- Minister for Mental Health
Victorians struggling with addiction issues will receive extra support to kick their dependency with the opening of a new alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation centre in Bairnsdale.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced the Hope Restart Centre - a 30 bed residential rehabilitation centre to help people deal with the devastating impacts of addiction - was officially open.
The Victorian Government invested $10.2 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to operate the centre, which will be run by leading provider Odyssey House Victoria.
The centre will complement other alcohol and drug services already located in Gippsland and generate employment opportunities for health workers and support service workers in the area.
Residential rehabilitation is one of many treatment types, providing a structured and therapeutic environment for people to address issues related to their alcohol and other drug use.
The new facility will feature 30 beds and provide individual and group counselling sessions, and residents will learn important life skills to support them when they return to the community.
The Hope Restart Centre has been driven by strong community support across Gippsland, as well as capital funding from the Commonwealth Government.
More than $40 million is being provided to construct other drug rehab facilities in the Barwon, Hume and Gippsland regions.
These investments will see the number of alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation beds in Victoria more than double and once all beds are operational, about 900 more Victorians each year will be able to access rehabilitation services.
A further $390,000 has been committed to establish an additional two withdrawal beds in outer Gippsland. Planning for the location and service provider for these new beds is underway.
The Victorian Government has increased funding for alcohol and other drug services by 65 per cent over the past five Victorian Budgets.
As noted by Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
"We're proud to back the Hope Restart Centre and ensure people in Gippsland, and across Victoria get the services they need to not only recover, but stay healthy and well."
"Addiction has a devastating impact on local communities - particularly in regional Victoria. This new facility will create lasting change in people's lives and help them stay connected to their community."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
"This brand-new facility is a perfect example of what happens when a strong community like ours works together to achieve something great - this facility will save lives and help people get their lives back on track."
