The Salvation Army opens new drug and alcohol centre in Townsville

Today, The Salvation Army opened a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Townsville following its successful capital campaign which raised $4.69 million from the North Queensland community.

Prominent business, political and community leaders present and speaking attended the official centre opening including Federal Member for Herbert Cathy O’Toole MP, State Member for Townsville Scott Stewart MP, Deputy Mayor of Townsville Les Walker, The Honourable Justice Keiran Cullinane AM, and North Queensland Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini.

The Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army (eastern Australia), Lieutenant Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge, powerful testimonial speakers will also be present at the event.

The new Townsville Recovery Service Centre will provide 52 beds to support for men, women, and youth suffering from drug, alcohol and gambling addiction. The centre will help rehabilitate people suffering from addiction and support them with their subsequent integration back into the community.

Manager of the Townsville Recovery Centre, Major David Twivey, says he is grateful for the support of the local community who gave generously to the capital campaign. He says The Salvation Army is always there to support those battling an addiction.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Townsville community which has gone above and beyond to support the capital campaign. Through their support we can continue to deliver our high quality social services and help those suffering from addiction,” Major Twivey says.

“We see people from all walks of life come to us for assistance. Addiction does not discriminate and every member of the community is affected by it directly or indirectly. We encourage anyone who is battling an addiction to reach out to the Salvos. We are here to help individuals and families get back on their feet.”

Peter Tapiolas, chairman of the capital campaign, says “I am motivated by the extensive services that The Salvation Army is providing in the North Queensland community, as well as throughout Queensland, and I am driven by the support that this town gives to those who are less fortunate and struggling with addiction. This is a city that backs those in need and looks after those seeking help. Such support is not taken for granted and is truly appreciated by the men, women and children that participate in a program like what this new centre offers.”

If you or someone you know needs help breaking an addiction, The Salvation Army is here to help.