Offical opening of renovated drug rehabilitation centre in Esperance

26/9/97

A major drug rehabilitation centre in Esperance has received a $130,000 new lease of life which to assist young people to overcome drug problems.

The Minister responsible for the WA Drug Strategy, Rhonda Parker, officially opened the newly renovated Teen Challenge Residential Rehabilitation Training Centre, Grace Academy.

Mrs Parker was accompanied by the Minister for Youth Affairs Mike Board who was keen to see the Esperance academy first hand.

Mrs Parker praised the Teen Challenge Ministry for the tremendous job it performed in helping young people overcome drug problems and supporting families who were struggling with drug abuse.

The building renovations were funded by a $130,000 grant from the Lotteries Commission and Mrs Parker said the Government was pleased that it had been able to offer that vital support.

"The State Government is committed to fighting drug abuse in the community and while there is no single or simple solution it's community-based programs like this which have a major impact," she said.

"It is important for Government to provide a wide-range of services to meet the ever changing problem of drug abuse."

Teen Challenge provides a 25-bed residential program at Esperance. The Lotteries Commission grant was used to construct a new kitchen and extensively renovate the dining and lounge areas at Grace Academy.

"Teen Challenge is a great example of the community creating solutions for one of the major problems we face as a society," Mrs Parker said.

"While it is not a program for everyone with a drug problem, there is a high rate of success with young people who complete the academy's intensive rehabilitation program."

Fundamental to that success was the support graduates received from the Teen Challenge Ministry network after completing the program.

"When young people give up a life of drugs they invariably find themselves without friends, an occupation or activities, but those needs are clearly met here at the academy," she said.

Mrs Parker said the building renovations would enhance the comfort, and hopefully the commitment of residents to complete the program.

"I am very pleased that the project provided the opportunity for the Government to be a partner in Teen Challenge's efforts because it is vital that a strong partnership exists between community and the Government if we are to maximise our impact on drug abuse," she said.

The WA Teen Challenge Ministry - which is part of a worldwide network - was begun in WA a decade ago by Pastor Malcolm Smith.

Mrs Parker said Pastor Smith had started out with only the inspiration of his Ministry and the promise of the international Teen Challenge model of service.

"Together with community support Pastor Smith and his wife Marjorie have built this magnificent facility and provided the support services by the Teen Challenge Ministry and I congratulate them on their remarkable achievement," she said.

Media contact: Mark Thompson on (08) 9322 2311