Funding boost for Bunbury’s Doors Wide Open

Bunbury’s Doors Wide Open founders and volunteers were brought to tears on Friday when Premier Mark McGowan announced $200,000 in funding for the support group.

The funding is on top of the $100,000 already committed through the State Government’s Local Projects, Local Jobs program and another nearly $84,000 announced in April.

The surprise announcement at the group’s Forrest Avenue building on Friday was met with applause, tears and obvious relief from support workers.

Clearly lost for words and fighting back her emotions on Friday, founder Lina Pugh told the Bunbury Herald she was overwhelmed by the announcement.

“We had no idea ... It’s massive, it means we can breath,” Ms Pugh said.

Client activities manager Julie Kent also said the funding meant the group could continue to do the work that was so greatly needed in Bunbury and the South West.

“It’s as simple as that, it pays the bills, pays the rent, pays the wages, all those thing that we need to stay open,” Ms Kent said.

Mr McGowan said the Government was “proud” to continue supporting the drug support group, which has helped hundreds of families across the South West.

“Tackling the meth scourge requires action on many different levels, it’s not just a law and order issue,” Mr McGowan said.

“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to support grassroots organisations like Doors Wide Open, who have been successful in breaking the cycle of addiction.

“I’d like to congratulate the dedicated staff at Doors Wide Open, who work tirelessly to help families in the South West, who are often at breaking point, to deal with the very complex issues associated with methamphetamine use.”

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the support group had developed a unique local service for hundreds of families dealing with the devastating consequences of methamphetamine addiction.

“I am regularly contacted by families who have benefited from the work of Doors Wide Open,” Mr Punch said.

“Knowing how important this work is, and the difference it makes in the lives of local families, I am so pleased this funding is being provided to support the service into the future.”