Rehab centre connects Aboriginal people to culture for healing
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In Victoria, Australia, Bunjilwarra is an Aboriginal community-controlled rehabilitation centre helping young First Nations people overcome addiction by connecting them to their culture.
Kane Wandin, a 26-year-old resident, found that embracing his Wurundjeri heritage provided the strength he needed to leave drugs and the streets behind. The centre, located on the Mornington Peninsula, provides a non-clinical environment with culturally relevant activities like art, gardening, and conversations with elders.
Australia is facing increasing rates of methamphetamine use, also known as ice, with consumption levels exceeding those of cocaine. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) estimates the street value of ice at $11 billion over the past year and notes its prevalence in both urban and remote communities. Bunjilwarra and The Glen, another Aboriginal-led centre in New South Wales, are experiencing high demand for their services, often exceeding their capacity to accept applicants.
Experts, including Professor Anthony Shakeshaft from the University of Sunshine Coast, believe that culturally focused rehabilitation programs are effective and economically beneficial. These programs improve overall health and reduce the likelihood of re-incarceration. Mel Bedford of Bunjilwarra points out that providing rehabilitation is cheaper than imprisonment, and supports the healing journey of residents. The centre is already inspiring similar initiatives across the country, with other organisations visiting to learn from its model of care.
