Darwin’s only sobering up shelter, residential rehab and detox (Stringybark) has been forced to close with 6 weeks’ notice so that the government can build yet another prison.

It is clear that these services will be left fighting for scraps when it comes to alternative locations. 

It is likely that the replacement detox beds will take medical beds at RDPH in a hospital system that is already far over capacity.

There seems to be no current plan for an immediate replacement for the sobering up shelter or the residential rehab. 

Where does this leave those 40 people who were seeking long term support in their rehab journey? Where does it leave those people who would seek help at the sobering up shelter every night?

With the health system in crisis, homelessness services completely overwhelmed and our police force stretched every single night, this is a complete disaster. Not only for all those who require these services, but also for all of our hardworking frontline workers.

A current RDH Emergency Department nurse has said:

“My colleagues and I are horrified that the government would close down life-saving services while our Emergency Department is overrun. 

Our patients deserve treatment that actually works, addressing their underlying alcohol dependence, And our ED can’t afford this extra pressure. We can’t keep putting bandaids on complex issues, we need to support vulnerable people when they need it most.”

We can’t put people’s lives on the line for political gain, and yet this is exactly what the Labor government is prepared to do.

Sign our petition to tell our government that we want essential alcohol and drug services to be fully funded to keep our community safe.