Great Southern regional manager at Palmerston Association Tina Edwards-Pope wrote the below opinion piece as published in The Albany Advertiser on Wednesday 16th October 2024.
For those in the Great Southern struggling with alcohol or other drug dependency, making the courageous decision to seek treatment is only the beginning. A major barrier exists: the lack of a residential rehabilitation facility in the region.
The nearest option is more than 300km away — a distance that, for many, makes treatment unattainable and stops their recovery journey before it even begins.
In fact, the Great Southern region is the only area in Western Australia without a residential rehab centre.
This means that those in need are asked to not only confront the daunting task of recovery but also to uproot themselves from their support systems — family, friends, and community — at the most vulnerable time of their lives.
For some, being taken off country and away from these crucial relationships is simply too much, and they abandon their treatment.
Palmerston Association, a leading AOD service provider in the region, recently conducted a community consultation to assess the need for a local residential rehab facility.The results were overwhelming: 96.8 per cent of respondents strongly supported the creation of such a facility in the Great Southern.
But what makes residential rehab so important? These live-in programs provide individuals with a structured, safe and supportive environment in which they can address their AOD behaviours.
Recovery is a long, complex process, and having access to local support networks can make all the difference. We see firsthand at Palmerston how vital the involvement of loved ones is in the recovery journey.
The Great Southern boasts a strong network of government agencies and non-profit organisations that already work closely together to support the community.
A residential rehab facility here would tap into these collaborations, strengthening existing relationships and provide the integrated care necessary for people on the road to recovery.
It’s time for the Great Southern to have the same opportunity for recovery that other regions of Western Australia enjoy. A residential rehabilitation facility is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
For too long, the residents of this region have been overlooked, and it’s time for change. Let’s give those in the Great Southern the best possible chance to reclaim their lives, without asking them to sacrifice the community that gives them strength.
The article as it appeared in The Albany Advertiser can also be read online here
