Tuesday, 12 November 2024

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:36): I rise today to update the house on my recent visit to the Nas Recovery Centre, a vital service provider supporting young people and families from African backgrounds, particularly the South Sudanese community. Nas Recovery Centre exemplifies the value of community-led initiatives in the youth justice system. With their ‘no wrong door’ policy, Nas create a welcoming environment where young people struggling with addiction can access tailored support without fear of judgement. Their programs include substance abuse treatment, counselling and family support services, all provided with deep cultural understanding and empathy. Importantly, Nas also supports families helping loved ones understand how to best support those on the recovery journey. I had the pleasure of meeting with Nyachan Nyak, the founder and managing director of Nas, along with Dr Santino Deng, the chair of our South Sudanese Australian youth justice expert working group.

Our government is proud to support the important work of Nas Recovery Centre and similar community-focused organisations through targeted investments. Nas recently received $85,000 through the South Sudanese community grant program, part of our $400,000 investment in supporting aid organisations committed to empowering South Sudanese youth. These programs are designed to address the social and cultural barriers that too often prevent access to addiction treatment and mental health services. By working directly with communities we are helping to provide young people with the pathways that keep them engaged and supported and ultimately help their families and their communities. These are not simply acts of goodwill. They are evidence-based interventions that promote healthier, safer communities for all Victorians.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend Nas Recovery Centre and its dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters, such as the member for Cranbourne in the other place, the member for Narre Warren South in the other place, the member for Bass in the other place and our very own member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region, Mr Lee Tarlamis. Your work is not just helping individuals, it is strengthening families and communities. You are all truly making a difference.