Community
30 January, 2026
Glenys continues fight for Lookout
GLENYS Phillpot is ending 25 years of service on the WRAD Health committee of management but is vowing to continue fighting one battle.
Mrs Phillpot will remain chair of The Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Committee and said securing the facility remains a top priority for the region.
Mrs Phillpot has been a major part of the evolution of WRAD Health, watching it grow from a base in a residential property opposite the Warrnambool Base Hospital with only a few staff, to expanded offices in Fairy Street and now a purpose-built centre in Merri Street with 35 staff.
“I’m really proud of the progress WRAD Health has made and the good work it does,” she said.
“The input from the WRAD team has been incredible and the services continue to expand and improve. It’s something of which Warrnambool should be proud because it is rare to have a stand-alone alcohol and other drug service in a community such as ours.”
Mrs Phillpot was working alongside then WRAD treasurer Peter McMillan at Sinclair Wilson when she was invited to join the committee 25 years ago.
“I believed it was a need that required addressing in our community,” she said. “Rodger Brough played a big part in the early days. Having a specialist in the field based in Warrnambool was very helpful.
“We moved from a house opposite the hospital to a bigger facility in Fairy Street and eventually to Merri Street. It’s so much better than where we were 25 years ago but the organisation continues to grow and that puts pressure on the facilities.”
Mrs Phillpot said WRAD Health would continue to expand to meet the needs of the community.
“There are so many things on the drawing board that will improve and broaden the service,” she said.
“The bulk billing medical practice is a real boon for local people but all of the services delivered by innovative and enthusiastic staff are making outcomes better for people.”
However, she added that WRAD Health continued to face challenges. “Government funding is an ongoing challenge, which is something all not-for-profits are aware of.
“They are being given less money and expected to do more, which means you have to be very creative and work very hard to keep your head above water.”
The biggest individual challenge is making The Lookout Residential Rehabilitation Centre a reality and Mrs Phillpot is determined to see it eventuate.
“I want to stay involved with the Lookout committee if I can be useful, it’s an absolute passion of mine,” she said.
“I’ll be delighted when that is eventually set up in Warrnambool to serve the region.”
Mrs Phillpot said the committee was formed to raise awareness and advocate for the centre and had achieved its goal. “We’ve effectively moved past that. It has been highly successful in that the community now knows about the Lookout centre and the responses when funding gets knocked back is `why haven’t we got this yet?’
“The broad range of people who responded to the call when we were raising money is proof of the broad community support. I want to see that through. I’d be very disappointed if it doesn’t eventuate in Warrnambool.
“It’s not dissimilar to the cancer centre. If you fold Victoria in half, the western side previously had cancer centres only in the eastern half of the state. It’s the same with residential rehab. Mildura has one in progress but that’s far too far away to service this part of Victoria.”
On the local front, the committee had to deal with people opposing its original proposed location.
“It was a small group of people who didn’t really understand that other communities have residential rehabilitation facilities even next to schools and aged care facilities with little impact,” she said.
“It’s not the boogeyman that people imagine.”
A former Warrnambool City councillor and recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, Mrs Phillpot said she had thoroughly enjoyed her 25 years on the WRAD Health committee of management.
“I wouldn’t have stayed as long if it hadn’t been enjoyable but as you advance in years, it’s good to get fresh and younger perspectives coming in,” she said.
WRAD Health CEO Mark Powell said Mrs Phillpot’s contribution to the organisation had been profound and enduring.
“Throughout her 25 years on the Committee of Management, Glenys has carried out her governance responsibilities in an exemplary manner, consistently demonstrating insight, integrity and a deep empathy for our clients,” he said.
“She has played a particularly pivotal leadership role as Chair of the Lookout Committee, where her vision, credibility and persistence have been instrumental in advancing one of WRAD Health’s most significant and ambitious strategic priorities.
“In addition, she has provided years of thoughtful and valuable input into the organisation’s strategy, governance and long-term direction.”
