Garl Garl Walbu Alcohol Association Aboriginal Corporation

Garl Garl Walbu established the Sobering Up Shelter (SUS) in Derby so intoxicated persons, particularly Kimberley Aboriginal people would have a safe, care oriented and culturally appropriate environment for them to have a sleep and sober up. Intoxicated people are admitted so they do not harm themselves and/or hurt other people thus preventing people being sent to police lock-ups. Consequently the highest priority is given to people who are detained under Section 53A of the Police Act (Detention of Drunken Persons).

Services provided

• Overnight accommodation for people intoxicated in public
• Sobering up centre

Target Groups

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with alcohol/ substance misuse problems

Entry Requirements

People can self-refer or be referred by health and welfare agencies or be brought in by police, the Derby Night Patrol and family and friends however beds are always available for police referrals. Local or visiting people who are intoxicated will be admitted if there are beds available and they comply with the admission criteria. That is they are willing to be admitted, have no serious medical conditions on arrival and shelter staff are comfortable that the client has no behavioural or physiological issues that would cause them to injure themselves or others in the shelter.