Sober centre 'making problems worse', residents say

Residents at Ceduna on South Australia’s west coast claim a sobering up centre designed to fix the town’s alcohol problem is actually making it worse.

Critics claim drinkers are treating the sobering up centre like a hotel, but the centre managers said it is a last resort for the homeless.

The town of Ceduna has battled the effects of alcohol abuse for decades – with heavy drinkers taken to a sobering up centre to ‘dry out’ once they are severely intoxicated.

Most record a breath test reading of 0.3, while some even reach up to 0.4 – the maximum and a near fatal reading.

Locals say violence and disruptive behaviour intensified when the centre’s capacity increased from five beds to 21.

“I think it is encouraging people to drink so they can get a bed,” local resident Wayne Hoffrichter told 7News.

The centre is full most nights.

Critics say the centre is a band-aid solution to Ceduna’s chronic alcohol problem and the only way to stop the drinking is to restrict income spending.

“We’re essentially paying people to drink themselves to death,” Ceduna mayor Allen Suter said.

The Federal Government is conducting a study into limiting the bulk of welfare spending to essentials, but local residents are asking for action over more research.

Nina Spaan from Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health said the root of the issue is homelessness.

“I also believe it is around people needing help,” she said.

“People were dying as a result of poor care, sleeping rough and being exposed to the elements.”

Making a change even more difficult, locals say drinking is embedded in the culture of the town.

“Look how big that liquor barn is,” local Anthony Coleman said.

“They are still going to do it the next day, you know, it’s just how – the way life is here in Ceduna.”