Gambling, Alcohol & Other Drug Services Team
Vision Statement: A Safe, Healthy Inclusive Community
The GADS team is a very diverse group of professionals who have combined their strengths to create a comprehensive range of services for people experiencing addiction problems, whether in substance use or in gambling. They are also focusing on prevention, and early intervention, by providing education and support programs across the region. GADS team members are proactive in providing resources and opportunities to various community groups to assist in getting the message across to those who need to hear it.
Alcohol & Other Drug Acquired Brain Injury
Specialist drug and alcohol assessment, treatment and monitoring of ABI clients to ensure appropriate treatment and therapeutic interventions. Interventions aim to address alcohol and substance abuse issues to improve the health and wellbeing of clients by ensuring appropriate services are delivered to support the client.
Contact: Stawell 5358 7400, Horsham 5362 1200, Ararat 5352 6200
Alcohol & Other Drug Counselling, Consultancy & Continuing Care Service
A free confidential service for individuals, couples and families affected by their own or somebody else’s drug or alcohol use. Information, counselling, assessment, outreach, referral and ongoing case management.
Available Stawell, Horsham and Ararat other areas by appointment.
Contact: Intake worker Stawell 5358 7400, Ararat 5352 6200 or Horsham 5362 1200
Driver Education Program
GCH offers a fully accredited Driver Education Program and assessment service for those who have lost their license because of a drink driving charge. Available in Stawell & Ararat & Horsham or by appointment in other regional centres.
Contact: Liz Greene Stawell 5358 7400 or Ararat 5352 6200
Contact: Thea Farrington, Horsham 5362 1200
Drug Driver Assessment
GCH (Horsham) is an accredited Drug Driver Agency able to conduct assessments for those who have lost their license due to driving whilst impaired or driving under the influence of a drug other than alcohol.
Contact: Thea Farrington – Horsham 5362 1200
Drug Diversion
Is an option for Police or Courts to stream or divert people who may otherwise have been charged with a minor drug offence, into counselling
Contact: Casey Ross Stawell 5358 7400
Contact: Russell Reid Horsham 5362 1200
Gamblers Help
Gamblers Help provides confidential counselling and case management interventions for individuals and families, community education and industry liaison.
Contact: Christine Walker Stawell 5358 7400 and Ararat 5352 6200 &
Carol Henwood Horsham- 5362 1200
Home Based Withdrawal Service
To provide support and encouragement to withdraw from alcohol and other drugs. Provide assessments for detox and residential units. Pre and post support from detox. Assist in supporting the families of the users during the withdrawal phase.
Contact: Withdrawal Nurse Wendy Phillips, or Case Worker Craig Jackson
Stawell 53587400 Intake worker - Horsham 5362 1200
Responsible Gambling Interest Group
Group runs bi-monthly in Horsham that works in conjunction with industry, problem gamblers and interested community members. RGIG provides community education and information for the wider community.
Contact: Carol Henwood Horsham 5362 1200
Needle Syringe Program
Confidential non-judgmental approach to this public health program. Users can pick up clean needles and syringes and dispose of old ones; it is also used as an opportunity to update users on the latest in harm minimisation information.
Available Stawell and Horsham, Contact: Intake Duty worker Stawell 5358 7400 and Reception Horsham 5362 1200
QUIT Smoking
Counselling Available. Information is also available for people concerned with their own or others smoking.
Available Stawell, Ararat, St Arnaud, Elmhurst, Lake Bolac, Beaufort/Skipton, Horsham.
Contact: Stawell 5358 7400, Horsham 5362 1200
Rural Outreach Diversion Worker
Working outreach with young people to 25 years, this program is designed to offer support to individuals with drug related criminal activities. It also involves working with Police, Juvenile Justice, Courts or Office of Corrections to ensure young people who are in this system receive as many treatment options as possible.
Contact: Horsham 5362 1200, Stawell 5358 7400
Youth Outreach Alcohol & Drug Counsellors
To work with young people who experience alcohol and drug problems or at risk behaviours, provide therapeutic support, education to the client and their families in the wider community and also to liaise & work closely with schools in the region.
Contact: Lori Hetherton Horsham 53621200, Tania Hager Stawell 53587400
