New space for rehab residents

Sunrise Way finishes $40k refurb

SUNRISE Way is a home away from home for its residents recovering from addiction – and part of that house just got a $40,000 makeover.

South-west Queensland’s only drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre celebrated another milestone, after it reopened the newly refurbished southern wing of its facility in East Toowoomba.

CEO Wendy Agar said the renovations, which offered freshly-painted and furnished rooms to new and existing clients, were part of the organisation’s quest to guide people away from addiction.

“Having a nice space for residents to go back to, to reflect on what they’ve learnt is really critical,” she said.

“We’re really excited of what we’ve achieved with the $25,000, and all the in-kind support from the community, which totalled over $40,000.

“It’s critical we’re seen as a professional organisation in every way, and so we’re proud that we’re getting great outcomes.”

The $25,000 funding came through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities grant fund.

Regional Development Minister and Groom MP John McVeigh said while the grant wasn’t large, it was a step in the right direction for what he described as a vital service for the Darling Downs.

“It’s a very meaningful grant, in this case it’s just making it a little more homely for those residents here on their six-month stay,” he said.

“That fight is ongoing to secure recurrent funding for Sunrise Way.

“We’ve secured funding in the past through the public health network but there’s more work to be done.”

Ms Agar said Sunrise Way was now transitioning from a “passionate charity into a professional not-for-profit”, and consistent funding should be part of that evolution.