The “downtrodden” of our community will benefit if Dubbo Regional Council accomplishes its goal of getting a rehabilitation centre built in the city, says councillor Stephen Lawrence.
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Council has formed the Social Justice and Crime Prevention Working Party, which is comprised of councillors and council staff, to address intergenerational disadvantage in the community.
The committee is working to have a Residential Drug Rehabilitation operational in the local government area by December 2019. Potential business models will soon be developed and a meeting held with Member for Dubbo Troy Grant to discuss the NSW government’s support.
Cr Lawrence said it had been heartening to see the commitment council was giving to the cause.
I think the message is getting out there that we’re certainly going to listen to people who do need help.
- John Ryan
“These people are very often the downtrodden of our community and it’s just so very heartening and positive to be part of a council that already is taking steps to helping the downtrodden. It’s easy to help people in the community often when they’re sometimes not in need as help as the people we’re talking about here,” he said.
Outside community groups have also shown great support for the initiative, include the NSW Local Aboriginal Land Council. Chairman Stephen Ryan has said he will do anything to help support council in establishing the rehab facility.
“He comes from a group in the community who everyone acknowledges is well overrepresented in the criminal justice system and I think it’s well acknowledged that if we do get this important initiative up and running members of that community would be using the facility,” Cr Lawrence said.
Councillor John Ryan said he was heartened by the community organisations who had been offering to help council.
“We can’t promise to do everything for everyone but… I think the message is getting out there that we’re certainly going to listen to people who do need help,” Cr Ryan said.