Australia's Victorian Government has selected a consortium to manage an adult drug and alcohol residential withdrawal and rehabilitation centre in Mildura.
Made on 9 August by Victorian Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt and Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, the announcement introduces a specialised facility designed to aid community members battling addiction.
The consortium consists of Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura Base Hospital, Odyssey House Victoria, and Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
With an investment of A$36m ($23.6m), the facility is the first of its kind in the region, offering a 30-bed capacity and aiming to serve up to 300 individuals annually.
To be located at 13 Jenner Street in Merbein, the new centre will provide care for those undergoing withdrawal or requiring stabilisation, including people facing alcohol and other drugs (AOD) addiction issues.
It will feature staff, consulting, and support areas, along with shared spaces such as a dining room, kitchen, activity areas, lounge, and an outdoor deck for programme activities.
This development ensures that residents in Mildura and the wider Mallee region can access necessary treatment and support without the need to travel extensively.
The Victorian Health Building Authority will oversee the project's delivery, with Billard Leece Partnership leading the design.
Stitt said: “This new facility will mean locals across the Mallee region can embark on their journey towards recovery and well-being in a welcoming place that is close to their family and support networks.
“Alcohol and drug-related harms have a devastating impact on local communities, this new facility in Mildura will create the opportunity for locals to stay connected to their community while they get the treatment, care and support they need.”
The state government highlighted that it has significantly increased the number of residential rehabilitation beds since 2015, particularly in regional areas.
This includes an A$52.1m investment in facilities in Corio, Traralgon, as well as Wangaratta, which are already operational.
Northern Victoria Member Jaclyn Symes said: “Addiction has a devastating impact on local communities – particularly in regional Victoria. This new facility in Mildura will create lasting change in people’s lives and help them stay connected to their communities.”
