How the Bottom-up Approach is Saving Lives - Uniting’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre

Behind an unassuming door in the heart of King's Cross in Sydney lies the only place in New South Wales where it is legal to inject drugs: the Uniting Medically Supervised Injection Centre. "The Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (Uniting MSIC) is a compassionate and practical health service that seeks to connect with people who inject drugs and welcome them in a non-judgmental way." Their team provides holistic lifesaving support, with dignity and respect.

This centre serves as a hub of activity for a community that all share a common adversity, leading to a sense of belonging and understanding that may not be found elsewhere in a world that actively criminalises the activities of the community.

Matt Dibbayawan is the Health Education Team Manager at Uniting MSIC, and overseas health education and promotional activities, even facilitating tours of the centre so that people can better understand. Matt is keenly focused on fostering a safe environment for people that is entirely free of judgement, deciding to hone in on the element of harm reduction.

Additionally, Matt oversees the "Art from the Heart of the Cross" initiative run by Uniting MSIC, where clients of the centre create unique and amazing pieces of art that are then exhibited and available for purchase, with all of the funds being given directly to the artists.

Hear how Uniting MSIC has carved out an entirely unique corner of Sydney and created a community unlike any other in New South Wales.