Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay raised a questioned in Parliament to the Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley, as to whether he would commit $600,000 of capital funding for the rehabilitation centre in Warrnambool.

The $600,000 of capital funding will help to build a 20-bed alcohol and other drug rehabilitation centre in the city, following calls for more rehabilitation beds in the region. 

“With over 600 clients seeking help for alcohol and other drug abuse, there is a real and urgent need for these beds for the Great South Coast region,” Mr Ramsay said.

Following a $600,000 pledge from the Western Region and other Drug Centre (WRAD), the centre will also be partially funded by the community. 

Through fund-raising events and other charitable initiatives, the community has raised $510,500 so far.

The target for community fund-raising is $605,000.

WRAD director Geoff Soma passing the half a million dollar mark proved “Warrnambool looked out for its own”.

Mr Ramsay said South West Coast MP Roma Britnell had been a strong advocate for funding for more rehabilitation beds.

He said she had worked closely with WRAD. 

Ms Britnell said The Lookout fund raising campaign had “once again shown how generous our community is”.

“We’ve shown time and time again that if we want something, we pull together and make it happen,” she said.

“This is no exception.”

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.

The community can also make donations online through the WRAD website at www.wrad.org.au or by directly donating at the ANZ bank in Warrnambool.