THE Oolong Aboriginal Corporation will continue its work assisting and rehabilitating people with drug and alcohol-related problems for the next three years after gaining more than $2 million in federal funding.
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Oolong House has received $2,166,366 over the next three years to continue its programs.
Oolong chief executive officer and community safety officer Ivern Ardler said the funding was great news for the organisation.
“It will allow us to continue this vital service and help community members with rehabilitation,” Mr Ardler said.
“It is a huge relief to have our funding continued for the 24-place service.
“This funding allows us to continue our programs and also gives us the opportunity to establish a model of service for the organisation, specifically identifying what we do and how we do it.”
He said the funding also allowed the employment of six trainees, creating more training and employment opportunities in the Shoalhaven.
“We have been able to attract six trainees, who will undertake their Certificate 4 in Alcohol and Other Drugs through the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW in Sydney,” he said.
“We recruited the trainees through local firm Habitat Personnel and Sureway Employment and Training.
“They will be in varying roles including administration and therapy.
“We have also employed an external psychologist and a clinical counsellor who is also a registered nurse and an Aboriginal counsellor, so things are certainly going ahead.
“We are looking at growing the Oolong site and making some changes to allow for two more rooms.
“The government has recognised this is as a unique service. We must thank Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis for her ongoing support.
“Her knowledge of Oolong and the services it offers and the support she offers is fantastic.”
Mr Ardler said a proposal had also been submitted to gain funding to create a new purpose built centre for men and women battling addictions, which would be a combined effort by Oolong, Waminda and the Aboriginal Medical Service and the hospital.
“If built the current Oolong location, which was the area’s first hospital, would be maintained and used as a detox centre,” he said.
“Unfortunately we didn’t gain the $13 million in funding we would need for that centre but one day, who knows?”
Mrs Sudmalis said the work Oolong House did to promote individual and community wellbeing was invaluable.
“This money will ensure they can continue to provide culturally appropriate drug and alcohol prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.
