New transitional housing in Nambour will tackle substance abuse and addiction through better access to therapeutic community care.
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien attended today’s opening of the new six-bedroom community residence, which will provide a lifeline for people suffering from addiction.
“This new home will assist the We Help Ourselves charity to improve their capacity in the Sunshine Coast region, particularly for assisting their female clients,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This quality communal home, complete with kitchen, dining area, toilets, lounge, veranda and an internal fit-out, will be somewhere people can come and receive treatment in a safe and supportive environment.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the investment in local health infrastructure would benefit the whole Nambour community.
“By addressing the problem of isolation that people with addiction often face, this new centre will be able to take in people in need and help them to rebuild their lives,” Mr McCormack said.
“Treating these problems as social and medical issues means the community will also benefit from having a stronger family support service, employment in social support industries and reduced strain on local medical and police services.”
WHOS Executive Director Garth Popple said the facility was much needed.
‘The completion of the 6 bedroom cottage for female clients has increased our service capacity by 23%. Providing a conduit for women struggling with substance dependence to re-engage with their local and regional communities post treatment.”
‘As an organisation, opportunities to add to infrastructure are difficult to come by and WHOS board and staff would like to acknowledge the Commonwealth for the development and provision of the Building Better Regions Fund and our local member Ted O’Brien for his tireless efforts to see this project to fruition.”
The Federal Government invested $256,060 in the project under the Building Better Regions Fund – an $841 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future. We Help Ourselves contributed the remaining $286,762.