The Queensland Government is delivering a new Alcohol and Other Drug service to better meet the health needs of people within the Ipswich Local Government area and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service region. The new IRRWS will deliver withdrawal management and care, as well as a rehabilitation program. The new centre will be a place for adults experiencing problematic substance use to voluntarily engage in treatment and support.

It is proposed that the new service will be constructed at 47-57 Wildey Street, Raceview. It will include:

• accommodation for up to 35 adults as part of the rehabilitation program, and a 10-bed withdrawal unit
• an administrative building with a reception for clients and visitors, office space, parking and overnight accommodation for staff
• kitchen, dining and laundry facilities
• a treatment project area for rehabilitation clients and spaces for recreation, program activities and cultural components of care.

The purpose of the IRRWS Working Group is to manage and monitor project activities at the local level, under direction from the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch and Health Capital Division.

Initially, the working group will meet monthly, with the frequency increasing to fortnightly. A meeting schedule will be set in advance. WMH will provide administrative support, including management of the agenda and recording of the minutes from each meeting.

Working group meetings will allow for an opportunity to work on key priorities and actions identified and any timeframes set by the group or directed by Health Capital Division or the Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch, with guests and content experts attending on an as-required basis.

By establishing the IRRWS Working Group, we aim to ensure that residential rehabilitation and withdrawal services are tailored to meet the needs of the local community.

Members will have the opportunity to engage at various levels of the engagement spectrum. This may include the most basic form of engagement (to be provided with information) through to the most empowering form of engagement (co-design and patient/community led). Consumer and community representatives can share valuable insights from their experiences as consumers, carers and community leaders, which will help to inform how we plan for and deliver the IRRWS services.

We strongly encourage people 18 years and over who have themselves experienced problematic alcohol and/or other drug use, and people who may have engaged directly or indirectly with (such as a family member, carer, loved one) a residential rehabilitation and withdrawal service.

Members are expected to participate in all meetings – monthly to commence with, then increasing in frequency to fortnightly. Meetings will be held both face-to-face (infrequently) and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Representatives will receive $40 per hour, for meeting attendance, preparation time (including revision of meeting papers), travel time and meeting attendance, in accordance with the WMH remuneration procedure.

As a member of the working group, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded people to inform the design and delivery of the IRRWS. Benefits of being part of the working group include:

• helping to make a real difference for consumers accessing Alcohol and Other Drug Services in the West Moreton region
• connect with other passionate individuals in the West Moreton community to deliver on a much-needed service for the community.

Help others in your networks to have a voice in planning for future healthcare services for the West Moreton community.

• position description (PDF)
• expression of interest online form
• expression of interest form (DOC)