A media article has shone the spotlight on an organisation that for 120 years has likely touched the lives every Western Australian, but many of us still wouldn’t know their name. It’s an organisation, which among other things, was instrumental in the introduction of alcohol testing in WA and has preached temperance from the get-go.
Now simply known as HOPE, or Hope Community Services, the Western Australian organisation has had a few names. According to the WAtoday article, these include the City Band of Hope & Temperance League, WA Alliance, WA Temperance Alliance and Drug ARM WA.
Alcohol testing in Western Australia influenced by HOPE
HOPE is a not-for-profit organisation serving Western Australia in four key areas. These are family and domestic violence, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and youth justice.
When it comes to alcohol and other drugs, in WWII HOPE argued against the ‘two cans, per man, per day’ theory and even funded machines for the troops that gave them access to cold juice and milk. They also brought Alcoholics Anonymous to Western Australia, when they opened the first Perth branch in 1947.
But what about the Western Australia alcohol testing link?
According to WA today, HOPE was one of the first to raise concerns about drink-driving, lobbying the Western Australian government way back in 1948 to make it a criminal offense. After two decades of advocacy, drink-driving was officially criminalised in WA in 1968.
HOPE then spent the 1970s and 1980s championing the introduction of on-the-spot breathalysers, leading to the adoption of random roadside alcohol testing in 1988, now a staple on WA roads.
We can even give them some credit for the ‘think before you drink’ slogan, which has become synonymous with alcohol testing and drink driving across the country. While it was borrowed from US and UK efforts, HOPE used the slogan in a 1987 Alcohol Awareness Week campaign. It then became widely recognised in Western Australia and across the nation.
You could certainly argue that HOPE was ahead of its time. As well as the drink driving campaign, it was also one of the first organisations to highlight the risks of alcohol and swimming. In addition, it educated people about the dangers and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
The organisation was also responsible for a drug and alcohol outreach program, which involved street vans and teams setting up at night time hot spots every Friday and Saturday nights. They would offer support to young people, as well as information and friendship. This program was extended to school leavers celebrations, which is still in existence today.
Issues with alcohol or other drugs? You can turn to HOPE
Today, one of HOPE’s most important services is providing support to individuals and families struggling with the issues of alcohol and other drugs.
If you or someone you love is experiencing challenges with alcohol or other drugs, Hope Community Services can help guide them to the right support. Whether it’s accessing alcohol support services or other drug-related assistance, all HOPE’s alcohol and other drug services are completely free.
