A new community Haven for Bourke
The Orana Haven Hub Alcohol and other Drug (AoD) Support Service Drop-in Centre opened to the public on Bourke’s Oxley Street last Friday.
The new iteration of Bourke’s supportive community hub aims to provide a culturally safe space for community members.
The chance to wind down and relax is also part of the appeal, according to Danielle Caruana, Acting Hub Project Manager.
“In one form, the hub has been operating in Bourke and surrounds since 2008,” Ms Caruana said.
“For a long time, we provided a support service in case management. We still do, but then got funding to open a drop-in centre for our community members to come and feel comfortable, talk about their problems, and potentially get some support.”
Providing a comfortable atmosphere has been paramount.
“We’ve got pool tables and an art area. We just wanted to create a space where people could come and chill and talk about their problems,” Ms Caruana said.
“In a small community like ours, there’s limited places to hang out so we wanted to provide just that little bit extra so people felt comfortable to come forward and seek support and help for their addiction problems.”
Ms Caruana said alcohol and drugs services can be stigmatized in communities, but the new Hub is looking to change that. […]
Read more in the printed edition of The Western Herald.
To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!