Hoi Sinh LDAT brings AOD education to Adelaide’s Vietnamese and Afghan communities
The Hoi Sinh Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) runs culturally appropriate alcohol and other drug (AOD) information sessions for young people and parents in northern Adelaide’s Vietnamese and Afghan communities.
The LDAT is led by Community Access and Services SA (CAaSSA), which works with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including new arrivals and refugees. CAaSSA’s Practice Manager, My Phuong Sramek, works closely with her colleague Nhung Huynh on the project.
Why the Hoi Sinh LDAT focuses on CALD communities
In many CALD communities, alcohol and other drug use can be hidden and carry stigma, which can make it harder for people to ask for help. CAaSSA set up the LDAT to bring prevention and early support to the communities it already works with.
“We’ve spent many years now working with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation to build prevention and early intervention initiatives for culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” says My Phuong. “We’re really grateful and happy to partner with ADF through the LDAT program and to be able to reach many local communities. That’s our mission at CAaSSA.”
How the LDAT works with communities
The Vietnamese and Afghan communities in northern Adelaide are well established and strong. The LDAT works with them, and with newer refugee and migrant groups, through AOD education sessions for young people and families.
A key to its success is that CAaSSA employs people directly from the communities it works with. The approach is that the answers must come from the community.
CAaSSA’s other programs, in mental health, AOD, community connection and community education, also help the LDAT reach people.
We have many other programs at CAaSSA, which help make the project better. It helps us reach the target group, making the program more successful. My Phuong Sramek, Practice Manager, CAaSSA
What the LDAT achieved
Attendance at the LDAT’s AOD education sessions for young people and families was well above what was expected, and the LDAT has built a strong reputation with local communities.
This story is adapted from the 2023 LDAT Highlights Report.
Last reviewed: 3 November 2026