The prominent Albury businessman was heavily involved with the foundation and fund-raising for the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre before his sudden death in 1999.

Foundation director Geoff Emerson said yesterday it would start the appeal to re-open Granya House with a $10,000 donation.

Almost $400,000 has to be raised within a fortnight to reclaim Granya House and operate the rehabilitation centre for an initial 12 months.

Former operators Faith City Church has ceased its involvement with Granya House.

“Back To Reality has been previously involved with Granya House and the fantastic results achieved in the area of drug and alcohol rehab,” Mr Emerson said.

“It was always a passion of the late Gabe Farrah and that inspired the committee.

“It would be remiss of the committee if they didn’t explore every avenue to maintain this wonderful and much-needed facility in our area.”

Mr Emerson said Anne Newton’s willingness to return to her former role as Granya House director was proof the centre had a future.

“It is an opportunity too good to refuse,” he said.

“Every effort is being made to support Anne with the backing of a community-based board of directors.

“It will be formed once we are able to get a clear picture of the commitment of the Albury-Wodonga community to resurrect Granya House.”

Mr Emerson said the appeal would run for two weeks.

“The aim is to secure a figure in the vicinity of $400,000,” he said.

“It will enable the new committee to secure the title and run it for the first year.”

Granya House will close permanently before the end of the year unless new owners can be found.

Faith City Church is ending a decade-long association with the facility.

Back To Reality owned Granya House up until 2003.

Faith City has identified “other avenues” within its organisation to support people in need of services offered by Granya House.

Donations can be made at any WAW branch and Kentool Industrial in David Street, Albury.