$36 million in state government budget for Mildura alcohol, drug rehab centre

Mildura has received $36 million in the state government budget to build a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in north-west Victoria.

Mildura has received $36 million in the state government budget to build a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in north-west Victoria.

The 30-bed residential withdrawal centre will provide therapeutic support in a home-like environment which is hoped to overcome addiction.

Mallee MP Ali Cupper said Tuesday’s announcement was a “critical” facility for the area and would stop patients from having to travel 400km to the nearest centre in Bendigo.

Ms Cupper said the issue was a “matter of life and death” and would address a “glaring gap” in services.

“Other parts of Victoria have their own historical challenges and traumas too … but what sets those other regions apart from us is that they have the facilities to give their communities a fighting chance to break that cycle, whereas we do not,” she said.

Last year the community identified drug and alcohol use as one of the top three concerns through the community safety survey.

Mildura police Insp. Michelle Young said it was “exciting” to finally get services like this to make getting treatment easier.

“To go through rehab is a difficult journey on its own without additional angst of having to leave your home and loved ones whilst you seek that support so it’s hoped that this will be a life changer for those that need it but want to remain at ‘home’ in their community whilst seeking this assistance,” she said.

Insp. Young said having a rehab center in Mildura would allow police in help people struggling addiction.

“It will enable police to be able to link those requiring this support into local services. It will certainly assist in accessibility and timeframes for referrals,” she said.

“For those in our community who are facing addiction, having local accessibility and local supports will be of great benefit.

“It may mean that to make that life changing decision is less challenging or ‘scary’ because the help and support they’re going to get is right in their familiar home environment.

“They can stay close to family and friends who can also be involved in ‘recovery’ and are crucial supports as the travelling expectation and requirements will be significantly less.”