Letters to the Editor

THE COTTAGE IS A MUCH NEEDED FACILITY

Dear Editor,

I refer to the article printed in The Adviser on June 27, 2018. The article is in regard to the possible closure of ‘The Cottage.’

I attended the opening of this much needed facility and also was taken on a tour of the new houses that provide accommodation and safety for recovering drug and alcohol users.

I see this as an asset to our city. Nothing like it exists in this area and it’s about time we all looked at this with open minds and open eyes!

There are many people in this vicinity who have nowhere to go when they make the decision to ask for help! Hospitals and mental health facilities may be required initially, but rehabilitation is ongoing for those who really want help to cease using drugs and/or alcohol.

It is unfortunate that our council voted 4-5 against accepting the belated permit, in-fact, disappointing by far. A big thank you to the councillors who voted in favour of this facility and as far as the motion put forward to allow this permit to be granted, I would ask the remaining councillors why they are against providing a rehabilitation facility in Shepparton? Do you not have any family?

The people I met on the opening day were very pleasant, decent people from all areas around Victoria. I met supporters of the facility, parents of rehabilitated sons and daughters and those involved in setting up this new and needed rehabilitation facility. To the committee members and staff of ‘The Cottage,’ I add my disappointment among the others who would like to see Shepparton going forward with this relatively new facility. Good luck with VCAT!

To the neighbours and residents of St Andrew’s Road, I say that I understand their fears and concerns, but please consider the fact that maybe one day a member of your own family may need a place like ‘The Cottage’ to turn to in desperation for rehabilitation! Give it a chance to smooth out its rough edges…your fears may be unfounded.

In fact, come down near Balaclava Road and you will find stress in abundance from the ‘hoon drivers’ in this area. Test out your stress levels, as I have to, with idiot drivers who are not asking for help!

Yours sincerely,

Margaret Dowley

Shepparton