New Toowoomba Drug ARM centre opens

A new Drug ARM centre has opened in Toowoomba enabling the service to expand its reach to those in need and continue its long 175 year foundational history.

Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, Janice Smith, and Brad Strong celebrate the opening of Drug ARM's new store on Duggan St. Picture: Christine Schindler

An organisation that has worked tirelessly combating the social harms of drug and alcohol addiction for the past 175 years has celebrated the opening of a new centre in Toowoomba.

Drug ARM, a not-for-profit organisation which looks to achieve positive transformation in families, communities and individuals who battle drug and alcohol addiction, now has new quarters on 3 Duggan St.

The new centre means the organisation has more purpose-designed facilities to continue to expand their services and advice groups.

Each year Drug ARM Toowoomba provides 1500 people with education, awareness and family support and counselling services to those who need it.

Drug ARM chief executive Brad Strong expressed gratitude to all the workers, volunteers and people who have donated to or received support from the organisation.

“Your support has often made a world of difference to our help-seeking clients, who after participating in our programs have been able to transform their lives,” Mr Strong said.

Drug ARM was first founded as the Moreton Bay Temperance Society in 1849 as a response to widespread concern around alcohol consumption.

Since then it has moved with the times, at first advising for abstinence, advocating for alcohol-free halls, before becoming a hub of support services including building awareness and education around the social harms of alcohol and drugs within the community.

Drug ARM Toowoomba runs a number of free programs which include alcohol and drug counselling for individuals as well as education for parents in managing childhood behaviour, alcohol and other drug issues.

For more information visit www.drugarm.com.au