Fresh Start

Kevin-Neil, who is the CEO of Fresh Start, was accompanied by his lovely wife, Kathleen, to present to us about the wonderful work Fresh Start achieves helping people with addictions. Kevin-Neil related his work to what Rotary tries to do, helping people across all spectrums of life and “giving back” to the community.

At a recent breakfast he attended, he was shocked to learn from the Chief Pharmacist of WA that 600,000 West Australians are listed on addictive medications. Drugs and alcohol addiction is escalating in Western Australia.

Fresh Start was born out of a need to help heroin addicts nearly 30 years ago. That was followed by a wave of crystal meth addicts mostly funded by big money in the mining industry, although its use is reduced now in favour of opiates.

A lot of rehabilitation centres were established in the 70s and 80s. Research has shown that they don’t really work, although they boast an 80 per cent success rate. What this really means is that 80 per cent of the people who pass through them stay and finish the course. It does not mean that they are cured or “clean”.

Statistics show that worldwide, 60 per cent of people leave rehabilitation centres the same or even worse. 

Fresh Help works on the premise of three behaviours: Seeking help, seeking relief, and seeking control. 

To seek and accept help, you must humble or lower yourself; seeking relief is moving sideways and seeking control is placing yourself within strong boundaries.

The simple but beautifully illustrated business card Kathleen distributed to members showed a caterpillar arching down, a chrysalis travelling through and a butterfly flying upwards. In Hebrew, the images mean exodus, wilderness and promised land. 

As part of the analogy, Fresh Start is the branch which changes individuals by healing the body first. The naltrexone implant is only the first step and staff follow up with kindness, acceptance and love. 

Fresh Start has treated 16,000 patients over 29 years. From a single office in Subiaco they now have 12 different treatment sites in WA and 50 staff.

They continue to grow and provide an innovative service to desperate people who have exhausted every other kind of available help.

Kathleen Ward (Board Member) and Kevin-Neil Ward(CEO) 

Our club thrives when members step forward to lead. If you know a Rotarian who brings energy, commitment, and a steady hand, please encourage them to nominate for President‑Elect.

It’s important to do this now, so the incoming President‑Elect has time to prepare before taking on the role of President for the 2027–2028 Rotary year. This is a key leadership position and plays a vital part in shaping the future of Applecross Rotary.

No prior Rotary leadership experience is necessary — you learn on the job and other club members support you every step of the way.