Services

Project SUNRISE

Project SUNRISE is a collaborative initiative involving the African Australian Welfare Bureau Inc., Odyssey House Victoria, Youth Support & Advocacy Services (YSAS), and the Positive Mental Health Program (PMHP). This project aims to deliver a culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and innovative outreach service and education program aligned with the goals of the Victoria African Community Action Plan (VACAP).

As an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) initiative funded by VACAP, Project SUNRISE is committed to achieving the following objectives:

  • Enhance the understanding of alcohol and drug-related harm within African Australian communities.
  • Improve access to health services, treatment, and rehabilitation pathways.
  • Build trust between service providers and African Australian communities.
  • Increase service providers’ awareness of substance use issues specific to African Australian communities.
  • Contribute to sustainable, long-term improvements in the cultural competency of service providers.
This evaluation aimed to assess the effectiveness of Project SUNRISE in achieving its intended goals, focusing on objectives 1 and 2. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation was conducted in two phases. Phase One involved interviews with project stakeholders and youth outreach workers, along with analysis of administrative data. Findings revealed that alcohol and cannabis were the primary drugs of concern among young Africans accessing the service. Project SUNRISE has successfully engaged and connected with young Africans, but there is a need for greater community access, as trust is crucial for family engagement and successful interventions.
A key strength of the project is its African-led partnership, which has led to significant community engagement and perceived benefits, such as reduced contact with health and criminal justice systems, workforce upskilling, increased awareness of drug-related harms, and better access to support and mainstream services. However, challenges remain, including a lack of culturally appropriate services, family attitudes, and limited resources and funding. While significant progress has been made, further efforts are needed to strengthen ties between communities and mainstream AoD services to improve access.
Download Evaluation Report 2024