Namatjira Haven
Gulgihwen means “change” in the traditional local language.
Our Program is designed for Aboriginal men aged 18 years + and is intended to provide education and support towards addressing the issues of substance misuse and related harms such as criminality, and to improve health and well-being.
With the support of experienced Staff we offer a compassionate and culturally focused professional program of change, centered on self responsibility to achieve your goals in healing.
In the 1960s Pastor Frank Roberts, his brother Fletcher Roberts and a group of community members were concerned about the impact alcohol was having on the Aboriginal community.
Their vision was to have a place of healing, a special place where people could have time out to work on their issues. After many years of hard work and lobbying government departments, funding was granted and Namatjira Haven was opened on 12th May 1979.
Today Namatjira Haven provides residential programs for Aboriginal men requiring assistance in dealing with substance misuse, abuse and domestic violence issues. The centre currently has 14 beds and is located on NSW North Coast 2.5kms from Alstonville. Our healing centre also provides outreach family health and wellbeing support services to family members of residents.
Namatjira Haven Drug & Alcohol Healing Centre is situated on Widjabul/
Wyabul land in the rolling hills of the Far North Coast of NSW at Alstonville mid-way between Lismore and Ballina.
Set in peaceful rural surrounds, Namatjira Haven is close to major Centres, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle to allow you a quiet opportunity to consider and discuss the changes you need to make in your life.
Our “Gulgihwen Change Program“ is intended to provide education and support towards addressing the issues that have lead to problematic substance use and to im- prove health and well-being .
With the support of experienced Staff we offer a compassionate and culturally focused professional program of change, centered on self responsibility to achieve your goals in healing.
How long is the Namatjira Haven Program?
There is no set program length. 6-8 weeks for under 21 year olds and there are options for 4-9 month residency for men addressing complex substance misuse and associated issues. We have very few justice funded beds and the average stay for those beds is 3 months.
Honesty, Confidentiality, Respect, No Vio-
lence, Trust, Self Responsibility
Respect , trust, self responsibility, confidentiality and hones- ty are essential elements of our healing process. We treat beaches of confidentiality seriously, however we will share information among the Team and with other professionals with your permission in the interests of your healing. We will advise authorities in respect of child protection and self harm concerns to meet our legal obligations.
Visitors
Visiting hours are on Sundays between 12.30. and 4.30pm. And every second Saturday 12.30 to 4.30pm. No visitor is allowed entry who is under the influence of any substance. Residents are responsible for their visitors and children at all times. Visitors are not to enter any rooms apart from the dining area. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Visitors outside of these times must be pre approved by the Manager.
Residents and staff are responsible for all household cleaning and personal hygiene.
Smoking – Namatjira Haven is a smoke free site. There is a designated smoking area for smokers. We will encour- age you towards tobacco reduction or cessation while at Namatjira Haven to improve your health and finances.
Laundry – You are responsible for your laundry. You will be supplied with laundry liquid on arrival. Further bottles you will need to purchase.
Shopping – You will have twice weekly access to shops to obtain personal items however you must be aware that our locality does not allow for daily shopping so you must manage your personal needs.
Banking – you must arrive with a current keycard and Medicare card. We have no banks in our area and if you regularly put money in another persons account you will need to set up online banking prior to entry. See your bank for this.
Leave – No leave is granted before 10 weeks unless for compassionate reasons. If you are on MERIT your court appearances are adjourned until you have finished your program.
Namatjira Haven (Alstonville, N.S.W)
Maximum Number of Residents: 14 +
Age Range : 16 Years +
Approximate Payment : 65% Of Centrelink
Length of Stay: 3 Months for Justice Referrals, 6-8 weeks Under 21, 4-9 Months for Men
Types of Treatment: Alcohol/Drugs/Gambling/Smoking
CONTACT:
108 Whites Lane (PO Box 14)
Alstonville NSW 2477
BUNDJALUNG COUNTRY
AUSTRALIA
P: (02) 6628 1098
F: (02) 6628 0520
If any information is inaccurate please contact here.