DRUG rehabilitation campaigner Evelyn Gordon has welcomed the Federal Government’s $3m funding pledge, but has strengthened calls for a dedicated detox clinic in the region.
Armed with placards, Ms Gordon took to the street ahead of Federal Minister Greg Hunt’s Mount Gambier visit for increased funding for mental health.
The Mount Gambier resident has been a prominent campaigner after her daughter fell into the world of ice addiction.
Ms Gordon was pleased with funding for Uniting Communities to deliver their drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, but expressed concerns around how addicts would use the service.
She said a local detox and rehabilitation centre would not only help harmful drug users, but also families affected by drugs.
“At the moment, there are a lot of things happening and different scenarios, but none of them are really working well,” she said.
“If we had an actual rehabilitation or crisis centre, someone could walk off the street into the centre and we directed in the right way.”
Drug campaigner Kate Amoroso backed Ms Gordon’s calls for a residential rehabilitation facility.
“I welcome the announcement and congratulate all those involved who worked to secure the funding,” she said.
“I will continue to lobby hard to help deliver what we need and what families in our community are asking for.”
