Regional rehab centre opened in Corio

THE Victorian Government has officially opened the newly constructed 30-bed alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facility in Corio, a project first promised in 2018.

It’s one of three regional rehabilitation facilities the Andrews Government set aside over $50 million dollars for in the 2018-19 budget, with similar facilities in Traralgon and Wangaratta due to open soon.

The government estimates an additional 900 Victorians a year will access rehabilitation care and support at the centres, helping make up for long identified gaps in regional facilities of their type.

Operated by Windana, the new site means members of the community in the region seeking help for alcohol and drug dependencies will have to travel less distance to access care, allowing them to remain closer to their support networks.

“The Victorian Government is committed to preventing the devastating effects of alcohol and other drugs in communities around the state and reducing harm, which is why this $52.1 million investment is so important,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.

“Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), the facility forms part of the Labor Government’s commitment to tackling 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.”

Attending the opening at the Hendy Street centre on Tuesday (February 15) with the Health Minister, Lara MP John Eren said the facility will assist in preventing avoidable deaths from substance abuse.

“This brand-new facility is a perfect example of what happens when a strong community like Corio works together to achieve something great – this facility will save lives and help people get their lives back on track,” he said.