Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers (ALOs) are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the ACT that are accessing or needing to access mental health, justice health, or alcohol and drug services within Canberra Health Services. ALOs work closely with health professionals within these services, as well as staff in community organisations, such as Winnunga Nimmityjah, Gugan Gulwan, and other agencies to support your ongoing health needs.

ALOs work collaboratively with your treating team to support you and your family/carers. This support may include:

• providing emotional, wellbeing, social and cultural support to you and your family
• supporting Women’s/Men’s Business
• providing you with information and connecting you with relevant Canberra Health Services and/or community services
• being a liaison between the mental health/justice health/alcohol and drug services and you and your family
• supporting ward or community day program groups and activities.

Accessing the service

You don’t need a referral to access this service. Ask to speak to an ALO whenever you use a mental health, justice health, or alcohol and drug service. Our ALOs visit a number of our services, including:

• Adult Mental Health Unit at Canberra Hospital
• Adult Community Mental Health Teams
• Alcohol & Drug Services at Building 7 at Canberra Hospital
• Alcohol & Drug Services Counselling and Treatment Service
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams
• Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit at University of Canberra Hospital
• Adult Mental Health Day Service at University of Canberra Hospital
• Dhulwa Mental Health Unit
• Alexander Maconochie Centre
• Bimberi Youth Detention Centre.

The ALOs also provide outreach to relevant community organisations.

You can also access an ALO by calling 02 5124 1739 during business hours and asking to be directed to an ALO.

Operating hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 4.51pm

Contact details

02 5124 1739