WRAD Supporting South-West Victorians For 40 Years
The Allan Labor Government is proud to support WRAD, a trusted service that for four decades has been helping south west Victorians through alcohol, drug and mental health recovery.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Member for Western Victoria Region Jacinta Ermacora today visited the Western Region Alcohol and Drug (WRAD) Centre in Warrnambool, which has been supporting individuals and families across the region for more than 40 years.
WRAD delivers a wide range of alcohol and other drug (AOD) and mental health services. These include counselling, withdrawal support, pharmacotherapy, family support programs, peer work, workforce training and community education.
The centre also leads the Great South Coast AOD Treatment Consortium, helping to coordinate treatment and care across Portland, Warrnambool, Hamilton and Terang.
With strong partnerships across the community – including with the Eastern Maar Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations – WRAD is also progressing plans for The Lookout.
The Lookout is a proposed 30-bed residential rehabilitation service that would provide culturally safe, trauma-informed care for people experiencing AOD dependence in south west Victoria.
In May, the Labor Government provided $100,000 to support a feasibility study for the project, which will help shape the model of care and ensure it meets both clinical standards and cultural needs.
The Allan Labor Government has made record investments in alcohol and other drug services. Since 2014, the number of residential rehabilitation beds has more than doubled – with more than half located in regional Victoria.
This builds on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which called for better supports for people experiencing both mental ill health and alcohol or drug dependence.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
“For four decades, WRAD has been a cornerstone of support in south west Victoria, helping people and families recover from the devastating impacts of addiction.”
“We’re proud to support WRAD and the work they’re doing with their community and Traditional Owners to plan for the region’s first residential rehabilitation service.”
Quote attributable Member for Western Victoria Region Jacinta Ermacora
“WRAD is a trusted service for so many people across Warrnambool and beyond – their work makes a real difference to families right across our community.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-08/250821-WRAD-Supporting-South-West-Victorians-For-40-Years.pdf