First Step Program - Needle & Syringe Program

First Step Program - Needle & Syringe Program provides a vital harm reduction service aimed at reducing the health risks associated with injecting drug use.

The program offers sterile needles, syringes, and other injecting equipment free of charge, alongside safe disposal options to help prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses and infections.

Staff provide confidential advice, support, and referrals to health and treatment services, promoting safer practices and improved wellbeing.

The service plays an important role in community health by supporting individuals to make safer choices and access further care when needed.

For more information, please contact us or see below.

Services provided

• Free sterile needles, syringes, and other equipment
• Vending Machines- 24hrs access
• Support and referral
• Education
• Group education
• Hepatitis C testing and treatment
• Nyxoid (overdose reversal nasal spray)
• Outreach
• Needle clean ups
• Servicing Helensburgh to Ulladulla

How to access

Primary Offices:

Port Kembla Hospital
89-91 Cowper St
Warrawong
Phone: 0411 408 726

The Orana Centre
2 Rawson Street
Wollongong
Phone: 02 4254 2782

Call for a list of locations from Helensburgh to Ulladulla

Vending machine access (24 hours a day, seven days): 

• Wollongong Hospital (a pack of five syringes costs $2.00)
• Shellharbour Hospital (a pack of five syringes costs $3.00)
• Bulli Hospital (access is free)
• Shoalhaven Hospital (access is free)
• Milton Hospital (access is free)

Resources

• Brochure - First Step Program
• Hepatitis Australia website
• Ending HIV website
• NSW Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) Outlets