Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said the funding has been made available through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) grant round for Bushmob Incorporated, which is based in Alice Springs and provides enhanced access to clinical services for young people aged 12-25 years old suffering substance abuse.

“$1,564,741 over three years will go towards ongoing operations of the 20 beds at the at Bushmob Youth rehabilitation centre.

“As well as providing youth alcohol and other drugs early intervention, treatment and prevention programmes; the centre has a full time doctor and a psychologist who offers both individual and group sessions.

“The centre also runs outdoor activities such as a bush camp, horse program and sports. This is such a vital service that will help young people turn their lives around and escape the horrors of drug abuse.

“In addition to the $1.5m for the 20 beds, $324,650 is going to support the media room at the Bushmob rehabilitation centre.

“The media room is a key engagement strategy to promote literacy and education with their clients and gives access to computers, graphics and music for the youth as they undergo their treatment.

“The funding provides for a contribution towards the costs of one staff member, for purchase of relevant software and some equipment to support the work they do,” Minister Scullion said.