December 15, 2017
A new alcohol and drug support program, known as Flourish, has been launched in Kingaroy as the result of a drugs forum held in the town in June.
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said it was clear at the forum the community needed more support to tackle ice and other addictions.
Flourish is a new, intensive day-therapy program currently being trialled in Kingaroy and Lowood in collaboration with Lives Lived Well.
“This intensive non-residential rehab model will allow people to stay in their communities while they learn about themselves and their addiction, develop strategies for a healthier future and be better positioned to manage the ongoing issues that arise related to drug and alcohol use,” Mr Littleproud said.
As well as Flourish, an extra clinical worker has also been assigned to the region.
“That’s why I held these forums – to connect the community with government departments to establish what was, and wasn’t, working in different regions,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I’m glad local voices were heard and the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network (PHN) allocated additional services for a better targeted approach in the Kingaroy region.”
Mr Littleproud secured PHN funding through the Federal Government’s National Ice Action Strategy.
“I made sure the PHN attended my forums and it became clear there was a need for new drug and alcohol treatment service for the South Burnett,” he said.
“This service boost is a great starting point, we still need more support for rural communities and I will continue to work to ensure services continue to improve.”
The new services were officially launched on Friday but the program has been operating in Kingaroy since mid-October with help already being sought by locals.
“Lives Lived Well told me they’re already experiencing a strong demand for their services in Kingaroy, especially from men aged about 30. About 70 per cent of adults who make contact are seeking help for ice use,” Mr Littleproud said.
“As a father of three boys, the ice scourge scares me because I’ve heard the heart-breaking stories of parents who watch helplessly as their children suffer the horrific consequences of addiction. That’s why a targeted approach is so important and why I’m so passionate about better services in the bush.”
After participating in Mr Littleproud’s Maranoa Regional Ice Forums earlier this year, Sunrise Way Rehabilitation developed the Flourish program after recognising the need for new models of therapy delivery in rural communities.
Toowoomba-based Sunrise Way has offered residential rehab for people across the region for more than three years.
The Flourish is being trialled in Kingaroy and Lowood until June 30, 2018.
Lives Lived Well can be contacted on 1300-727-957.
