Thirteen years on, she has become part of a dedicated team fighting for the development of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre especially for Aboriginal women. 

Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation, also known as the Glen Centre, wants an initial investment of $4.5 million to establish NSW’s first Aboriginal community controlled drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre for women, and an ongoing investment of at least $1.5m per year to operate the centre.

The centre will initially treat more than 80 women per year, with the potential to help over 2000 clients in 10 years’ time if investment is ongoing.

Members of the South Coast Aboriginal Medical Service, the Glen Centre, the University of Wollongong and Waminda gathered on Wednesday to discuss the impacts a rehab centre would have for Aboriginal women not just on the South Coast, but across the state. 

Data over the past two decades shows the rate of Aboriginal women in NSW with drug and alcohol problems is growing. The incarceration rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women has increased 148 per cent since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

A feasibility study recommends a holistic approach that requires not only the establishment of the first Aboriginal community controlled rehabilitation centre, but multiple outreach centres strategically located throughout NSW to support women before and after treatment.

Waminda CEO Faye Worner said the push for an Aboriginal women’s drug and alcohol rehab services began 30 years ago. 

“The community really needs to be able to access services that are holistic and look at the needs of women and their families before they go into rehab, while they’re in rehab and what happens for her and her family once she comes out,” she said. 

“It’s really crucial that we have that wrap-around service for women so they can become the person they want to be, and that the trauma that leads to drug and alcohol addiction is addressed.” 

Ms Bailey, who is also one of the directors at the Glen Centre, said she wanted to be an example for women around her who are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. 

“I’ve worked with so many women but it’s about not leaving the children behind, and having a culturally appropriate rehab to go to,” she said. 

“That’s why I’m fighting so hard for this rehab centre, and I won’t give up.”

Janet McKinnon, a board member and treasurer at the Glen Centre, lost her daughter, granddaughter and son to alcohol and drug abuse. After her granddaughter passed away, she took over the guardianship of her great granddaughter. 

Her great granddaughter turns 16 this year, and Ms McKinnon is worried another one of her family members could fall into drug and alcohol addiction. 

“I am very worried about her,” she said. 

“I think there are a lot of parents out there who fear for their children growing up now because of the drug situation.” 

Ms McKinnon said Aboriginal women struggling with addiction were often thrown into jail, which only made their lives worse. 

“Putting them in jail is more expensive than running a rehab centre for these women,” she said. 

“It’s frustrating it’s taken this long because the situation is just getting worse for our women.” 

The feasibility study was prepared by Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation, in consultation with over 300 women, including Indigenous Elders and more than 40 organisations from community groups, peak bodies, researchers and service providers.