Formal opening of Claisebrook Lotteries House in East Perth

24/4/96

More than 220 community organisations are accommodated in 13 Lotteries Houses in Western Australia.

This was revealed when Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans formally opened Claisebrook Lotteries House in Moore Street, East Perth today.

Mr Evans said that the $1 million Claisebrook building provided accommodation for 14 organisations, including CanTeen, the well known support organisation for teenagers with cancer.

He said that the Lotteries House program, which extended from Broome to Albany, had proved a big success in helping the many community organisations which were not substantial enough to have their own premises but which worked more effectively because they had a secure base.

The Lotteries Commission spent more than $100 million a year helping these and many other community organisations.

Recent examples of the commission's funding included:

·       $600,000 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service for a new aircraft;

·       $105,000 for the Leeuwin ocean adventure foundation;

·       $250,000 towards a new community centre at Armadale; and -

·       $230,000 for the revitalisation of the Botanic Park.

At some point during this year, the commission's total distributions would top one billion dollars.

The Western Australian system of delivering funds to the community through the Lotteries Commission was unique in Australia and enabled people to see exactly where the proceeds from Lotto and lotteries was spent.

This contributed greatly to people's faith in the system and their willingness to participate in the commission's activities.

Media contact:  Hugh Ryan  221 5468