The first safe injecting centre in the Southern Hemisphere celebrates 25 years today at NSW Parliament
Uniting NSW.ACT
Media Release 27th May 2026
The first safe injecting centre in the Southern Hemisphere celebrates 25 years
Uniting will today celebrate 25 years operating the Southern Hemisphere’s first medically supervised injecting centre with an event at NSW Parliament attended by the NSW Premier and politicians from across the political divide.
Tracey Burton, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Chief Executive Officer said: “25 years ago, Uniting opened a door in the heart of Kings Cross, and it changed everything.
“It was the door to the first supervised injecting facility in the English-speaking world and in the Southern Hemisphere – a really profound moment of hope that signified everyone matters.
“We are incredibly proud of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC), its truly inspiring past, our dedicated team and our amazing clients.
“Happy 25th Birthday,” Mrs Burton said.
Dr Marianne Jauncey, Medical Director of Uniting NSW.ACT’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) said: “A quarter of a century ago we imagined that there would be more services in NSW like ours by now.
“We never dreamt of a world where a single sentence in legislation prevents other communities in NSW from exploring their right to welcome people in a way that we know saves lives and changes lives.
“So today yes, we blow out our 25 candles with a genuine sense of pride, but we've also got a question.
“When will every community in NSW be given the chance to open their own door, to create their own space that proudly says to everybody, you are seen, you are loved, and you matter?” Dr Jauncey said.
Emma Maiden, Uniting NSW.ACT’s Director Advocacy and External Relations said: “The statistics tell the story – MSIC has supervised over 1.35 million injections over the last 25 years with over 12,000 overdoses having been managed successfully without a single death.
“Over 27,000 referrals to ongoing care and support.
“Today we celebrate this life saving and life changing health service that does so much more than supervise injections. MSIC creates meaningful connections for its people, and pathways to hope.
“We take the opportunity to again repeat our calls for the NSW Government to finally respond to the report from the Drug Summit in 2024 with a detailed plan, and the required funding to implement the report’s recommendations.
“We also call on the NSW Government to send everyone some birthday cheer by removing that single sentence in an outdated piece of legislation that prevents any other injecting service in NSW besides ours at 66 Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross.
“A simple thing to do, with a profound impact for the people we love,” Emma said.
Details for today’s event below:
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What: |
Celebration of the 25th Birthday of Uniting’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) with Premier Minns, former Premiers, senior current and former Ministers, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, Alex Greenwich MP Member for Sydney, Uniting’s Chief Executive and Board, MPs along with MSIC staff and clients
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When: |
Wednesday 27th May 12:45pm – 2pm
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Where: |
Jubilee Room NSW Parliament
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Media are welcome to attend. If you are able to confirm your attendance this morning, that would be appreciated.
MSIC B-Roll for use by TV networks is available here: https://short-url.org/1pRIf
Uniting NSW.ACT has run the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross for 25 years and spearheaded the Fair Treatment Campaign for fairer drug laws for over seven years.
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Media contact:
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Andrew Bradley Media & Public Affairs Manager |
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.