Broome's Old Post Office building to be converted into Sober Up Centre

6/5/98

The Minister Responsible for the Western Australian Drug Abuse Strategy, Rhonda Parker, said today that Broome's Old Post Office building would be refurbished so that it could be used as a Sobering Up Centre.

"The Broome Sobering Up Centre will bring the total number of centres operating throughout WA to nine, with this one due to open in September," the Minister said.

"Sobering Up Centres have significantly reduced the number of people detained in police cells throughout the State.

"They offer a safe alternative to police custody for those found intoxicated in public. These changes are consistent with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and have also made a significant contribution in reducing accidents and injuries, crime and domestic violence."

Mrs Parker said Sobering Up Centres had also been an important catalyst in mobilising community and action relating to developing further individual and family alcohol intervention and prevention programs.

The refurbishment program for the 20-bed facility was expected to take three months at an initial cost of $340,000.

The Old Post Office building was purchased by Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Inc with funds from ATSIC, the Lotteries Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

The WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office is preparing to advertise by public tender for interested organisations to manage the new service. Indications are that there is significant interest in Broome to operate the service.

Media contact: Donna Cole 9481 7810