Brother Larry helps beat drugs

By Nicole Williams
ST JOHN of God Pinelodge Clinic is hosting a drug and alcohol worker from Papua New Guinea.
Brother Larry Wamugl of the Rohanoka Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation centre joined the Dandenong clinic last month for a three month observational placement.
Pinelodge CEO Graham Cadd said he visited the Papua New Guinea centre last year and saw an opportunity to share resources and expertise.
“I was struck by the poverty and lack of health facilities in Weewak but it is amazing what the Brothers have achieved,” Mr Cadd said.
“Meeting Br Larry and the young people who use the Rohanoka service gave me a strong desire to use the service and professionals at Pinelodge to help support and develop the Rohanoka service in Papua New Guinea.”
The observational placement will also strengthen the relationship between the two centres, he said.
“Caregivers at Pinelodge have embraced Br Larry and we are hopefulwith the success of this visit that further observational visits can be arranged,” Mr Cadd said.
During the placement, Br Larry will get an understanding of best practices in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and learn about the management of addictions and mental health illnesses.
The Rohanoka centre is located in Weewak and opened in 1993.
Br Larry said the centre helped young people by providing support and counselling and through the provision of education to groups in the community.