Gandangara Community Healing Centre
Gandangara Healing Centre New Participant Form
Gandangara Community Healing Centre Participant Welcome Pack
Introduction to the Gandangara Community Healing Centre (GCHC)
The Gandangara Community Healing Centre (GCHC) is a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and person-centred service led by Gandangara Health Services (GHS) in partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and funded by the NSW Ministry of Health. II is designed to deliver holistic, recovery-oriented Alcohol and other drug (AOD) services that are informed by lived experience, cultural competency, and local community connection.
At its core, GCHC integrates clinical excellence with Aboriginal ways of healing, providing holistic care that responds to the emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of each individual. Through case management, culturally grounded counselling, peer-led support groups, and family-focused education, the Centre offers pathways to healing and long-term recovery for First Peoples across South Western Sydney.
More than just a service, GCHC is a place of hope, belonging, and transformation - a space where individuals and families are supported with compassion, cultural strength, and respect
Our Mission
We are committed to empowering First Peoples in SWS who are navigating the challenges of AOD-related health conditions. Our approach is holistic and trauma-informed, grounded in strengths-based and culturally informed methodologies that honour each individual's journey towards recovery. We embrace Aboriginal ways of healing in person-centred recovery and the power of connection to culture, family, community, and Country.
Our services are co-designed with individuals who have lived experience with AOD challenges, ensuring our programs are grounded in real-world perspectives. In partnership with the local community and key stakeholders, we strive to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters recovery, resilience, and empowerment.
Our Goal
Our goal is to empower First Peoples in South Western Sydney affected by AOD health challenges through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and person-centred support services. We aim to reduce harm, improve wellbeing, and promote sustained recovery by activating core services that integrate Aboriginal ways of healing, clinical care, and lived experience.
In partnership with community and stakeholders, we also strive to raise awareness, deliver culturally grounded education, and foster a collective approach to harm minimisation, contributing to stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
Our Services
Our services are culturally safe, recovery-oriented, and person-centred - designed to support each participant’s goals, strengths, and cultural identity.
- Case Management
Each participant is supported by a dedicated Case Manager who works with them to identify goals, assess needs, and develop an Individualised Care Plan. The Case Manager provides consistent, tailored support to help participants stay on track throughout their recovery journey. - Care Coordination
Our Care Coordinator helps participants access and navigate services across health, housing, legal, cultural, and community systems. They ensure all supports are aligned, connected, and responsive to the participant’s holistic needs. - Trauma-Informed Counselling
One-on-one support is provided in a safe, respectful environment. Counsellors use strengths-based, culturally grounded approaches to help participants rebuild confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. - 1:1 Cultural Peer Support
A Peer Worker with lived experience provides mentoring, yarning, and cultural guidance. Through shared stories and connections, participants are supported in a non-judgemental space that honours lived experience and cultural identity. - Aboriginal Ways of Healing
Participants are supported through culturally embedded healing practices such as art, dance, yarning circles, ceremony, and connection to Country. These activities strengthen identity, spiritual wellbeing, and belonging. - Peer Yarning Circles
Group sessions offer a culturally safe space for participants to share their experiences, support one another, and foster healing through connection, storytelling, and community strength. - Family & Carer Support
Education and support are offered to families and carers, helping them understand AOD recovery and strengthen relationships with participants through open, culturally respectful conversations. - Education & Skills Building
Programs provide practical skills in harm reduction, emotional regulation, life skills, and relapse prevention, supporting participants to build healthier, more stable futures. - Ongoing Support
Support continues beyond individual programs. Participants are offered ongoing care that evolves with their needs, ensuring continuity, cultural safety, and connection at every stage of their recovery.
Who We Serve
The GCHC is committed to supporting First Peoples across South Western Sydney, with a particular focus on communities within the Liverpool Local Government Area (LGA). Our services are designed to support individuals impacted by alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related health conditions through a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented Model of Care (MoC). We walk alongside participants on their healing journeys by promoting self-determination, holistic wellbeing, and meaningful community connection.
Understanding Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB)
At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the First Peoples’ understanding of Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) — a holistic view of health that encompasses the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural wellbeing of the individual and their collective relationships.
Gumal Mari Dyulu, meaning "belonging together in friendship", embodies our approach and commitment to enhancing SEWB outcomes for First Peoples.
Rather than focusing solely on mental health, the First Peoples’ concept of SEWB recognises the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, culture, Country, family, and kinship systems. It acknowledges that healing and thriving come from strong cultural identity, connection to community, and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for GCHC services, participants must:
- Live within the GHS service areas (GLALC boundaries).
- Be aged 18 years or older (exceptions require formal approval).
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- Be willing to engage in treatment and recovery planning.
- Attend program activities in a safe and supportive manner. Participants may remain in the program but cannot attend sessions if intoxicated or visibly affected by alcohol or other drugs. If this occurs, they may be gently asked to leave for that session and offered appropriate follow-up care and support.
Our Team is Here to Help
At GCHC, our team understands that every person’s journey is different, and our role is to walk beside each person - listening, supporting, and working at their own pace.
Participants are supported by a caring team with both clinical and cultural expertise who work together to support each participant on their healing journey. Every team member brings different experiences, skills, and expertise, and we work together to ensure each person receives the right support at the right time.
Our team includes:
- Program Director
- Practice Manager
- Project Manager
- Care Coordinator
- Case Manager
- Psychologist
- Aboriginal Health Worker
- Peer Worker with lived experience
All of our Gandangara team have a foundation of knowledge in Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB). Our specially trained SEWB team is skilled and dedicated, including Aboriginal Health Workers,Aboriginal Health Practitioner Trainee's, Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists, Exercise Physiologist, Nurses, and more.
To link in with our Gandangara Community Healing Centre team, please give our friendly team a call today. Please call us on (02) 9601 0700 or email gchc@glalc.org.au
