The community should have a better understanding of the need for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, says the Dubbo Regional Council chief executive officer Michael McMahon.
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Council is hosting a live question and answer panel on Tuesday night on the need for a residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility.
It will be facilitated by barrister Joe Kellaway with panelists Jeffery Amatto, Joe Williams, Anne-Marie Chandler and Cyrena Harris who will be sharing their experiences and thoughts on the need for a rehab in Dubbo.
Mr Amatto is the founder of More Cultural Rehabs, Less Jails. He grew up in Wellington and has experienced addiction and rehabilitation. Ms Harris has also experienced addition but wants to empower her community to seek change.
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Ms Chandler from Indigig Connect is all about freeing Indigenous Australians from being dependant on welfare sercices, while Mr Williams' focus has been on helping people who struggle with mental health.
Mr McMahon said thanks to council staff, some very interesting speakers had been secured for the event.
"It's been a fantastic, overwhelming opportunity to get the right people along to speak," he said.
"I look forward to being there myself tonight to really listen to and understand the issues that may not be apparent to most people, in regards to what people go through in relation to detox and rehabilitation."
Mr McMahon said he was looking forward to a really constructive debate about the issue.
"It's a great opportunity to see more more clearly why we need a detox and an also a rehabilitation facility in Dubbo. It'll hopefully mark and important point for us to secure the additional funds we need for getting no with this important project," he said.
Council has been pushing for the rehabilitation facility since 2017. It has committed to supplying the land, while the federal government has promised $3 million for the rehab, but an additional $2 million is needed from the NSW government, as well as another $2.5 million every year for it to run.
Mr McMahon said council wanted to do "everything we possibly can" to secure the funding in the upcoming NSW government budget.
The Q&A will be streamed on the Dubbo Regional Council website and Facebook page.
The speakers will talk on various themes and questions from the Facebook page might be taken.
Orlander Ruming
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
