The Support Shalom House Collie Group’s campaign to bring a branch of the rehabilitation program to Collie is gaining momentum after founder and chief executive officer of the West Australian Shalom Group (WASG Inc.) Peter Lyndon-James visited the town on Tuesday.
The Support Shalom House Collie Group have been in discussions with Mr Lyndon-James to set up the male only holistic drug-rehabilitation program in Collie.
Support Shalom House Collie chairman David Gibbs said more than 100 people attended a presentation back in March.
“It was evident from that presentation just how many people in our community are affected by drugs and alcohol addiction,” he said.
Mr Gibbs said the common misconception was that Shalom House would become a scene for anti-social behaviour and drug use.
“But that is simply not the case. Shalom runs one of the strictest programs in the country, if you are caught with so much as a cigarette you are kicked out,” he said.
Mr Lyndon-James said rehabilitation programs in regional areas were as essential as doctors surgeries, dentists and counselling services.
“We have been approached by other states and country towns but this is the first one that is starting to use their initiative to put their hand up to see if we can make something happen,” he said.
Mr Lyndon-James said the program was fully self funded and puts the responsibility on the men themselves.
“The program brings restoration to the entire family who work with us and gets all of the men 100 per cent debt-free. It helps our fellows to get their drivers licence and to buy a car and to get them working full-time and off all Centrelink benefits within three to seven months,” he said.
Mr Gibbs said the group would were working on finding a premises to house 10-14 men.
“We just need to find a house to kick it off, and it’s the group who are going to provide all of that and get it started,” Mr Lyndon-James said.
Currently there is only one Shalom House which is in the Swan Valley and has 100 men involved.
Collie- Preston MLA Mick Murray said he supported any program that helped people battling drug addiction.
The Shire of Collie Councillors voted to support the plan on Tuesday.