By Dhabessa Wakjira

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA – For members of the Oromo community in Victoria, the journey of settlement in a new country is often marked by resilience, hope, and hard work. However, it can also come with unique challenges that may, for some, lead to problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. The transition to a new culture, coupled with experiences of trauma, grief, and social isolation, can create significant vulnerability .

The good news is that help is available. While accessing support can be daunting due to language barriers, cultural stigma, and a system that hasn’t always felt welcoming, a growing network of services is working to become more accessible and culturally safe for Victoria’s diverse communities. This guide provides a starting point for Oromo families seeking help.

Why Accessing Help Can Be Harder

Acknowledging the barriers is the first step to overcoming them. Members of migrant and refugee communities, including Oromos, are significantly underrepresented in AOD services. In Victoria, 95% of those seeking help speak English as their first language, indicating that the system often does not feel accessible to those who don’t .

Common obstacles include :

• Stigma and Shame: In many communities, substance use is seen as a sign of weakness that damages family reputation, making it difficult to seek help openly.
• Language Barriers: There are limited AOD resources available in languages other than English.
• Cultural Disconnection: Services can feel too “Angiocentric” and may not cater to cultural practices and norms.
• Fear and Distrust: Concerns about confidentiality and fear of authorities can prevent people from coming forward.

Where to Start: Immediate and Confidential Support

If you or someone you care about needs help right now, these services are confidential, available 24/7, and free. They are the best first point of contact .

• DirectLine is a 24-hour telephone service providing immediate, confidential counselling, information, and referral to treatment services. You can call 1800 888 236 at any time and ask for an interpreter .
• Counselling Online offers free, confidential, professional online counselling about alcohol or drug-related issues, available 24/7 .

Finding Culturally Appropriate Support

The Victorian Government requires all funded AOD services to provide a culturally safe environment . While culturally tailored services are still limited, some dedicated programs exist.

• Muslim Youth, Adult & Families (MYAF) Program
  This federally-funded program is specifically designed to support individuals and families from the Islamic community . It is based in Glenroy and offers:
  • AOD counselling (face-to-face, telephone, and outreach)
  • Assessment and referral to withdrawal and rehabilitation programs
  • Family support workers providing practical help and education
  • Youth AOD outreach for young people aged 15–24
  • Male and female specific support groups
  Contact: 9078 3840 | 831 Pascoe Vale Rd, Glenroy VIC 3046 .
• Step Thru Care (STC)
  This is a new integrated Mental Health and AOD support service being delivered across western Victoria. It is designed to be accessible to priority groups, including people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds . The program does not require a Mental Health Care Treatment Plan to access support .

Practical Steps Forward

If you know someone struggling with alcohol or drugs, here is a path forward :

1. Start with DirectLine: Call 1800 888 236. It is confidential, available 24/7, and they can connect you with services in your area. You can ask for an interpreter.
2. Reach out to Community Organisations: Contact the Australian Oromo Community Association in Victoria Inc. or the Advocacy for Oromia Association. They may be able to connect you with culturally appropriate support or advocate on your behalf .
3. Consider Step Thru Care if you are in western Victoria. This service does not require a referral .
4. If you are from the Islamic community, contact MYAF for tailored counselling in a culturally safe environment .
5. Seek mental health support if needed. Alcohol and drug issues are often linked to trauma. Organisations like Foundation House provide specialised counselling for torture and trauma .

A Statewide Commitment to Change

On a broader scale, the Victorian Government has committed to a $95 million Statewide Action Plan and launched the Victorian Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-35 . This ten-year plan aims to build a more compassionate, coordinated, and connected system with a health-led approach . Key priorities include making services easier to access, strengthening harm reduction, and ensuring culturally safe care .

This commitment is leading to practical changes, such as funding for community health services to expand pharmacotherapy (medication-assisted treatment) for opioid dependence, making it available to an additional 1,500 Victorians . It also focuses on improving coordination across mental health, housing, and justice services to provide holistic support .

Remember: You Are Not Alone

The Victorian AOD system supports around 40,000 people each year . Substance use is a health issue, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness . With the support available, healing is possible.