A proposal for a new residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Kempsey has been put directly to four NSW Government ministers.
Member for Oxley Michael Kemp brought government and local health leaders together on Wednesday, September 16, to discuss plans for the proposed Durri Healing Centre.
The meeting included the ministers for Mental Health, Health, the North Coast and Families and Communities, as well as representatives from Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service and the Mid North Coast Local Health District.
It follows Kemp raising the need for a rehabilitation facility in NSW Parliament on June 2, when he backed calls for investment in a locally led approach to addressing addiction, offending and disadvantage in Kempsey.
“It is not every day you can get four Ministers around a table to hear directly from the people who are working on the ground in our community,” Kemp said.
“I’m grateful that we were able to have that conversation, and even more importantly, to have Durri there to put their proposal directly to the Ministers.”
Durri ACMS CEO Paul Morris presented plans for the Durri Healing Centre, a proposed 10-bed residential rehabilitation facility.
The centre would provide a culturally safe, Aboriginal community-led environment combining drug and alcohol treatment with mental health support, cultural connection, life skills, education, vocational pathways and structured aftercare.
While the proposal has a particular focus on Aboriginal men and young people, Kemp said the facility would be available to anyone who needs support.
“This is fundamentally about giving people in Kempsey another pathway,” Kemp said.
“We can keep talking about the problems in Kempsey, or we can start investing in practical solutions.
“If we can give someone the support they need before they end up in prison, or help them stay on the right path when they come out, that is a good outcome for them, for their family and for the whole community.
Kemp thanked ministers Janelle Saffin, Ryan Park, Rose Jackson and Kate Washington for attending the meeting.
“Getting the right people around the table and having this proposal heard is a really positive step forward,” Kemp said.
“Durri has been doing the work on the ground for years, and Paul and his team have a clear vision for what this centre could become.
“I will keep pushing for this because I genuinely believe it could make a difference to Kempsey.”
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