The church-run centre in the heart of Sydney's King's Cross strip club district includes stainless steel booths, free syringe dispensers and a medical treatment room. It is on an 18-month trial meant to reduce drug overdose deaths. But the number of users is rising while their age falls. Medical director Ingrid van Beek says the centre was visited by eight clients during its first four hours. Staff expect up to 200 users daily.
Similar facilities exist in countries including Switzerland, Britain and the Netherlands.
Opponents say the centre will not stop overdose deaths and will hurt tourism. E-mail this story to a friend Catch up with the latest headlines from the UK newspapers .