Emerton Amcal + Pharmacy
“Marrin is a safe space and we provide an extension of that safe space here in our pharmacy to Marrin clients.”
About Marrin Weejali
By our people
Tony Hunter knows how it feels to be broken, alone and grieving.
He knows how easy it is to lose yourself to alcohol and drug misuse.
He knows what it means to be without hope.
He knows how important it is to feel culturally safe.
‘Uncle Tony’ founded Marrin Weejali in 1995 as a cultural healing group that met on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Windsor.
After successfully gaining funding in 1996, Tony established a centre for those affected by drug and alcohol misuse from a housing commission house in Emerton.
He fought hard for more funding until the purpose-built Marrin Weejali centre, operating today in Blackett, opened in 2008.
For our people
It’s good to see you at Marrin Weejali.
When you walk through our doors you might be at the rock bottom of your life, but you have come to a safe space and you are among friends.
Our people will care for you and help you to rebuild your life – one step at a time.
Our services are free of charge and clients can refer themselves or be referred to us through an outside agency such as a doctor, the justice system, DoCS or a community group.
Tony Hunter and his team at Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation have worked hard to create meaningful interventions to help clients with problematic alcohol and other drug-related issues.
- Marrin Weejali has worked hard for over 25 years and is motivated by its community and the spirit of its people.
- Marrin Weejali will never give up on this fight against addiction and emotional distress.
- Marrin Weejali will never give up on you or your loved ones in need.
Our purpose - what we do
At Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation, our purpose is to take a leadership role in breaking the cycle of dependency, misery and social dislocation.
We exist to lift Aboriginal People of Western Sydney out of addiction and emotional distress, and into lives that are healthy, dignified and peaceful.
We help repair the shattered spirit and give them hope for the future.
Working with us empowers our people to see that they can change their lives for the better, and live free from the harmful effects of alcohol and other drug misuse.
Our services include:
- Counselling
- Group therapy
- Advocacy
- Referrals
- Building connections with detox, rehabilitation and other service providers.
We tailor our services to each individual client and we respond to changes in our community to stay up to date and culturally safe.
Our vision - why we do it
At Marrin Weejali, our vision is that Aboriginal people of western Sydney live their lives free from addiction and emotional distress.
We incorporate our values of respect for our community, the dignity of our clients and their families, and our observance of Aboriginal spiritual and cultural ways of knowing, to create a safe, ethical advocacy service.
Our collaborations with health, allied health and human services partners allow us to see improvements in community resilience, the restoration of caultural values and in the health, social and emotional wellbeing of our people.
Our programs - how we do it
Our Aboriginal support programs offer a range of interventions to help clients with problematic alcohol and drug use and related issues.
The over-use of alcohol and other drugs affects multiple areas of life for both the user and family members, friends and the rest of the community.
Our effective approach to addressing substance misuse issues includes strengthening and/or restoring the resilience of individuals, families and communities.
Our programs go much further than ‘getting clean’ – they focus on restoring a holistic connectedness to spirit, mind, body, kinship, community, culture and country.
This methodology is rooted in Aboriginal culture and is effective for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients.
We are committed to treating clients with respect and dignity, without discrimination.
Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation is run by our people, for our people to support our clients in a culturally safe way.
Our staff are highly trained specialists, with experience treating clients for problems relating to:
- Addiction and substance abuse
- Gambling
- Grief and loss
- Trauma
- Domestic violence
- Relationships
- Chronic health issues.
We tailor our programs to suit individual needs and to ensure professional and evidence-based practice. We collaborate with a wide range of service providers who deliver services from our centre in an environment of cultural safety.
We gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, within the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.
Our values
- Respect for our community, which provides our motivation
- Respect for the dignity of our clients and their families
- Observance of Aboriginal spiritual and cultural ways of knowing
- Total commitment to the wellbeing of our clients
- Recognition for the efforts of colleagues in creating a harmonious workplace
- Compassion for suffering and loss
- Reuniting with your spirit
- Leadership and innovation in the delivery of culturally safe services.
Partnering with you to build your new life
When you first walk through our doors at Marrin Weejali, we know you are hurting and we understand you are lost.
Our caring team is here to help you find your way home.
At Marrin Weejali we partner with you to build a new life, a life free from the chains of addiction and its related social and economic issues.
Get in touch to get your life on the path of healing and recovery.
Partnership Case Studies
Too Deadly for Diabetes - powerful partnership
“The main thing about Marrin is the way its staff are invested in the local community.”
Penrith Community Corrections
“Marrin Weejali trusts, respects and supports our roles when working with Aboriginal people.”
Take the first step towards healing and reconciliation
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our caring team today.
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