New headquarters for Holyoake in Victoria Park

22/02/07
A community-based drug and alcohol support organisation has been able to help more Western Australians since moving into its new headquarters in November last year.
Speaking at the official opening of the Holyoake Australian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Addiction's new Victoria Park building, Health Minister Jim McGinty said the service was already assisting 20 per cent more people than at the same time last year.
"The new facility is larger and more suitable for the type of work Holyoake undertakes and that has meant the centre has already been able to help almost 400 extra people," Mr McGinty said.
"The State Government contributed $1.5million in Lotterywest grants towards the $5.5million cost of purchasing the building and fitting it out for the service.
"For more than 30 years, Holyoake has been assisting individuals and families suffering from the influence of alcohol and drugs.
"The organisation provides counselling, family programs, art therapy, intervention, prevention and outreach programs.
"Holyoake estimates that eventually the new headquarters will enable the group to double the number of people it helps each year - taking the number of clients up to 4,000.
"The Lotterywest funding recognises the invaluable role Holyoake plays in our community."
Prior to moving to the new Victoria Park headquarters, Holyoake rented its old Newcastle Street centre.
However, the rising cost of rent, a lack of space, unsuitable and ageing facilities and problems with disability access meant the organisation needed to find a new home.
The new headquarters have the space to properly accommodate clients and run therapy programs in appropriate settings, along with security and ample parking.
Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt said drug and alcohol addiction were terrible social afflictions which affected the lives of many people.
"The cost of drug and alcohol addiction to individuals, families and the community generally is huge," Mr Wyatt said.
"Having visited Holyoake's previous location, I am aware of the great work done there.
"As a frontline service, Holyoake provides real and relevant assistance to those who suffer addictions, as well as their families, who suffer too."
Chairperson of the Holyoake Board of Directors Marylyn New said the new facility had made a huge difference to the service which the organisation could provide.
"Holyoake's focus is on offering help to all family members - regardless of whether or not the person with the alcohol or other drug problem is the one that seeks help," Ms New said.
"We have wonderful staff but our old facilities were definitely limiting the service we could provide.
"Our new refurbished centre means we are able to give high quality support to the people who need our assistance."
Holyoake also manages drug services teams in the north-east metropolitan area (known as Oake House) and the Wheatbelt (known as Moorditj Milas House).
Minister's office - 9422 3000