Western Victorians will now have better access to drug and alcohol rehabilitation services closer to home, thanks to a new service built and opened by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley opened the new $12.7 million cutting-edge Grampians alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation facility today, which will provide tailored support to members of our community dealing with the devastating impacts of addiction.

Regional Victoria is disproportionately affected by alcohol and other drug issues. The new 20-bed facility in Eureka will provide important services for up to 80 members of our community every year.

The Grampians facility will provide individual and group counselling sessions, and residents will learn important life skills to support them when they return to the community.

The Labor Government is more than doubling the number of residential rehab beds in Victoria – from 208 beds in 2014/15 to 478 beds. More than half of these will be based in regional Victoria, meaning 800 more Victorians can access vital residential rehabilitation services each year.

The Government is also holding a Royal Commission into the Mental Health system – the first of its kind in Australia – and has committed to implementing every recommendation.

The final Terms of Reference and Commissioners will be announced within the first 100 days of this term, before the Royal Commission commences its work in March.

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley

“This is the first state-funded residential rehabilitation facility in the Grampians region. It will mean more members of our community will be able to access the support they need.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Addiction has a devastating impact on our community. This facility will help to deal with the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs and help people get back on track.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We’ve made record investments in alcohol and other drug initiatives to help fight the issue of addiction and its impact on our local community.”