The peak body for Victorian Indigenous health organisations has called on the state Government to fund a new Aboriginal-led alcohol and other drug (AOD) detoxification and rehabilitation service designed for First Nations women.

Last week, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) launched its Women's AOD Model of Care at the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Partnership Forum in Sale.

The model was developed in response to a recommendation in the inquest into the death of Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson, who died in custody in 2020 while on remand.

Coroner Simon McGregor said Ms Nelson's death was preventable, noting she wouldn't have entered police custody had she been able to access appropriate community-based AOD support.

The AOD model was developed with Victorian Government funding after Aboriginal women raised concerns that existing services were failing to meet their needs, VACCHO Acting CEO Jim O'Shea said.

It combines detoxification and rehabilitation with wrap-around support aimed at strengthening families, improving health outcomes and supporting long-term recovery.

"Far too many women are forced to choose between getting the support they need and caring for their children, while others never access treatment because services do not feel culturally safe," Mr O'Shea said.

"Aboriginal women continue to face significant barriers accessing existing AOD services, including a lack of cultural and clinical safety, inflexible service requirements and the impossible choice between entering rehabilitation or remaining with their children."

Sheree Lowe, the Executive Director of the Balit Durn Durn Centre, VACCHO's social and emotional wellbeing arm, said the AOD model was designed by Aboriginal communities to recognise recovery involved more than simply treating addiction.

"Healing is about Culture, connection, family, housing, wellbeing and ensuring women can recover in an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported," Ms Lowe said.

"The model combines detoxification and rehabilitation with wrap-around supports that strengthen families, improve health outcomes and promote long-term healing."

She said Aboriginal people were experiencing increasing rates of alcohol and drug-related harm, with emergency department presentations rising from 26.5 to 32.3 per 1,000 people between 2022-23 and 2023-24.

VACCHO called on the Victorian Government to provide funding to establish and implement the service, arguing it would be an investment in "healthier women, stronger families and stronger Communities".

"It will save lives," Ms Lowe said, "reduce demand on hospitals and the justice system, and deliver lasting benefits for generations to come".