Shalom House: Henley Brook rehab centre facing closure

AN information day about the services of a rehabilitation facility that is facing possible closure will be held this Saturday.

Shalom House in Henley Brook is home to men who are trapped by life-controlling issues such as alcohol and drug abuse.

The not-for-profit organisation recently expanded across several more locations, but was told to shut down last year after City of Swan rejected its application to change the use of its rural block from ‘dwelling’ to ‘community purpose’.

Manager Peter Lyndon-James took the battle to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT), which agreed with the City ‘community purpose’ did not fit.

However, the SAT did urge the City to reconsider its decision on planning grounds.

Mr Lyndon-James said he hoped to reach a solution with the City of Swan.

“We have drug users in every suburb and every street,” he said.

“But as soon as someone goes to a rehabilitation centre, they are labelled a drug user, and all of a sudden they become a threat, then they are literally everywhere.”

A former addict himself, Mr Lyndon-James said the 37 residents of ‘Australia’s strictest rehab’ required considerable self discipline and commitment, and were closely monitored and mentored by staff and professionals.

“We’ve never had issues in any shape or form,” he said.

“Not with neighbours, not with violence, not with drug use.

“If any of my fellas so much as lights up a cigarette I instantly kick them out.”

Shalom House Information Day is this Saturday from 10am-3pm at Dreambuilders Church, 462 Great Northern Highway, Middle Swan.

For more information or to RSVP, call Peter Lyndon-James on 0404 654 004.