Chris Picton MP
Minister for Health & Wellbeing
Geoff Brock MP
Member for Stuart

Friday 29 September 2023

The Malinauskas Labor Government has committed more than $3 million over three years to deliver four new drug and alcohol rehabilitation beds in Port Augusta.
It brings the total number of beds at the Footsteps – Road to Recovery Rehabilitation Service to 16 – a 33 per cent increase.
The service is a partnership between SA Health’s Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA), and not-for-profit organisation, the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council.
It provides a safe space for all South Australians living on the Upper Spencer Gulf to get the help, treatment and 24 hours a day, seven days a week support they need for drug and alcohol related issues.
The new beds demonstrate the State Government’s commitment to working in partnership with local organisations to provide effective alcohol and other drug treatment programs to the community.
It is part of a $26 million investment to increase alcohol and other drug support and treatment services across South Australia.

Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
Drug and alcohol dependence have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. This is why we made a significant commitment at the last election, to provide more services in both metropolitan and regional communities to meet the demand and help people access treatment and support when they need it most.

We are not only increasing the number of drug rehabilitation beds in Port Augusta, but also ensuring a full range of services are in place to deliver appropriate care and support to individuals battling the cycle of addiction, and their families.

Quotes attributable to Geoff Brock
I congratulate the State Government for providing these much-needed services in Port Augusta.
This sort of facility has been required for many years and providing local residential rehabilitation means increased support for those who use alcohol and drugs in their own community.

Quotes attributable to DASSA Interim State Director, Kurt Towers
The availability of residential rehabilitation care will ensure appropriate treatment is available to those people living in regional South Australia who use alcohol and drugs and are seeking long term treatment options to address this.
Thank you to the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council for partnering with us to deliver these beds and the Footsteps – Road to Recovery Residential Rehabilitation Service.

Quotes attributable to DASSA Clinical Director and Addiction Medicine Specialist Physician, Dr Victoria Cock
Residential rehabilitation programs aim to create lasting change and reintegration into the community and are an essential part of the treatment journey for those who use substances and are seeking to make long term change.
Expansion and increased availability of these services for regional South Australians is a very welcome and important service for these communities. The value cannot be underestimated.

Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Scott Wilson
We would like to thank the Government for delivering on its election commitment to increase the availability of residential rehabilitation beds in the Upper Spencer Gulf region of South Australia.
We know based on clients attending the Footsteps – Rehabilitation Centre that clients come from across South Australia and beyond and the additional four beds will ensure that we can meet the ever-increasing demand for this type of service.
It also means that we can expand our workforce of highly trained alcohol and other drug workers with this additional funding and look forward to working collaboratively with Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia and the broader State government agencies in helping to Close the Gap.