LET’S get it done.
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That’s the message from Western Region Alcohol and Drug centre director Geoff Soma, who wants the community to back the campaign for a 20-bed residential rehabilitation facility in Warrnambool.
More than 30 business representatives gathered on the city’s Civic Green this week to join the push to raise a final $245,000 for the centre, which will be called The Lookout.
WRAD has committed $600,000 to the new centre, while the community has already raised $360,000 towards its $605,000 target.
There is more than 100 charity tins at south-west businesses and Mr Soma urged people to drop any spare change they may have in them.
“We are seven weeks in to trying to develop a resi rehab centre,” Mr Soma said.
“We have been raising money and getting a lot of support from the community. We have $245,000 to go.
“Everyone has made an amazing effort to date.
“We have had support from organisations, a lot of different agencies, the Great South Coast board and a whole lot of individuals.”
Steering committee chair Glenys Phillpot said there had been a diverse group of people who had committed their support to The Lookout.
“It’s fantastic. I’ve had the most amazing response from people, even from those who I thought might be a little bit resistant,” she said.
“People understand we have drug and alcohol issues in the community. We want the best outcome for these people.
“I have had some people say addiction is a choice, but I say to them it’s not a choice for their children.”
Steering committee member Tracey Kol said it was fantastic to see the level of community support.
“It’s really important we keep fundraising so we can get it over the line and get this done,” she said.
Warrnambool City Council mayor Kylie Gaston said the region had a track record of getting things done, citing the Peter’s Project initiative to secure a cancer care centre.
“Look out for the yellow sticker and the tins around the city and put your coins in,” she said.
“We will get this done.”
People can also directly donate to the campaign at the ANZ Bank on Liebig Street or visit WRAD’s website at www.wrad.org.au to make a deposit.