Key messages
The Department of Health is committed to providing culturally safe and responsive alcohol and other drug (AOD) services for Aboriginal people living in Victoria.
We recognise self-determined, culturally safe mainstream and Aboriginal-specific services are central to supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples and achieving the government’s commitment to Closing the Gap.
Aboriginal Victorians can seek AOD support through a number of publicly funded mainstream services, and Aboriginal-specific services across the state.
Terminology
The term ‘Aboriginal’ is used to refer to all Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria. We recognise this language may not always reflect the identities and preferences of all Aboriginal Victorians.
Where to go for support
If you would like more information or a referral to an AOD service, you can contact via phone or online, visit your , or your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
If you would like to learn more about alcohol and other drugs, health and wellbeing and how AOD treatment services work, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation have a range of resources specifically for Aboriginal people which can be on their .
If you want to talk to someone about your AOD use or any other wellbeing needs, you can call and Yarning at any time for free and confidential counselling.
About Aboriginal alcohol and other drug services
All services are expected to provide culturally safe environments that meet the needs of Aboriginal people who use AOD. Aboriginal-specific services accept referrals from intake services, self-referrals, and direct referrals from other services.
Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing are being integrated into care, with services led by Aboriginal organisations in partnership with mental health and AOD services through a shared vision for Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing in Victoria.
There are a number of commonwealth and state funded ACCO and ACCHO services available to support Aboriginal people across Victoria. The Victorian Government supports the delivery of:
Aboriginal AOD workers
Aboriginal AOD workers based in ACCOs and ACCHOs across Victoria who provide culturally responsive support to individuals and families.
There are also three regional Aboriginal AOD nursing teams based in Mildura, Shepparton, and Bairnsdale provide holistic, culturally appropriate care.
Aboriginal Metropolitan Ice Partnership (AMIP)
The AMIP aims to strengthen partnerships and referral pathways between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal services for better access. The program provides assertive outreach, tailored support and builds the capacity of non-Aboriginal AOD services to provide culturally responsive care.
Sobering facilities and places of safety
A 24/7 dedicated sobering facility and place of safety for Aboriginal people is now based in St Kilda as part of Victoria’s health-led response to public intoxication. There are also on demand regional places of safety where outreach teams can support Aboriginal people if they cannot safely return home.
Services for Aboriginal young people
Aboriginal-specific AOD services for young people focused on strengthening young people’s connections to their community and culture. These include:
- Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing , a statewide 12-bed residential rehabilitation for Aboriginal young people aged 16 to 25.
- Baroona Healing , a residential cultural healing place for Aboriginal young people aged 14 to 22 facing substance use, justice, and child protection issues.
More information on AOD services for young people can be found on the Services for young people page.
Reviewed 12 February 2025