Cook Government Commits $12 Million to Fund New Residential Rehab and Withdrawal Facility for the Great Southern
The Great Southern region is set to receive its first residential rehabilitation and withdrawal facility, addressing a critical gap in addiction treatment services. This $12 million commitment by the Cook Government represents a significant milestone for the region, which has long been the only area in Western Australia without such a facility.
Palmerston Association, a leading provider of alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in Western Australia, enthusiastically welcomes this announcement by Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, and commends the Cook Government’s responsiveness to the community’s needs and its commitment to enhancing critical healthcare infrastructure in the region.
“This new facility will be a game-changer for the Great Southern,” said Emma Jarvis, CEO of Palmerston Association. ” It will tap into existing collaborations, strengthening relationships and providing the integrated care necessary for people to access the support they need without leaving their community.”
Lesley Nelson, CEO of the South West Aboriginal Medial Service (SWAMS) agreed the funding is critical for the region.
“I warmly welcome the Cook Government’s commitment to fund a much-needed residential rehabilitation and withdrawal facility in the Great Southern region. This initiative will address a critical gap in local addiction treatment services, providing a culturally responsive and holistic approach to healing that aligns with the values and needs of our communities.”, she said.
“At SWAMS, we recognise the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful and lasting change. I look forward to collaborating with Palmerston Association and other stakeholders to ensure this facility supports culturally appropriate care, connection to country, and the involvement of family in the recovery process. Together, we can empower individuals and families to thrive, creating healthier and stronger communities.”
Palmerston has been a long-time advocate for a residential facility in the Great Southern, having conducted extensive community consultations in 2024. The resulting Community Consultation Report helped shape this pivotal decision by providing valuable insights into the barriers faced by individuals seeking rehabilitation.
The consultations revealed overwhelming support for a local facility, with 96.8% of respondents strongly endorsing its creation. Key reasons included the significant challenges posed by travel and financial barriers, as well as the long wait times for rehabilitation services outside the region.
Community feedback also highlighted the importance of staying connected to country and family during rehabilitation. Many respondents expressed that the absence of local options often prevents individuals from seeking help, further exacerbating alcohol and other drug issues. One community member shared, “Many people don’t want to be far away from country or their families. Not having any local options means many people are not going to rehab at all.”
Another recurring theme was the critical role of family and friends in the recovery process. Respondents stressed the need for structured family engagement and visitation after an initial settling-in period, which could only be effectively achieved with a local facility.
The new facility aligns with the Cook Government’s broader strategy of combatting alcohol and drug-related issues across Western Australia, as evidenced by the establishment of a dedicated Office of Alcohol and Other Drugs which was launched in July of 2024.
Palmerston looks forward to partnering with the Cook Government and community stakeholders to ensure the success of this much-needed facility, which will contribute to healthier and more resilient communities across the Great Southern region.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Emma Jarvis
Chief Executive Officer
Palmerston Association
