Broome house ready for alcohol and drug recovery

• First house for people recovering from drug and alcohol treatment

• Getting lives back on track to avoid homelessness

Keys to the first house in the Kimberley available to assist people receiving treatment for alcohol and drug problems, were handed over by Mental Health Minister Helen Morton to Milliya Rumurra in Broome last week.

The Broome house is one of three transitional houses that will be available for people in the Kimberley under the State Government's social housing initiative, for people recovering from alcohol and drug problems who are at risk of homelessness. 

"This housing will help people who have finished their treatment, and their families, to get on with recovering and taking that important next step of getting their lives back on track," Mrs Morton said.

"Transitional houses like this one will provide safe and secure interim accommodation for people who may have otherwise had nowhere suitable to go.

"Along with shelter we are providing access to ongoing case management, assistance with identifying long term permanent housing, the development of skills like financial management and accessing education and training opportunities."

The Minister said Milliya Rumarra, a local non government alcohol and other drug service provider based in Broome, would manage the clients during their stay in the transitional house, in partnership with a community housing provider.

In the 2011-12 State Budget, $8.5million was allocated to provide 15 new homes throughout WA, with an additional $1.5million over four years to provide ongoing treatment and other support.

"With the disproportionately high levels of alcohol and other drug related harm in the Kimberley it is important that we provide the right services for people where they are needed," Mrs Morton said.

"This house is one of two that will be located in Broome, along with one in Derby."

Of the 15 new houses eight will be located in the metropolitan area, and seven in regional areas.

      Fact File

• People in the Kimberley region are 4.3 times more likely to be hospitalised for alcohol-related reasons than the State rate

• People recovering will be able to live in the house with their families

Minister's office - 6552 6900

Photograph caption: Mental Health Minister Helen Morton hands the keys to Milliya Rumurra acting CEO Andrew Amor for WA's first transitional house to help people recover residential treatment for alcohol and other drug treatment