Lotterywest boost for drop-in centre

Premier Colin Barnett encouraged the Catholic Diocese and local organisations in their longterm commitment to the disadvantaged last week, dropping off $200,000 for Broome’s new drop-in centre.

Mr Barnett visited Father McMahon Place last week as part of his short visit to Broome, presenting the cheque on behalf of Lotterywest.

The Premier was welcomed by staff and Father Matt Digges of the Broome Diocese.

The new centre, which provides hot meals and advisory services, was officially opened in August as a collaborative initiative between Centacare Kimberley, the Department of Child Protection, the Indigenous Co-ordination Centre and Lotterywest.

The Premier described it as “simple, inviting and practical with a nice Kimberley feel.”

The money will help to provide showering facilities and to complete the second phase of the project — an administration centre to assist people with employment opportunities.

The Premier said the Catholic church had done “remarkable” work in the Kimberley for decades and facilities like Father McMahon Place would play a significant part in helping to alleviate homelessness in Broome.

“Centres like this play a part of the role — there’s always a difficulty when itinerants come in on the outskirts of the town and I think that will always be the case,” he said.

“I think the important thing is people do come to a place like this in Broome where if they need particular assistance, maybe it is mental health, alcohol or drug abuse or depression, whatever it might be, they at least have someone to talk to and they can be guided towards those who can provide professional assistance.”

Mr Barnett said the State Government had pledged support for the social services sector in its Budget with $600 million allocated across a range of services including people with disability, suicide prevention and support for homeless people.