Future of Palmerston Association secured at Brunswick

The future of Palmerston Association in Brunswick has been secured with the State Government committing to fund the centre for at least the next three and a half years.

The organisation has been awarded more that $1.1 million annually from January 1 next year.

The funding will allow for an extra nine beds at the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, boosting its capacity to 19.

At today’s announcement in Brunswick, Mental Health Minister Roger Cook said the new residential beds would provide support for people who needed help as well as their families.

“We’ve listened to the community and they’ve been telling us more services in the South West are needed to help treat alcohol and drug issues,” he said.

“These services will ensure individuals have more access to treatment, closer to where they live.”

A further 15 specialist beds are expected to be operational by March.

Mr Cook said dealing with issues relating to drugs was complex.

“We will continue to work with the community, non-government organisation and those on the ground, who experience the effect first hand.”