The Drug and Alcohol Multicultural Education Centre (DAMEC) is a state wide, non-profit, non government organisation funded by NSW Health. DAMEC is a registered charity and its primary focus is to bridge the service gap by assisting and supporting Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (AT&OD) service providers to make a difference to the way they access and service Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) client.

Introduction

DAMEC was established in 1989 as an access and equity initiative designed to facilitate access by culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) clients to alcohol and other drug (AOD) services. In light of this broad objective the organisation has undergone several changes in its approach to fulfilling this mandate. Initially operating through a community development approach, a 1994 review of the organisation's direction resulted in a re-focus to supporting the needs of AOD service providers.

Specifically, the target population was narrowed to health care professionals (these include mainstream health/welfare professionals and community workers/services), rather than to the CALD communities directly. This change in service delivery direction involved a move towards more consultancy and advisory services, including training and information in an effort to assist services make a positive difference in the way they reach and service CALD clients.

Consistent with the approach of the NSW Health Department, DAMEC has adopted the term alcohol and other drugs to describe both licit and illicit drugs. The term licit drugs incorporates alcohol, tobacco and prescribed medicines that are used outside medical advice.

DAMEC works within a harm minimisation framework and believes that while abstinence from problematic substance use is the preferred outcome this may not be appropriate or achievable for all. DAMEC continues to advocate for informed choice regarding alcohol and other drug use.

The changing nature and scope of DAMEC's work is a reflection of the organisation's ability to adapt to the changing needs of the alcohol and other drugs field, and its commitment to the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and quality.

The purpose of this directory is to further improve the quality and accessibility of AOD services and programs for CALD communities in NSW. DAMEC has a commitment to continually review priorities to ensure we utilise the most efficient and effective allocation of resources to achieve our mission of reducing the harm associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs within culturally and linguistically diverse communities in New South Wales.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this directory is accurate, however it is acknowledged that errors and/or omissions can occur. DAMEC accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regards to the information provided or the quality of service provision by the professionals or respective agencies.