Training package aimed at minimising Aboriginal drug abuse

12/12/96

The State Government today launched a new culturally appropriate training package designed to minimise alcohol and drug-related problems in Aboriginal communities throughout the State.

The Minu Warni - or Together Learning - resources kit includes educational material on a variety of topics including tobacco and alcohol usage, which will be disseminated into the Aboriginal community through trained Aboriginal health and welfare workers.

"This Government has recognised that treatment in hospitals is not always the best way to address alcohol and drug problems experienced by some Aboriginal people," Mr Prince said.

"Our experience and advice from the Alcohol and Drug Authority Aboriginal staff shows that Aboriginal health workers with the right skills and support, are in the best position to deliver services which work.

"What is critical is that counsellors are well-informed, appropriately trained and accepted by the community in which they live."

Mr Prince said the Minu Warni package would be a valuable resource for Aboriginal people.

The initiative, which included a 13-step manual and videotape to assist Aboriginal counsellors, was prepared by the Alcohol and Drug Authority and Curtin University.

Some Aboriginal staff had already been trained to use the kit and had passed on information to Aboriginal health workers.

Mr Prince said the kit included information on substance abuse, how community action could help address the problems and what happened to the minds and bodies of people who used alcohol and drugs.

"The kit recognises that factors such as a detachment from traditional land, lack of work opportunities, poor housing, racism and inappropriate education contribute to the complex reasons for alcohol and drug abuse within the Aboriginal community," he said.

The first stage of the Minu Warni project included training 23 Aboriginal people from throughout the State.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300