Show Notes
The dance of closing time must play out before doors are locked for the night. In this final episode, hear about the trouble with closing. Also, find out what’s changed* for the service.
Featuring Clients - Philip, Duane, Aaron Host - Michelle Ransom-Hughes Nurses - Kerry, Jen, Paul, Simon Harm Reduction Practitioners - Tess, Dylan Head of Security - Amri Medical Director- Nico Clarke
Credits Producer/ Writer/ Editor/ Sound Design/ Mix - Michelle Ransom-Hughes Atmospheric Sound - Michelle Ransom-Hughes and Jon Tjhia Mix assist - Dylan Ransom-Hughes Theme - Jen Anderson
Help & Support - Alcohol and Drug Foundation Harm Reduction Australia Lifeline (remember you can call 13 11 14, 24 hours in Australia)
*an earlier version of this episode incorrectly stated MSIR's permanency was granted after the release of the Ken Lay Report, when it was after the Ryan Review.
Thanks (MSIR) Shelley Cogger, Dr Nico Clark, Zoe, Jen Anderson, James, Simon, Lisa, and all the visiting clients and staff on duty, Sunday 26 June 2022; and at closing time, 29 July 2023.
Artwork by Eloise McCullough.
Recorded on unceded Wurundjeri land, produced on unceded Turrbal/ Jagera land.
An independent production of Alongside Radio (Australia), made possible by the cooperation of the North Richmond MSIR. You can support the production here Read the Ryan Review to get more stats and facts about the trial of the North Richmond MSIR
"Since its establishment in 2018, the Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) trial in North Richmond has succeeded in achieving the trial’s central objective: saving lives. There have been almost 6,000 overdose events in the MSIR during the trial, and none has been fatal. Modelling suggests that during its time in operation the MSIR has prevented up to 63 deaths." (p.5 Ryan Review, February 2023)
Music Rom ram rem a computer’s first dream - Zuben Drift - Daniel Birch Computer Dream - The beginning actually - File Under Toner Woodpaths (1974) - Daniel Barbiero (with kind permission) The Shapes That Shadows Make - Daniel BIrch (with kind permission) Nobody Dies Here Theme (Jen Anderson) (original composition)
Thanks to the generosity of all sound artists and musicians who share their work via Creative Commons licenses and help make independent productions viable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Nobody Dies Here: Inside Melbourne's Medically Supervised Injecting Room
A proud Yorta Yorta Tunnarong woman, Ange is Aunty to many in the MSIR community. After an especially tough time and several rehab attempts, she’s ready to make big changes.
John’s history with heroin and other drugs includes making the front page of the Herald Sun after overdosing in a laneway. Having been around Melbourne since the deadly late 90s, he's a staunch defender of the MSIR, and opioid replacement, Buvedal.
Kerin reveals some of her dramatic life story, and how it intersects with her decades-long use of heroin. Now 72, Kerin’s toughness mostly conceals the depth of her losses.
In Zone 4 people wanting to alter their heroin use can start pharmacotherapy within 24 hours. Clients take the lead in managing their health, supported by trauma-informed care. The MSIR’s in-house medical services catch people at risk of falling between the cracks of the wider health system.
Rachael reflects on the relationships and the ritual that draw her back to the injecting room; how some people flirt with death, and why she’s trying opioid replacement, Suboxone.