Wednesday, 26^th September 2018

A new youth residential rehabilitation facility will be established in Gippsland to provide extra support, closer to home for young regional Victorians suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced the new 20 bed facility today, which will help young people to address their alcohol and drug problems, while developing skills that will help them to re-enter the community.

Qualified staff will provide 24-hour supervision through a live-in program targeting young people aged 16 to 21, who will engage in activities that support lasting behavioural change including social and life skills development, relapse prevention, individual counselling and group work.

The exact location of the facility is yet to be determined, however work is underway to find an appropriate land parcel in the Morwell region.

More than $40 million is being provided to construct purpose-built drug rehab facilities in the Barwon, Hume and Gippsland regions.

As part of this investment, the Government also announced it will provide at least $1.8 million a year in operational costs to run the HOPE Restart Centre in Bairnsdale.

These investments will see the number of residential rehabilitation beds in Victoria more than double, with at least half of the new residential rehabilitation beds based in regional Victoria.

Once fully operational, this investment will give hundreds more people access treatment, closer to home and family.

The Labor Government has increased funding for alcohol and other drug services by 57 per cent over the last four Victorian Budgets, providing a record $260 million in this year alone.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley

“We need to ensure that young Victorians with drugs and alcohol addiction can easily access the help they need – so they don’t harm themselves and others.”

“This new facility will provide 24 hour care for young people with experts available to guide them through behavioural change activities, relapse prevention programs and individual counselling.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“A service like this can make all the difference for a young person trying to get their life back on track.”

“Having a new residential rehabilitation facility in Morwell is fantastic news for the local community – meaning those struggling with substance abuse and addiction can get help closer to home and their support networks.”