Young people across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland will get the support they need to recover from drug and alcohol addiction, with construction complete on a new state-of-the-art alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facility in Traralgon by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Health Martin Foley and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today officially opened the new 20-bed, multi-million-dollar youth-specific rehabilitation facility on Northern Avenue.
The new facility is part of a $52.1 million investment by the Labor Government to build three new alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation facilities in regional Victoria, which will provide care and support to an additional 900 Victorians every year.
Designed to create a welcoming and healing atmosphere for patients and their loved ones, the facility provides a structured therapeutic and home-like environment where young people experiencing addiction can develop coping skills and address underlying issues to overcome their alcohol and other drug use.
The 20-bed residential facility, catering for young Victorians between the ages of 16 and 21, provides 24-hour care and support for people who have been through withdrawal or stabilisation and need to continue their treatment.
The facility supports young people to reintegrate back into the community and access educational and vocational training and employment skills – a vital component of making positive and long-lasting change possible.
With a mix of single and double bedrooms with shared bathrooms, it also includes administration and consulting facilities, lounge and dining areas and indoor and outdoor activity areas.
It means young people in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region seeking help for alcohol and drug dependencies can get access to the right treatment sooner, without needing to travel long distances or leave their support networks.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), the facility is part of the Government’s plan to tackle alcohol and drug abuse, with more than $180 million invested as part of the Ice Action Plan and $87 million through the Drug Rehabilitation Plan.
As stated by Minister for Health Martin Foley
“Addiction has a devastating impact on local communities – particularly in regional Victoria. This new facility in Traralgon will create lasting change in young people’s lives and help them stay connected to their community.”
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We know there is increasing demand for drug and alcohol support services and this new facility will help many young Victorians in Gippsland get the support they need close to home so they can get their lives back on track.”
