Concern over Redfern needle exchange
Redfern residents have been caught up in a divisive dispute over the controversial new Syringe and Needle Program that’s planned for this troubled inner city area. Designed to replace the current mobile needle exchange service operating out of a van, the new program will be part of a health centre sited outside Redfern station. Redfern has a bad reputation as a centre of drug use in Sydney … and The New South Wales’ Premier’s Department announced the new service in response to the findings of last year’s inquiry into the Redfern Riots. But the development proposal has been met with a mixed response … some have attacked it on the grounds that it will bring more drugs into the area, whilst others have highlighted the potentially huge public health benefits it could bring. Peter Valilis, Project Manager at Aboriginal Housing Company, spoke to The Wire Christine Baker.