Our Journey from 1988 to 2019

"From Little Things Big Things Grow"

1998 – 1990

The Beginning 

A group of forty local Aboriginal people met to discuss their concerns that mainstream services were not responding effectively to the needs of Aboriginal people in the area of alcohol and substance abuse.

The Noongar Alcohol and Substance Abuse Service (NASAS) was set up to cater more appropriately to Aboriginal needs. NASAS was established as the first and only Aboriginal owned alcohol and drug service in Perth.

1990 – 1999

A decade of expansion 

The 1990’s was a decade of great expansion and growth with NASAS receiving their first government grant. This allowed NASAS to hire three full time staff members, marking the beginning of staff expansion.

The organisation moves from 207, Beaufort Street, to 176 Wittenoom Street (now Yorgum). This is where NASAS remained until 2005. NASAS was presented the title deeds for 211 Royal Street, from the Aboriginal Land Trust in 1999. This enabled development of our East Perth hub as we now know it.

2001 – 2002

Welcoming Wooree 

In 2001 NASAS formally adopted management and delivery of the Wooree Miya women’s refuge.

2002 – 2005

The Eveline Centre era 

NASAS expands to deliver a Sobering Up Shelter service called the Eveline Centre in Midland. The centre operates until to 2006.

2005 – 2010

From NASAS to AADS

In June 2005, NASAS changed it’s name to Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service Inc. (AADS) to better reflect its client base and a more inclusive service. In September our new location at Royal Street, East Perth was officially opened by Tony Abbott, Owen Hansen, and Tony Walley.

2010 – 2011

We reach 21 years of service 

In 2010, AADS celebrated a monumental 21 years of service. This milestone was marked by an organisational review including rapid expansion of services.

Daniel Morrison becomes CEO. During the 2010/2011 financial year, AADS adopts a new strategic approach, setting the tone for what was to come.

2011 – 2013

We launch 4 new programs  

2011 saw the commencement of four new programs and AADS membership more than doubled. AADS’s hard work and efforts were rewarded by winning the NAIDOC Not-for-Profit Award.

2013 – 2014

Accreditation 

In 2013, AADS was accredited under the internationally recognised Health and Community Services Standard. This exclusive accreditation is only available to strong organisations focussed on continuous quality improvement.

2014 – 2015

Winning an award 

Winner of the Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) Alcohol and Other Drug Excellence Award in the category ‘Aboriginal: Outstanding Outcomes for Aboriginal People.’

2015 – 2016

Strategic Plan Launched for the next 5 years 

The Strategic Plan 2015-2020 was launched. Building on the ambitions set in 2010, this is the plan that enabled AADS to grow to the organisation Wungening is now.

2016 – 2017

Growing, Upgrading and Improving 
  • The Beyond Youth Justice Service (BeyondYJS) is established in a consortium model between Centrecare, Uniting Care West, and AADS.
  • The AADS Royal Street building in East Perth, was fully refurbished with an upgraded IT system ready for the next exciting chapter.
  • AADS staff are described by the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) Standards and Accreditation program as ‘Engaged and committed to working towards the organisation’s mission and vision.’

2017 – 2018

The biggest year ever 
  • Wooree Miya moves to a purpose built property doubling the number of people supported. It becomes the highest funded refuge in WA.
  • AADS, as part of a consortium, leads ReSet.
  • AADS, as part of a consortium, leads Wungening Moort
  • AADS is part of a consortium led by Centrecare, delivering services to families
  • AADS changes name to Wungening Aboriginal Corporation. “Wungening” is the Noongar word for “healing” and reflects the broadening of the organisation’s overall purpose from delivering alcohol and other drug programs to a holistic service addressing the intergenerational trauma that underlies the majority of health, justice, social and wellbeing issues affecting Aboriginal people today.

2018 – 2019

Establishing new services 

Wungening establishes ReSet, Wungening Moort, and the Alliance Programs, leading to huge growth in staff, progression to a place-based community hub model, and increased capacity to support staff training and development.

  • Over 150 staff are on-boarded from 2018 to 2019.
  • Wungening develops an in-house training calendar to build the capacity of these new teams.
  • Wungening invests $38,000+ in development of staff,not including approximately 5,000 hours of staff time participating.

2019 – 2020

Building our capacity
  • Services to over 154,000 people (150,000+ at prison visitor centres).
  • Services across 13 sites with 180+ staff.
  • Services across the AOD, Child Protection, Family Support, Family and Domestic Violence, Emergency Relief, and Justice sectors
  • Revenue of $22.4 million.
  • Launch of the Emergency Relief Program.
  • QIC accredited and commended organisation
  • Strategic Plan commits to becoming the ‘GO TO for AOD.’
  • CEO recognised by EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and WA Business News Rising Star Awards.