The campaign to establish The Lookout is enjoying community support through a fundraising appeal.

The Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre (WRAD) has committed $600,000 to the new centre. Community pledges of $135,000 have been made within the first three weeks of the campaign, which aims to raise $605,000.

Steering committee chair Glenys Phillpot said the “generosity, good wishes and support of the local community had been overwhelming”.

“We are being encouraged to continue our push for a residential centre in south-west Victoria,” Mrs Phillpot said.

“In a relatively short period of time people have taken this campaign to heart and shown an impressive commitment and passion to make this project happen.”

Donations have included support from the Archie and Hilda Graham Foundation and the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation. Local organisations and businesses have fund-raising events planned, including an upcoming music night, raffles, sausage sizzles and a golf event. On Monday the appeal will move into its next phase with the release of bumper stickers, promotional banners and the distribution of 100 collection tins throughout Warrnambool.

People will also be able to directly donate to the campaign at the ANZ Bank or at www.wrad.org.au