A new integrated health hub aimed at transforming access to alcohol and other drug support services has officially opened in Perth, bringing health care, legal aid, and community support together under one roof.
George Davies House: A New Chapter in Coordinated Care
The newly established George Davies House in West Leederville, operated by Palmerston, was officially opened on Tuesday morning. The facility is named after Reverend George Davies, one of Palmerston's founding members, and has been designed to provide coordinated care for individuals experiencing alcohol and other drug issues, as well as housing instability, legal problems, and financial stress.
Funding and Partnerships
The refurbishment of George Davies House was supported by a $3.3 million Lotterywest grant. The development has been made possible through partnerships with Sussex Street Community Legal, Homeless Health Care, and Uniting Smiles, which will also include a co-located charity dental clinic.
Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
Palmerston chief executive Emma Jarvis said the hub represents a major step forward in creating more accessible and connected support services for West Australians. "George Davies House is more than a building — it is a practical expression of our belief that there should be no wrong door when someone seeks help," Ms Jarvis said.
"Whether a person is facing alcohol and other drug issues, health concerns, housing instability, legal problems, or financial stress, they will find coordinated, trauma-informed and culturally responsive care in one welcoming place."
The new hub brings services together through a shared intake and triage model, with multidisciplinary support and "warm handovers" between different providers.
Community and Government Support
The opening ceremony included a Welcome to Country by Uncle Charlie and Aunty Helen Kickett, and was attended by Palmerston board members, staff, advocates, project partners, and supporters. Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the facility would make it easier for people to access holistic and coordinated care.
"For 46 years, Palmerston has helped people access treatment, counselling, and support close to home," she said. "This new purpose-built facility will bring together counselling services, a GP and dental care in one place — making it easier for people to access coordinated, holistic support."
A Model for Collaborative Care
Ms Jarvis said the project demonstrates the impact of organisations working collaboratively to meet clients' needs. "This is what leadership looks like in practice — listening to lived experience, applying evidence, and creating services that are easier to access, better connected, and built to endure," she said.
