A DRUG and alcohol support service needs to be reinstated in the Peel region, according to Mandurah MLA David Templeman.
Mr Templeman called for counselling and support service Holyoake, previously located on Gibson Street before closing in 2004, to provide accommodation and counselling for men suffering from alcohol and drug abuse.
In Parliament last week Mr Templeman said an increased number of people were abusing alcohol and drugs in the Peel region which meant a hostel-type service was needed.
“That’s what Holyoake delivered before and they had a big footprint here,” he said.
“I do not criticise Holyoake at all, but I appeal to it to consider expanding its services and its footprint into the Peel in a substantial way.
“What surprises me is there are no regional offices in the south west, in some of the most populated areas.”
Mr Templeman said the organisation could complement others in the area such as Palmerston Association which he said deserved further support and funding.
Holyoake acting chief executive Mario Gallo said the organisation supported about 4000 people each year across its Victoria Park, Midland and Wheatbelt premises.
“Our resources are fully committed to sustaining these services,” he said.
“Like most community service organisations, we rely primarily on service delivery contracts with state and commonwealth governments to deliver our services.”
Mr Gallo said the organisation would extend its services to Mandurah if it could secure funding to do so.
“We would gladly extend our reach into Mandurah,” he said.
“However to do so in a long term and sustainable way, ongoing funding would be required.”