Assembly 2000

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The Uniting Church Board for Social Responsibility will operate the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre from 66 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.

The Board’s Executive Director, the Rev. Harry Herbert, announced this today.

Mr Herbert said, "This is an excellent location for the Injecting Centre. It meets the guiding principles set by the Community Consultative Committee and has sufficient space for the Centre to operate to the expectations of the Government and the Community."

Mr Herbert said the Police Commissioner and the Director-General of Health had approved the site, a former pinball parlour leased from the private company Intencity.

Mr Herbert also announced the appointment of Dr Ingrid van Beek as the part-time Medical Director for the Centre. Dr van Beek is the Director of the Kirketon Road Clinic, and has been actively involved in treating drug addicts for more than 10 years.

The General Manager of the Centre will be Ms Karen Nairn, who is currently Manager of the Sexual Health and AIDS program in the Central Coast Area Health Service. Both Dr van Beek and Ms Nairn will be seconded to work at the Centre.

Mr Herbert said, "The Uniting Church has consulted widely in the local community about the trial, including residents, businesses and health agencies. I recognise that this location has not met with the approval of all members of the Kings Cross Chamber of Commerce. However, we are committed to working with the Chamber, as well as with community groups, to ensure that the Centre operates successfully."

He said, "Our primary aim in operating the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre is to save lives. And we are confident that the trial will show this to be the case. Other aims are to offer treatment options for drug users, minimise drug use on the street and improve public amenity."

The Minister of the Uniting Church’s Wayside Chapel, the Rev. Ray Richmond, said, "I am delighted at the choice of 66 Darlinghurst Road. It is an excellent location and is a good foundation for a successful trial."

The opening date for the Centre will depend on the time taken to fit out the building.

Press Release (Feb 25, 2000)

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