Delivery of Aboriginal Community Connectors Program services in Derby to Garl Garl Walbu Alcohol Association Aboriginal Corporation

About

Department of Communities awarded a contract to Garl Garl Walbu Alcohol Association Aboriginal Corporation for delivery of the Aboriginal Community Connectors Program in Derby.

The program aimed to reduce the number of Aboriginal people who came into contact with the justice system, prevent crime and victimisation in Aboriginal communities, and ensure coordination with other community support and law enforcement services.

It was a place-based, non-coercive community intervention and support initiative focused on improving personal and community safety for often vulnerable, at-risk adults and youth experiencing challenges related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD), violence, and mental or physical health issues.

Under the contract, the Connectors Program delivered essential front-line services including transport to a safe place, diversion from unsafe situations, referrals to complementary services, mediation or de-escalation where it was safe to intervene, and assistance for community members to attend local events and activities.

The program was community-led and delivered by a local Aboriginal organisation that employed respected local people to provide support to clients whose circumstances included alcohol consumption, use of other drugs and substances, anti-social behaviour and mental health issues.