Published: 27 Mar 2012
A new office and a third accommodation premises for Hunterlink Recovery Services was officially opened in Newcastle yesterday.
A joint initiative of the MUA and the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division, Hunterlink Recovery Services supports local residents in the challenging transition from intensive substance abuse rehabilitation back to workplace and community life.
The new Hunterlink Recovery Services office at Newcastle West, was opened by the Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson, while Hunterlink’s third supported accommodation premises, Dual Diagnosis House, was opened by Shadow NSW Minister for the Hunter, Linda Burney. Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate gave the closing address.
MUA National Secretary and Hunterlink Chair Paddy Crumlin said the rehabilitation and counselling services had opened new pathways of recovery to people in the region.
“A few years ago, the message we were getting from union members in the Hunter was that there was a real gap in the services available to working men and women who were in transition from rehabilitation to treat substance abuse, and associated mental illness, back into the workplace and community life,” Mr Crumlin said.
“Today, to see Hunterlink grow so rapidly from a pilot into a strong and vital community service, with three supported accommodation premises, fills me with enormous pride.”
“The residential treatment provided by Hunterlink offers people the opportunity to remain within a supportive treatment and recovery environment while building a strong foundation for recovery,” added Crumlin.
