Victorian Nationals: New drug rehab beds for Shepparton delivering better services, close to home

People in Shepparton at crisis point and seeking to get their lives back on track from addiction will get specialised residential treatment, close to home, under an elected Liberals and Nationals Government.

Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy is in Shepparton today with The Nationals candidate for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and Liberal candidate Cheryl Hammer to announce a new $36 million facility for the local community.

It’s part of the Liberals and Nationals statewide commitment to build six new, state-of-the-art residential rehabilitation facilities across Victoria to provide 24-hour support. Facilities will also be built in the Latrobe Valley, Mildura, Warrnambool, Frankston and Melbourne.

Ms Kealy said it was an effort to actively tackle the critical shortage of drug treatment beds in Victoria.

“The insidious claws of drug and alcohol abuse go further than just affecting the individual themselves, with other far-reaching consequences for their loved ones and our communities,” Ms Kealy said.

“The problem will continue to get worse while regional communities are overlooked for improved access to health services, including specialised treatment to help people get off drugs and get their lives back on track.”

A critical shortage of residential rehabilitation in the Shepparton region has seen a strong community push in recent years to shine a light on the need for services close to home.

Ms O’Keeffe said Shepparton deserves the very best health services.

“Drug and alcohol addiction is devastating the lives of people in Shepparton, but the Andrews Labor Government has failed to deliver more support to us,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

“A 30-bed residential rehabilitation and withdrawal clinic will support better mental health outcomes for those in our community who want to get their lives back and mean they can be surrounded by their support networks and be in familiar surroundings to give them the best chance of success.”

Ms Hammer said this important commitment will contribute to better, and safer, outcomes for local communities in the Shepparton region.

“Providing these services close to home, where individuals benefit from having their family and support networks nearby, is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes for recovery,” Ms Hammer said.

“Our plan for a new 24-hour support centre will alleviate a great deal of stress and cost for local families, and will help those affected by addiction to get their lives back on track.”