Last week, the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector came together for a roundtable event to strengthen collaboration and improve support for local people and communities across Western and Far West NSW.
The AOD Roundtable, held in Dubbo on 23 April, hosted about 30 service providers, clinicians, and sector leaders for a day of shared learning, discussion, and connection. The event was hosted by Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) in partnership with Western NSW and Far West Local Health Districts.
Designed in response to local feedback, the event created an important opportunity for people working in the sector to step back from day‑to‑day pressures and focus on shared challenges, opportunities and solutions.
The event sessions highlighted current trends in alcohol and drug‑related harm and emerging evidence from local research. Associate Professor Julaine Allan from Charles Sturt University shared findings from Western NSW studies, including research demonstrating the positive impact of involving family members in AOD treatment and recovery.
One of the most impactful moments came from Wiradjuri woman Melissa Whitton, who shared her lived experience of overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life. Melissa now works with the More Cultural Rehabs Less Jails initiative, supporting culturally informed and community‑led approaches to healing.
Participants also took part in small‑group discussions focused on workforce sustainability, culturally safe care, trauma-informed care, service coordination, data and outcomes, and the intersection between mental health and alcohol and other drug support.
These sessions highlighted the importance of clearer pathways, better system integration, and stronger collaboration across multiple sectors and services.
The day concluded with clear actions to continue to build momentum, including plans to establish new regional networks and communities of practice aimed at improving coordination and outcomes for people seeking AOD support.
This event marks an important first step towards stronger, more connected alcohol and drug services in Western and Far West NSW – with participants enthusiastic about continuing the conversation and working together to make a lasting difference for the region.
