Units offer new beginning

A collaboration between South West organisations and businesses has seen a transformation take place on the coast, with eleven units currently being refurbished into holiday accommodation for families touched by drug and alcohol addiction.

The units are part of the Fresh Start Family Centre’s Busselton Family Camp, where people in the final stages of recovery from addiction come to reconnect and mend damaged relationships with their family members.

The units were previously used to house mining workers and were donated by mining giant Rio Tinto.

The local Bunnings stores at Busselton and Margaret River were called in to help refurbish three of the units.

Bunnings team members spent three days transforming the units from grubby mining lodgings into family havens, donating paint, shelving, cube storage units, bathroom vanities, bathroom mirrors, storage and toilets, along with some decorative touches to create a homely feel.

Bunnings Busselton Activities Organiser Debbie West said her team was passionate about supporting the vital work of the Fresh Start Family Centre.

“Drug and alcohol addiction touches so many families in some way, and it’s so rewarding to do something to help those on their journey of recovery,” Ms West said.

“This project was very close to our hearts and an important part of the support Bunnings Busselton and Bunnings Margaret River have provided to more than 140 local community groups and organisations this year.”

Fresh Start Busselton Camp Coordinator Michael Pascoe said 30 to 50 people were expected to stay in the renovated units over the next year as they complete their recovery.

“The work Bunnings has done beautifying the rooms is amazing and brings smiles to the faces of the people using them,” Mr Pascoe said.

“It’s very uplifting for them and cheers them up immensely to stay in the units with their families.

“A big part of recovery is to feel joy and these units are helping damaged families rediscover that joy.”