Marrin Weejali News and Articles

How to talk to children about addiction with honesty and care

When children ask questions, they deserve answers. We often assume kids can’t grasp tough concepts, but they notice far more than we give them credit for. If addiction is affecting someone close, whether a parent, grandparent, older sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin, it’s possible to speak with our young ones with age-appropriate honesty and care.

Carrying hope into the holiday season

While this time of year is often wrapped in cheer and can certainly be filled with wonderful moments, it can also be a difficult season for anyone carrying private struggles. From mental health concerns to the ongoing work of addiction recovery, it’s perfectly normal to feel less festive. However, you can always hold out hope for the holidays and for better days to come.

The impact of grief and loss on mental health and addiction

Grief naturally follows a significant hardship or loss, such as the death of a loved one, the breakdown of a family, or even a sense of lost identity or purpose. It feels like a weight you can’t quite explain. No two people carry this weight the same, but when left unaddressed, it can deeply impact mental health and increase vulnerability to addiction.

How to rebuild trust after addiction

The wounds inflicted by addiction on a relationship can be painfully deep. Whether the damage was done in a partnership, within a family, between friends, or in professional spaces, trust is often fractured. How to rebuild from here? It’s not an easy process, and it takes time, but it absolutely can be done. Naming the harm is often the first step.

What respect looks like in mental health and drug and alcohol care

Respect is a word often used in care settings, but it means different things to different people. In mental health and drug and alcohol care, it can’t just be said. It must be shown. This is especially true when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where cultural sensitivity and trust are essential.

The role of routine in addiction recovery and why structure matters

Routine plays a valuable role in addiction recovery because it offers stability and structure during chaos. It helps create a rhythm that makes each day more manageable, especially when motivation is low or emotions are running high. It also helps rebuild trust in yourself through consistency, small wins and simply showing up.

Talking about overdose before it’s too late

Talking about overdose can be the difference between everyone being at the next family barbecue and someone being missing forever. On Friday, August 29th, we’ll be hosting an Overdose Awareness Day in partnership with Mt Druitt TAFE and Amcal Pharmacy Emerton. It’s a conversation that matters!

National Sorry Day reflections from Marrin Weejali

On May 26, 2025, National Sorry Day, Marrin Weejali honoured the strength, resilience and healing journey of the Stolen Generations and their families. In collaboration with Deerubin Local Aboriginal Land Council and supported by The Healing Foundation, we hosted a successful event attended by over 150 people.

Take the first step towards healing and reconciliation

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