Ballarat’s First Drug Court Graduate
This month, our office had the great pleasure of attending the Drug Court graduation of Philip Holt at the Ballarat Magistrates Court. It was easily the most rewarding and positive experience we’ve ever had in a Magistrates Court.
We had been assisting Philip for many years and were so pleased to see the enormous change the Drug Court had made in our clients’ lives.
Initially, we assisted Philip back in 2012; at the time, he had a long history of imprisonment, was homeless, had longstanding addictions and children with whom he had limited contact, and, of course, was facing imprisonment again. In mid-2022, Philip was yet again remanded into custody for further offending. Our lawyer, Brooke Tamanika, spoke to Philip whilst he was in custody and explained to him the benefits of being placed on a DATO (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order). Philip explained to Brooke that he was ‘sick of this life he was living and wanted to change’. Brooke appeared before Her Honour Torres and explained his circumstances and why he wanted to be placed on a DATO. Ms Torres accepted Brooke’s submissions, and he was lucky enough to get into the new Drug Court at the Ballarat Magistrates Court.
We are proud to say that at the end of his drug treatment order, he had stable housing, clean drug screens, was living with his family and had completed training so he could help others.
At the Drug Court graduation, Her Honour Torres and his whole support team spoke, and they paid tribute to Philip and everyone involved in helping him. Many people remarked on how bumpy his journey through the early times of the order, but that with perseverance from all involved, he’d gotten through.
It was great to see the summary crime system at its best and see what can be done if we invest in the right things – there were rounds of applause in Court at the end of his graduation, and plenty of happy tears were shed.
We are very thankful for this ‘innovative’ court service for people trapped in the cycle of drug-related re-offending.
If it sounds like something that may assist you or someone you know, please feel free to call our office at 03 5331 7944, and one of our friendly staff can talk to you about this further.
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/helping-more-regional-victorians-overcome-drug-use
