Long-awaited Broome Sobering Up Centre tender up for grabs

The State Government has officially released a tender for the construction of Broome’s long-awaited Sobering Up Centre, more than three and a half years after asbestos contamination forced the closure of the town’s previous facility.

That closure left the Kimberley’s largest community without a fully functioning service amid a worsening alcohol abuse crisis.

The forward works contract, now open for submissions, covers site clearing, earthworks and essential infrastructure at the Napier Terrace location, marking the first concrete step towards restoring a vital service aimed at providing safe care for people affected by alcohol.

Broome’s previous sobering-up facility, known as the Walangari Shelter, was shut down in October 2021 after asbestos was discovered on-site.

Since then, a temporary centre near Milliya Rumurra Rehabilitation Centre has operated with just 12 beds — less than half its original capacity — despite ongoing community demand.

The tender comes as the State Government moves to make the Banned Drinkers Register permanent in the Kimberley under new legislation.

Following the announcement, community leaders expressed concerns about the lack of alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in the region.

Former Shire of Derby/West Kimberley President Peter McCumstie said without proper investment in treatment and rehabilitation, harm minimisation measures like the BDR risked making the situation worse.

“We see little to no increase in resources to the only alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre outside of Broome or significant increased resources to assist community-led efforts to work with those being placed on the BDR,” he said.

“Unless this changes, a permanent BDR will only serve to cause more issues and problems in our Kimberley towns and communities.”

A government-commissioned review by Deloitte Access Economics into the BDR found no increase in the use of AOD services since its introduction, but noted that limited access to treatment might be discouraging people from seeking help in the first place.

The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also raised concerns over the proposed location of the new sobering-up centre, warning that while the service is necessary, its placement closer to the town centre must be carefully balanced with Broome’s business and tourism economy.

“While the chamber supports the establishment of the service closer to town, this must be balanced with the interests of the business and tourism sectors to ensure Broome continues to thrive as a destination and economic hub,” the chamber said in its submission on the proposed location to the Mental Health Commission earlier this year.

Tenders close on July 30, with forward works expected to commence later this year.