AADS Background

The Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service (AADS), formally known as Noongar Alcohol and Substance Abuse Service Inc. (NASAS), is an Incorporated Body empowered to operate under the Associations and Incorporations Act of Western Australia 1987, and has been incorporated and operating since 1989.

The AADS organisation has based itself and its services within a working model that meets high standards for “Cultural Security” and offers treatments, education programs, Yarning (counselling) and a range of natural healing therapies that have always been at the heart of Aboriginal life.

Art, music, story telling, ancient wild flower healing, cultural history based education and reconnection programs, hot rock massage and other therapies such as Kinesiology are all being embraced and used by AADS to place Indigenous people within familiar surroundings when using our services.

The organisation is Aboriginal managed and controlled and operates under the guidance of nine Aboriginal Board of Directors who are elected by the corporation members, at an Annual General Meeting of the organisation, to oversee management of the assets, services and affairs of the organisation.

Through the involvement of Aboriginal Board Members, who meet monthly, AADS ensures that it has a strong process for community consultation and planning. AADS also has developed a format for an "Indigenous Youth Forum" attached to the "Get On Move On Program" - Youth Services which will encourage youth leadership and consultation about AOD programs and services that suit young people.

In 2004-2005 the construction of the new AADS building in Royal Street was completed, (211 Royal Street, East Perth WA), which gave the AADS Board, Staff and clients a great deal of pride and satisfaction.

The new building is strategically located on land of cultural significance to Aboriginal people, neighboring Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation, Department of Community Development, Western Australian Health Department, Department of Education and Training, Central TAFE Campus and the Wellington Square which is an important place of rest and relaxation to Indigenous people.

With its new building AADS has an opportunity to consolidate existing programs and to develop new and exciting services and partnerships.