A PARCEL of land in Merbein has been chosen as the site of Sunraysia’s “game changer” drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt was in the region on Friday to announce the $36 million, 30-bed facility would be built on the former Merbein Primary School site in Jenner Street.
The facility will be managed by Sunraysia Community Health Services in a consortium partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital, Odyssey House Victoria and Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
It will specialise in withdrawal and detox – providing around-the-clock care for people who are experiencing withdrawal or require stabilisation and need to continue their treatment.
Consulting, staff and support areas; several shared spaces including kitchen, dining, lounge and activity areas; and an outdoor deck and landscaped areas for outdoor program activities will be included.
Ms Stitt told a gathering of facility consortium members the site announcement was a “joyous event for the community”.
“There are many people in the room today that have been part of this project from the very start and it is an exciting development that we are here to announce,” she said.
“We know how important it is to have somewhere in the local community.
“We understand that addiction and rehabilitation needs in the community are currently not being met.
“It means people have to leave their loved ones and their support networks to go and get a rehabilitation bed in other parts of the state.
“You really have not had anything locally that kind of makes people’s rehab, and breaking that cycle of addiction, easy, so this is something that is really important for the whole community.”
Ms Stitt said the facility, which would have the capacity to treat about 200 people a year on average, would be “a real game changer”.
“This will provide somewhere where people in the community who are struggling can get support they need without any judgment,” she said.
“Let’s get on with this build so that we can get all you consortium members up and running, and delivering that vital care for the community.”
Sunraysia Community Health Services chief executive Darren Midgley said the facility would provide an “amazing opportunity” for the community.
“It is going to save lives … it’s going to deliver some amazing outcomes,” he said.
“This is a game changer for our community.”
Mr Midgley said the facility would ensure individuals seeking help for alcohol and drug use could receive the right treatment close to home, supported by local networks.
“We are dedicated to engaging with the community, with neighbours, and with other stakeholders throughout the development of this program,” he said.
“Community consultations will be instrumental in shaping a service that is responsive to local needs and expectations.”
Odyssey House Victoria chief executive Dr Stefan Gruenert said the organisation was excited to be working with the local community to establish a world-class treatment program.
“We expect this program to have a profound and positive impact on those experiencing addiction,” he said.
The project, which will be delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority with architectural firm Billard Leece Partnership appointed to lead the facility’s design, is earmarked for completion in 2026.
