Local Health Forums help shape the future of alcohol and other drugs support

In April, a total of 90 people attended three Local Health Forums across Bowral, Campbelltown and Bankstown to share their experiences with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and discuss how to improve the health of our region.  

The forums provided a valuable space for open discussion, bringing together a diverse cross-section of our community.  

Each attendee brought a unique perspective into the barriers people face when accessing AOD services and how local supports can better meet the needs of our diverse population.  

During the forum, attendees heard from SWSPHN’s Mental Health and AOD Team Lead, David Donatini, who spoke about the growing need for a strong and responsive local health system.  

“In 2023, 16.8 per cent of people in our region were drinking at levels exceeding the national guidelines,” he said.  

“For every 100,000 people in South Western Sydney, 363 were hospitalised due to alcohol-related harm.  

“But this isn’t just about statistics; it’s about real people, real families and real communities affected every day.”  

Feedback gathered from these forums will help inform the SWSPHN Health Needs Assessment, which explores our region’s priorities, service needs and gaps.   

Thank you to all who contributed.   

We look forward to sharing the summary report with you soon. 

Have your say to help improve the health of our region

If you couldn’t attend the forums but still want to share your thoughts, we invite you to complete our online survey.