The socio-economic disadvantage portrayed in SBS documentary Struggle Street is not unique to Mt Druitt in Sydney's west where the program was filmed.
Issues like high unemployment, low average wages and high demand for health services are present in many communities across Australia, especially in rural and remote areas.
The ABS’ IRSAD index suggests the most disadvantaged local government areas in NSW include Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett, Richmond Valley, Kempsey and Fairfield.
These socio-economic indicators used do not include drug use and addiction, another issue touched on in the series Struggle Street. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says drug issues, such as ice addiction, often take hold in rural and remote areas where people may be isolated.
There was no available data on drug use in individual suburbs.
The final two episodes of Struggle Street will air consecutively on SBS ONE at 8:30pm on Wednesday, May 13.
