Across rural, regional and remote towns, frontline workers see the same pattern every week, people doing their best to rebuild their lives while facing challenges that would overwhelm most of us. Many are sleeping rough or moving between temporary accommodation. Others are trying to regain stability after leaving custody. For many, alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependency sits alongside trauma, mental health issues, and a history of disadvantage.
Despite a range of AOD services in South Eastern NSW (SENSW), too many people still miss out on the support they need. Distance, limited transport, financial costs, and having to navigate a fragmented service system make it harder for people to stay engaged. For rural and regional communities, these barriers lead to poorer health outcomes, reduced continuity of care, and increased pressure on local providers already stretched thin.
COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, introduced AOD Innovation Grants to support practical, community-led models that improve access for priority populations and strengthen the sustainability of services in small and dispersed communities.
One of these initiatives is the Salt AOD Wellbeing Program, delivered by Salt Care. Its experience shows how targeted, locally-informed investment can create meaningful change.
A local response reflecting community realities
Salt Care developed the AOD Wellbeing Program after seeing an increase in people presenting with AOD concerns while experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Many had been released from custody without a clear pathway to treatment, leaving them vulnerable to relapse and re‑offending. Staff knew that without stable accommodation and consistent support, recovery is difficult to sustain.
The program supports trauma-informed, person-centred, wraparound support with safe housing, structured therapeutic support, and practical help to reconnect with family, community, and services. The team focuses on stability first, daily routines, and trusted relationships.
Salt Care builds on local strengths including existing housing, trusted community networks, and partnerships already in place. This keeps the service accessible and financially viable despite a small population base.
Meeting people where they are
Economic barriers remain one of the biggest challenges in rural AOD care. If someone can’t afford fuel, loses access to a phone, or moves frequently between temporary accommodation sites, they often drop out of treatment altogether.
The team provides weekly outreach to Safe Shelter Shoalhaven, temporary accommodation sites, Salt Assisted Housing, and local community housing. By showing up consistently in places where people already feel safe, staff build relationships early and reduce the pressure on individuals to navigate the system alone.
Salt Care works closely with GPs, justice services, housing providers, and Aboriginal organisations, ensuring people are not lost between services. For small and dispersed communities, this collaboration is key to service continuity and long-term viability.
Evidence of impact
Early results highlight its value with 35 clients supported and 430 episodes of care provided to date. Feedback has been consistently strong. People report increased confidence, improved emotional regulation, and stronger connections with staff and peers. Many describe the program as a turning point, providing stability at a time when their lives feel especially uncertain.
John’s experience illustrates this. He first engaged with Salt Care through temporary accommodation. Initially quiet, he gradually engaged with staff and joined the Wellness AOD program. During his first group session, he disclosed childhood trauma, and staff provided support using a trauma-informed approach. He was linked with Salt Care’s psychologist and committed to weekly sessions, showing gradual improvement. After six weeks of consistent engagement, he was offered a room in the AOD house, providing structure and stability. John now meets with the AOD coordinator every second day, demonstrating increased confidence, insight, and engagement with his recovery.
Why this matters for rural Australia
Salt Care’s work highlights what rural communities already know: people do better when services reflect their realities. Flexible, relational, community led approaches are essential in places where distance and workforce shortages make traditional service delivery difficult.
The AOD Innovation Grants have enabled Salt Care to support a model that is practical and grounded. The insights emerging from this work will inform future commissioning aiming to ensure investment reaches the people who need it most.
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