Father uses big milestone to deliver message

Father Brian Newing celebrated 50 years of ordained ministry last at St Nicholas Church in Australind.

And he took the opportunity to deliver an important message about what led him to his work in the community.

Fr Newing’s dedication extends beyond the church, as he has helped prisoners beat addiction for the past 16 years, believing that everyone deserves a second chance.

He said he was an alcoholic who has been clean for 38 years.

“I’m an alcoholic, which is a savage word, but with support I was able to beat the addiction,” Fr Newing said.

“Common dominators for someone with an addiction is sensitivity, shyness and insecurity and they use alcohol to cope, but I always say that if you beat addiction you will get back more than you’ve lost.

“Complacency is the enemy of every addict, but with the right support an addict is given a second chance.”