Gippsland Indigenous Dual Diagnosis Program

Gippsland Primary Health Network

Culturally safe and appropriate services designed for and by the Gippsland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community

Gippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN) identified the need for an Indigenous Dual Diagnosis Program to be directly commissioned within the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have access to culturally appropriate services. The program aims to contribute to an innovative, effective and quality mental health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) service for the Gippsland community.

A one-on-one engagement approach with each ACCO was undertaken to collaboratively develop the program. Three of the five ACCOs in Gippsland applied through a competitive limited procurement process and were commissioned to deliver the service. The development of the Indigenous Dual Diagnosis Program evolved with different needs identified in each Local Government Area (LGA). This resulted in workforce models being customised. For example, two providers collaborated to deliver a mirrored service with a clinician and peer support worker.

Following the initial codesign process, continued collaboration saw the program guidelines developed by all providers, resulting in selfdetermination for each community.

The Indigenous Dual Diagnosis Program steering committee was formed and developed to include not only those providing the service but all five ACCOs. The steering group sought to address needs, challenges and barriers of delivering the program.

As part of the development of targets for the program, a collaborative approach and process was undertaken to ensure KPIs were culturally appropriate, meaningful, and outcomes focussed.

One of the identified barriers was the issue of clients being unable to attend appointments due to sorry business and family support issues. Processes

As part of the development of targets for the program, a collaborative approach and process was undertaken to ensure KPIs were culturally appropriate, meaningful, and outcomes focussed.

were subsequently established to follow up with clients, working with them on solutions to support attendance through a holistic approach to care.

The Indigenous Dual Diagnosis Program has delivered more than 1300 occasions of service in the 2020-21 financial period. Based on qualitative data, the commissioning of ACCOs has proved to be of great value in delivering culturally appropriate and safe services and the inclusion of family support ensured a whole of person approach to care. Local Aboriginal persons were also employed in peer worker positions, which provided upskilling opportunities in the mental health and AOD sector. ha

The artwork for the Indigenous Dual Diagnosis Program was designed and painted by local Indigenous artist, Alfie Hudson. Painter, dancer and artefact maker, Alfred (Alfie) Hudson, lives and works in Bairnsdale, Victoria. He is associated with the East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation. Having learnt about his culture throughout his life, Alfie frequently depicts traditional imagery and themes in a colourful contemporary and distinctive style.