COONAMBLE’s locally-delivered mental health services experienced a setback in 2020 with the departure of Counsellor Ginny Taylor and later Psychologist Stephanie Ryan from Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) but a new face has now joined the team.
Experienced Counsellor Judy Scolari-Gibson has spent many years working in and with communities in western NSW, including 15 years with the Area Health Service and an association with Aboriginal Medical Services in our region since 2008.
As well as a diverse work history, Ms Scolari-Gibson has a raft of post-graduate qualifications that span loss, grief and trauma, family violence, sexual assault and court support, through to addictive behaviours and ‘forensic healing’ to address stored trauma.
From her base in Peak Hill, Judy will be in Coonamble three days a week working out of the Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS).
“It’s not a new role. The position replaces Stephanie Ryan’s position which was funded under NIAA (National Indigenous Australians Agency) to support those affected by alcohol and other drugs, social issues in general and mental health,” said CAHS CEO Phil Naden.
“The position will work with Jay (Smith) to support the community.”
He says it’s critical to have the service delivered locally.
“It’s important because we need specialised and qualified Counsellors to discuss, in a clinical setting, issues that are challenging for individuals affected by these AOD and mental health issues. The service is also a culturally appropriate service.
“Judy has worked in a lot of AMS’s and she understand the impact of these issues on our communities,” Mr Naden said.
Ms Scolari-Gibson says that being part of the AMS team will be key to the success of any services she delivers.
“Jay (Smith) and Ruth (Luppino) and the staff here are the experts on the ground,” she said. “I’m fresh, so I can come in and provide the support that they know people need.”
“It takes time to build trust in a community. I’m a new person so I’ll be guided by the local staff. I’m here to support them,” she said.
In counselling, Ms Scolari-Gibson says that it can be small stresses and everyday issues that lead people to her door and that her work is based on skillful listening and tried and tested techniques to help restore balance in her clients’ emotional wellbeing.
Part of her role will be to assist people who are in contact with the court system in any way.
“It should be especially helpful for new offenders to get them out of the system,” she said. “But I’ll work with families, couples and individuals.”
“I want to be busy so people won’t have to go to their GP to get a referral first, they can self-refer, and all the members of the AMS and other agencies can bring people to me,” Ms Scolari-Gibson said.
“I can see it having huge potential and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to come and work in Coonamble.”