The lotus flower has been unveiled as the official logo of the Dubbo Needs a Rehab campaign in a launch at the tranquil Shoyeon Gardens on Monday (18 October 2020).
The lotus was chosen because its resurrection each day ties in with the goals of a rehabilitation in the Dubbo Region. The logo was designed in-house by Dubbo Regional Council and will be an important aspect of the campaign. Pins featuring the logo and keepsake cards with an explanation behind the lotus’ symbolism were handed out at the launch.
Dubbo Regional Council’s Director of Liveability Skye Price explained the meaning behind the selection of the lotus flower.
“The lotus has a life cycle unlike any other. With its roots based in mud, it submerges every night into murky river water, and – undeterred by its dirty environment – it miraculously re-blooms the next morning without residue on its petals. The lotus flowers’ daily resurrection is certainly interesting, and surely symbolic of revival,” said Ms Price.
The official ceremony included a traditional welcome to Country by local Tubba-Gah Wiradjuri man, Lewis Burns followed by a powerful plea from Mayor of the Dubbo Region Councillor Ben Shields.
“The campaign for an alcohol and other drug rehabilitation centre in our region is in no doubt the number one social priority for this Council. A facility of this kind will not only be accessed by local people of the Dubbo region, but it will provide a service for people from as far away as Bourke, Walgett and perhaps even further,” Councillor Shields said.
“The fact that this region does not have a residential rehabilitation facility is a disservice by the State Government. There is a special State Government budget coming down in November and there needs to be funds allocated in this upcoming budget for an alcohol and other drug rehabilitation centre in our region,” he said.
Dubbo Regional Council recently hosted the first of three question and answer panel events, streamed live to Council’s website, facebook and twitter. The event reached over 18,000 people on facebook alone. The next question and answer panel event will be held on Tuesday 27 October 2020, 6:30pm.
The NSW Government is announcing its budget on 17 November 2020. DRC is advocating for construction and to cover ongoing operational costs.
An online pledge can be found at www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/dubboneedsarehab. DRC is encouraging residents and community groups to get online and take the pledge to demonstrate their support.
Source: Dubbo Regional Council