New Recovery Centre delivering safer nights out in Brisbane

A new rest and recovery centre has opened in Fortitude Valley, helping keep revellers safer in the popular nightclub and entertainment precinct.

Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke today (17 June) joined representatives from ChaplainWatch to open the new NightSafe Rest and Recovery Centre in Wickham Street.

“We believe that every Queenslander has the right to return home safely to their loved ones after a night out socialising,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government invests in Safe Night Precinct Support Services, such as this rest and recovery centre, in 15 locations across the state.

“This new centre will provide a range of supports and services here in Fortitude Valley, and within the Brisbane CBD and Brisbane’s Inner West, including monitoring intoxicated patrons, providing first aid, referring to the Queensland Ambulance Service and helping with transport home.

“These services form part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Policy, which aims to keep Queenslanders safe in entertainment precincts around the state.”

Safe Night Precinct Services were among the beneficiaries of the 2019-20 State Budget, receiving $3.3 million in ongoing funding.

“This includes funding of more than $438,500 to ChaplainWatch to provide outreach and rest and recovery services in Fortitude Valley, $253,220 for services in the Brisbane CBD and $108,015 for services in Brisbane’s Inner West,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

ChaplainWatch Chief Operations Officer Jesse Webb said the new NightSafe Rest and Recovery Centre will ensure that the sons and daughters of Brisbane City are able to get home safely.

“In 2018, our NightWatch services, including the NightSafe Rest and Recovery and our proactive patrols, intentionally intervened to ensure a safer night out for 4299 people, and we are on track to serve around 6000 people this year, as our service continues to expand,” Mr Webb said.

“We have seen the need for first aid, and found the best ways to deliver it, we have heard the need for rest and recovery and so we made a world-class model of it.

“We are chaplains who are watching out when someone can’t figure out their way home and when someone needs a shoulder to cry on.

“We’re watching out for those with mental health needs, for the security, venue and taxi staff, and we’re watching out for you when good times go bad.

“Today, our ability to watch out for the city of Brisbane is amplified by the opening of this new facility.”

Mrs O’Rourke said supporting Safe Night Precinct Services was another example of the Queensland Government’s commitment to creating thriving communities.

“We want to make sure all Queenslanders, regardless of their personal circumstances, are able to participate and be included in their communities, be resilient and able to enjoy social and economic wellbeing,” she said.

Visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/liquor/safe-night-precincts to find out more about Safe Night Precincts in Queensland.

ENDS

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7184