Palmerston Farm to expand its drug rehabilitation facilities

10/7/07
A Lotterywest grant to Palmerston Association Incorporated for $669,521 will mean that more Western Australians seeking treatment for substance abuse will have the opportunity for residential rehabilitation.
The grant will enable the Association's Palmerston Farm in Wellard to improve and expand its facilities and accommodation needs for those people seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addictions.
Palmerston Farm operates as a Therapeutic Community offering its residents drug and alcohol treatments for a maximum three-month period, as well as the chance to work on the organic farm.
Government Enterprises Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today presented the grant cheque to Palmerston Association's chief executive officer, Pam McKenna.
The grant will include the provision of air-conditioning for all common areas, a bore, pump and water tank, fencing for the farm's boundaries, bitumen for parking areas, and power and lighting for improved safety.
Increasing demand for residential drug and alcohol treatment programs has seen the farm increase its number of residential beds over the past several years, and this grant will enable an extra 10 residents a year to be accommodated, bringing the total number of people seeking residential treatment to 29.
Ms Ravlich said the farm was providing a vital and important service in drug and alcohol treatment programs in WA and this grant recognised the need for increased provision of residential services.
"The increase in the number of people seeking treatment for drug and alcohol dependencies is on the rise in WA, and Palmerston Farm offers a valuable treatment option where people can get well in a tranquil country setting," the Minister said.
Minister's office - 9213 6800