and stabilise before receiving further treatment.

“The opening of this service maps a new direction for intervening in alcohol and drug issues in rural and regional areas of Western Australia,” Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.

“As an Aboriginal community-controlled withdrawal service, Kimberley Withdrawal and Intervention Centre will provide a safe space for people withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs.”

The model aims to keep people with mental health and alcohol and other drug issues connected and close to home.

State government has provided $7.8 million for the service.