Over the last year, the Social Shift Institute, a division of Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) has collated regional data on alcohol and other drugs in the Hinkler region. The resulting report- The State of AOD: Hinkler Report 2024- highlights the challenges in our community around substance misuse and calls for innovation and action in supporting people experiencing these issues.

Understanding the Landscape of AOD Use in Hinkler

Some telling key statistics from the report reveal:

• A quarter (25%) of residents have engaged in risky drinking over the last year
• 1 in 9 residents smoked daily (11.5%)
• 1 in 6 residents used illicit drugs (6.7%)

Some key groups are affected more by substance misuse including First Nations people where more than 1 in 4 use illicit drugs (28.8%), young people 18-24 years old where more than 1 in 3 (34.6%) use illicit drugs, and LGBTI+ individuals, where 47.4% use illicit substances.

The Impact on Our Community

Substance use does not occur in isolation—it affects families, workplaces, and entire communities. According to the report, almost half (46%) of Hinkler residents have a family member or friend struggling with alcohol issues, a quarter (25%) with drug issues, and 31% with smoking or vaping problems. These numbers remind us that behind every statistic is a person—a loved one, a neighbour, a colleague—who deserves compassion and support.

To effectively tackle AOD-related issues, we must continue to move towards evidence-based, health-focused solutions. The National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 outlines three key pillars in addressing substance misuse: demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction. A balanced approach incorporating all three is necessary to create lasting change in the Hinkler region.

A Call to Action: Community-led Solutions

The State of AOD: Hinkler Report 2024 is more than just a collection of statistics- it is a call to action. How can we, as a community, better support those experiencing substance misuse and move away from the stigma and judgement that can often be a barrier for people to seek help.

HBNC’s Social Shift Institute is encouraging organisations to use the data in the report to develop innovative projects that will provide early intervention as well as holistic, complimentary supports to existing AOD services. As a Brokerage Organisation for the Department of Social Service’s community-led support fund, Hinkler is one of only four regions in Australia to receive targeted funding to address key entrenched social issues like substance misuse.

The community-led support fund is open to a wide range of applicants including community organisations, service providers, local government, and business. This scope ensures that those who understand the unique challenges of our region are empowered to implement meaningful solutions.

“The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is human connection”. 

Through the community-led support fund, Hinkler has a unique opportunity to become a leader in how we support those experiencing substance misuse to be less isolated. Imagine a future for our region where every person has the support they need to lead healthy, well lives.

Get Involved

If you or your organisation have ideas for addressing AOD-related challenges in our community, we invite you to apply for funding through the Social Shift Institute.

For more information or to access the full State of AOD: Hinkler Report 2024, please follow the link below. To apply for funding, contact The Social Shift Institute. 
www.socialshift.com.au