NORTH DRUG FIGHT WIN
Multi-million dollar 30-bed centre to be built in Corio
A 30-BED drug and alcohol rehab centre will be built in Geelong’s northern suburbs to help tackle the region’s worrying rates of substance abuse.
Work on the multi-million dollar facility, in Hendy St, is expected to start next year and become operational in 2020-21.
Figures reveal about 1800 people across the Barwon region now receive treatment for alcohol and other drugs annually.
A 30-BED drug and alcohol rehab centre will be built in Geelong’s northern suburbs to help tackle the regions’ concerning rates of substance abuse.
Work on the multi-million dollar facility, in Hendy St, is expected to start next year with the service becoming operational in 2020-21.
Figures reveal about 1800 people across the Barwon region now receive treatment for alcohol and other drugs annually.
The residential rehabilitation offering will provide a structured environment for people to address issues related to alcohol and other drug use, and support them to back into community living.
Those staying at the facility will engage in activities that support lasting change, social and life-skill development and relapse prevention, including counselling and group work.
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the State Government project would increase access to drug and alcohol support services for those living in the Barwon region — with the added benefit of being near family and support networks.
This new residential rehabilitation facility in Corio will mean people in the Barwon region can access support services for their addiction closer to home and closer to their families,” Mr Foley said.
Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association statistics showed 130 people died from overdoses in the region between 2009 and 2016 — the highest figure outside of Melbourne.
Lara MP John Eren said the announcement answered calls from health providers and the community for additional rehabilitation services.
“This is wonderful news for the people of Lara and surrounds. This facility ... will help countless people battling alcohol and drug addiction to improve their quality of life,” Mr Eren said.
Last month, Foundation 61 announced it had secured land in Mount Duneed to build a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for females.
The project has been in the pipeline for several years and received $1.5 million from the Federal Government in 2016.
Once completed — potentially as early as June next year — the facility will provide eight beds for females, including facilities for children.
The Corio centre is one of four residential rehabilitation facilities — including projects in the Hume, Gippsland and Grampians regions — announced by the State Government for regional areas.
Work on the latter has already started with the other three projects to share in $40 million.
Since 2014, the State Government has more than doubled the number of residential rehabilitation beds, from 208 to 450 — helping around 700 extra people to get clean and back on their feet.