Plans for Fresh Start in motion

A drug and alcohol respite centre at the Locke Estate is a step closer after the proponent's development application was approved by the City of Busselton

Not-for-profit organisation Fresh Start are hoping to attract monetary and in-kind donations for the $1.5 million project, which will include chalets, a meeting area, ablution block and summer camping tents.

Dunsborough Church of Christ pastor Craig Rodger is heading up the local organising committee.

He said he hoped for a strong turnout at a community afternoon tea on Sunday, where the public will learn more about their plans.

"It's a respite camp for families who have been through the trauma of addiction and recognising that and getting them back together again," Mr Rodger said.

"It's also for people offering care to people in those situations so they can have a break too. We also want to incorporate a community education aspect."

The afternoon tea will be attended by Fresh Start founder and medical director George O'Neil and chief executive Jeff Claughton.

Mr Claughton said the centre would initially cater for about half a dozen families.

He said they had not yet set a construction date, but as the design was relatively simple the centre should be finished quickly.

"That will very much depend on the meeting this coming week," he said. "We'll be hoping to introduce local business to help with the construction process. It will be six to nine months and it would be nice if we were working this time next year."

The organisation plans to approach Lotterywest to meet gaps in funding.

Mr Claughton said they expected the centre would raise their profile in Busselton and create the need for a separate office for people first seeking help.

"That's probably our long-term view, that we'll help families struggling with addiction not knowing where to go," he said.

The afternoon tea starts at 4pm on Sunday at Dunsborough Church of Christ on Naturaliste Terrace. RSVP to Craig Rodger on 0405 249 154 or crajul@me.com .