5/01/06
Acting Premier Eric Ripper today announced an $850,000 boost for the Palmerston Association, a major drug and alcohol rehabilitation organisation in Western Australia.
Mr Ripper said the funding from Lotterywest would enable the organisation to expand its Palmerston Farm residential centre at Wellard.
“A Lotterywest grant for $609,670 will help expand facilities at the Palmerston Farm with the construction of a new residential building,” he said.
“The expanded facilities will enable the centre to cater for an extra 11 residents and provide a new kitchen, dining and loungeroom area.
“A second grant for $238,797 will be used to upgrade Palmerston's computer network and phone system throughout their head office and at five service delivery sites around the State.”
The expansion is part of a three-year plan to cope with the increase in demand for services.
Presenting the grants, the Acting Premier paid tribute to the work of Palmerston.
“You cannot put a value on the renewed self-esteem and new meaning to life that the residents of Palmerston receive through this program,” he said.
Mr Ripper said Lotterywest should also be congratulated for the important role it played in providing grants to community organisations.
In 2005, Lotterywest gave a record $163million back to Western Australians, including $78million for hospitals and $65million through its community grants program.
Mr Ripper, who approves the grants, said Lotterywest was Australia’s only lottery with such a program.
“Among the Australian States, WA has a unique policy on gambling - with poker machines banned and electronic gaming machines restricted to Burswood Casino,” he said.
“In addition, no other State directs lottery profits to community purposes.”
Acting Premier's office: 9222 8788
