Alcohol & Other Drug Services

Youth Access Program:
The Youth Access Program provides a regional Specialist Youth Outreach Service consisting of 3 Youth Alcohol and other Drug Outreach Workers operating across the Barwon South West Region (Colac - Portland).

The primary purpose of the Youth Access Program is the professional delivery of regional outreach and when appropriate case management for young pople aged between 12-21 with or at risk of alcohol and other drug use issues.

A locally developed model of youth outreach underpins this program.

Youth Outreach Program Geelong:
The Youth Outreach Program aims to facilitate access into alcohol and other drug treatment services for young poeple aged 16-25. The program is based in Geelong and provides assessment and appropriate referrals for young people with identified alcohol and other drug issues.

Youth Outreach Functions Include:

  • Regional Drug & Alcohol Assessment.
  • Outpost, assertive and rural outreach.
  • Facilitate referrals into drug treatment services and provide assertive follow-up.

Youth Outreach Program
Funded by St. John of God Healthcare

The Youth Access Program has received the following service excellence awards:

  • 2005 Rural Victorian Alcohol & DrugConference
    "Making a Difference Award for Excellence".
  • 2006 National Drug and Alcohol Award
    "Excellence in services to young people catergory."

Funded by the Australian Government - Community Safety & Justice Branch

Creative Arts Centre
The Barwon Youth Drug Prevention and Treatment Progrm with funding from the AER Foundation opened a new Creative Arts Centre in 2006. The Creative Arts Centre is designed to foster creativity of young people engaged with Zones and other youth and Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) services, enabling rehabilitation through the arts.

Access Arts Committee:
The Access Arts Committee was established in June 2006 to coordinate and deliver youth art programs & exhibitions in Geelong and surrounding regions. The committee delivers local youth art programs and exhibitions that foster the creative talents of young people, advance health outcomes and rehabilitation and promote community connectedness.

Community use of the Creative Arts Centre is also available through Management.


Barwon South West Youth Alliance (BSWYA)

The Barwon South West Youth Alliance (BSWYA) represents the largest collaboration of drug and alcohol services committed to preventing and reducing drug related harm amongst young people aged 12-21 living in the Barwon South West Region through active community development.

The Barwon South West Youth Alliance is formally represented by 10 health and youth services:

  • Barwon Youth (BAYSA)
  • Western Regional Alcohol and Drug Centre
  • Glenelg Southern Grampians Drug Treatment Services (Quamby)
  • Colac Area Health
  • BrophyFamily and Youth Services
  • Kikkabush Aboriginal Advancement Association Inc.
  • Odyssey House Victoria
  • The Salvation Army Bridge Geelong
  • Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation Inc.

Barwon South West Youth Alliance Newsletters

Funded by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services

ZONES - Day Activities Program
TheYouth Alcohol & Drug Day Program called the Zones Program provides weekly vocational, education, recreation and personal development programs to young people linked with drug treatment servies aged 12-21 years.

ZONES Program functions & activities:

  • Case support and brief interventions.
  • Relapse prevention workshops.
  • Creative arts.
  • Recreational outings.
  • Evening meals.

Funded by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services