Media Release: Grampians Alcohol And Other Drugs Rehab Beds Soon To Open

Media release Friday 6 July, Minister for Mental Health

The first residential rehabilitation beds at the Andrews Labor Government’s new $12.7 million Grampians alcohol and other drug residential facility are set to open in the coming months.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today toured the nearly completed facility in Eureka, which is on track to open its first seven beds in October.

The facility will give people in the Grampians and surrounding regions the support they need to help end their problematic substance use and rebuild their lives.

Once all 20 beds are open from March 2019, around 80 more people every year will be able to benefit from services in their own community, near family and support networks.

Currently, locals that need residential rehabilitation must travel to Bendigo, or Melbourne to access treatment.

Regional Victoria is disproportionately affected by alcohol and other drugs issues, with high levels of abuse among young adults and rising rates of drug-related offences and ambulance attendances.

Through the Victorian Budget 2018/19, the Ice Action Plan and the Drug Rehabilitation Plan, the Labor Government is more than doubling the number of residential rehab beds in Victoria – from 208 beds in 2014-15 to 450 beds now.

When new residential rehabilitation beds are open, around 700 more Victorians will be able to access rehabilitation services every year, particularly in regional areas, where more than half of the new beds will be based.

The Budget included $6.7 million over four years to operate the new 20 bed residential rehabilitation facility in the Grampians.

This follows the $6 million allocated in 2016-17 as part of Stage 2 of the Ice Action Plan for construction works to establish the residential rehabilitation facility.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“It’s exciting to see the new Grampians facility so close to completion.  This will be the first state-funded residential rehabilitation facility in the Grampians region.”

“The opening of the first of these beds will mean people can get the help they need without having to leave their community and support networks.” 

“We know how important it is to get people suffering from addiction issues the help they need as soon as possible and we will continue to work with communities across Victoria to improve access to these vital services.”

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