With the opening of a new rehabilitation facility in Orange, Canowindra will see the end of its own rehabilitation facility, Lyndon House, which will relocate to the Bloomfield Hospital Campus in 2016.
After more than 30 years operating in the Canowindra community, it has been acknowledged by the Board that the Lyndon House building has “passed its use-by-date”, and that a bigger, better equipped facility will do more to reach clients with substance abuse.
According to The Lyndon Community, the new facility will allow Lyndon to provide improved drug and alcohol treatment to clients through better access to support services, and that the savings achieved through colocation will improve client amenities, reduce operating and maintenance costs and benefit clients.
The Board also acknowledged the decision was a difficult one, but said that the
decision had to be made. “The main reason for the relocation is to provide better client outcomes,” said Ed Zarnow, CEO of The Lyndon Community. “By consolidating, we can put more money into direct client care.” “The building has also been an ongoing issue. We’ve applied for grants from various bodies but weren’t successful.” “Over the years the building has deteriorated and the organisation doesn’t have enough money to maintain it when the budget for the program is as tight as it is.”
Mr Zarnow said that there would be no forced redundancies at Lyndon House and further work options would be offered by The Lyndon Community. The Lyndon Community commenced over 30 years ago from buildings in Canowindra and now includes services in Orange, the Blue Mountains, Bega and the Murdi Paaki region.
Lyndon House offers a three-month residential rehabilitation program in a safe and stable environment surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Board has yet to decide on the future of the property in Canowindra and will be considering possible options over the coming months.