Government invests in more alcohol and drug rehabilitation services

The Palaszczuk Labor Government will contribute $600,000 to help fund a Toowoomba alcohol and other drugs rehabilitation centre for up to 20 clients.

The funding will be provided over two years to Sunrise Way, an established 20-bed residential facility that operates out of a Queensland Health-owned facility.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said the investment was part of funding under the government’s Connecting Care to Recovery 2016-2021 plan, which aims to help meet demand for specialist alcohol and other drug services across Queensland.

“Sunrise Way has an excellent reputation for delivering effective treatments to people affected by alcohol and other drugs and we are proud to support it,” Minister Dick said.

“This funding will help people access more intensive residential treatment for their substance dependence and ensure they are receiving the best care possible.

“Part of our whole-of-government strategy is to improve access to specialist alcohol and drug services for Queenslanders and that’s why we are investing in the Toowoomba region, where there is an identified need.”

“I want to thank Kerry Shine for bringing this to my attention and his strong advocacy on behalf of the Toowoomba community.”

Sunrise Way offers a 26-week evidence-based rehabilitation program that aims to place every client into stable housing and a job or purposeful activity.

“None of us expect to be affected by problematic substance use but invariably almost every family in Queensland is impacted in some way,” Chief Executive Officer Wendy Agar said.

“Addiction is a really complex issue that requires a multi-faceted response, of which residential rehabilitation is one.

“At Sunrise Way we are supporting stronger and healthier communities every day through helping people living with substance dependence to rebuild their lives and we are really excited about this funding as it will enable us to continue to do this in a sustainable fashion.”

Sunrise Way is also supported by funding from the Darling Downs Primary Health Network under the National Ice Action Strategy.

Media contact: Emma McBryde 0447 155 332