Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for the Mallee

The project will deliver:

• a 32-bed residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, which includes two beds to support members of the community to access withdrawal services
• consulting, staff and support areas
• shared spaces including kitchen, dining, lounge and activity areas
• outdoor deck and landscaped areas.

The project aims to achieve the following benefits:

Increasing capacity in regional Victoria

Increased investment in residential withdrawal and rehabilitation beds in Victoria will provide more access and support to local communities.

Relieving pressure on the hospital system

The Victorian Government is rapidly expanding access to residential withdrawal and rehabilitation services across Victoria.

This will create more access to specialist care where it’s needed most and reduce pressure on the hospital system.

Support closer to home

The new facility will provide support for people living in the Mallee — reducing the need to travel long distances to the nearest rehabilitation facility for care and support.

Jobs for Victorians

The project is expected to create and sustain more than 100 construction industry jobs.

The facility will be operated by Sunraysia Community Health, in a consortium partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital. Odyssey House Victoria and the Mallee District Aboriginal Service.

About residential rehabilitation

What is residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation?

This is a voluntary treatment option for people who have already started their journey to recovery from alcohol and drug dependencies.

Services provide 24-hour care by qualified staff in a live-in program that provides evidence-based treatment and emphasises self-help and peer support to prepare for reintegration into community living.

What support will the facility provide?

With around-the-clock support and care, the purpose-built facility will provide a therapeutic environment, where people living with addiction can develop coping skills and address the underlying issues leading to their drug and alcohol use, in a structured residential setting. 

The facility will include accommodation for 30 people undergoing rehabilitation, two beds to support people who require withdrawal services, consulting, staff and support areas and several shared spaces including a kitchen, dining, lounge, and activity areas. It will also have outdoor decking and extensive landscaped areas for outdoor program activities.

Is this facility like a Medically Supervised Injecting Room?

No. This service does not resemble a Medically Supervised Injecting Room and is specifically designed for people who are seeking rehabilitation and withdrawal support.

Consumers will not be permitted to use drugs and alcohol on the premises or while undertaking treatment through the service.

Who will be supported by this facility?

Having a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in the Mallee region means that locals will have the option to access services closer to home, family, and their support networks. It is anticipated that the facility will be most utilised by local residents and those from nearby communities.

What can somebody undergoing residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation expect?

Residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation provides co-designed, individualised care planning and delivery of tailored therapeutic interventions. Participants engage in group-based and one-on-one therapy.

The program includes peer-led support and mentorship, and the development of life and vocational skills. There are regular care reviews and adaptive planning, family and community engagement, as well as discharge planning and transitional support.

How long is the average stay?

The stay for a person undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation will depend on their needs and plan, but typical programs are between six weeks and three months.

What happens to people attending the facility once their stay is completed?

Standard care at rehabilitation services in Victoria always includes pre-planning for discharge to ensure smooth transition back into the community whether that be at the end of the program or earlier.

After their stay, people return to their homes or step down into support programs in their community to continue their journey back to health.

About the residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for the Mallee

Where will the residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility be located?

The facility will be located at 13 Jenner Street in Merbein on a 3.7-hectare parcel of land. The site is on the edge of the Merbein Town Centre and a short drive from the Mildura Town Centre, including the Mildura Base Public Hospital.

The facility will be situated on the southwest corner of the site, with landscaping and screening for privacy.

How was the location identified?

The Land Selection Committee for this site included subject matter and technical experts from the Department of Health and Victorian Health Building Authority along with representatives from the Northern Mallee AOD Alliance.

In determining the site for this important community facility, all available land in Mildura and surrounding areas of suitable size were considered.

Ultimately, the Land Selection Committee assessed a number of sites – a mix of government and privately owned properties against extensive Site Evaluation Criteria. The Jenner Street site was found to best meet the Site Evaluation Criteria – delivering the best outcomes for community and service users.

What can you tell me about the design?

The new facility was designed by architects Billard Leece Partnership. The designs were shaped by consultation with local stakeholders including health services, clinicians, staff, consumers and the broader community.

Key features of the facility design:

• Single storey and private: located in the southwest corner of the site, with landscaping and screening for privacy.
• Safe and welcoming: interiors, courtyards and outdoor spaces are designed with visibility and safety in mind, with separate spaces available for women and families.
• Inspired by the local landscape: the building is designed to complement the local surroundings, with the use of rammed earth throughout the building reflecting the local environment.
• Landscaping: mature trees are preserved and featured in the design, with native plants used in the landscaping.
• Natural colour palette: natural and neutral tones, inspired by local plants, are intended to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
• Parking: a sealed road from Jenner Street will lead to an onsite car park, including accessible car parks.
• Strong security measures: 24/7 on site staff, controlled visitation, CCTV, secure doors and access control system.

Will parking be provided?

Yes. On-site parking will be available for staff, visitors and consumers.

How was the community consulted?

We heard from people from across Mallee through the following forums and channels to ensure they could have a say and learn more about this important project.

Here are some of the ways we engaged:

• survey on Engage Victoria, November 2024 – January 2025
• drop-in community information session at Merbein, February 2025
• consultation with Merbein traders and locals adjacent to the site, August 2025
• print and digital community updates, January and August 2025

The designs reflect a shared vision for a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment.

Find out what we heard. 

How will the facility be staffed?

The residential rehabilitation facility will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

About construction

When is construction starting?

Builder AW Nicholson has been appointed, and site preparation works have started. Project neighbours and the local community will be kept informed as construction progresses.

How will construction be managed?

While construction works are expected to generate some noise and dust, we are committed to minimising disruption to neighbours wherever possible. Noise control measures in accordance with EPA and Council requirements, dust suppression measures and clear construction signage will be in place.

What will I see during construction?

Over the coming weeks, you’ll see the builder become more established.

You may notice the following machinery on the site:

• earth moving equipment
• piling rigs
• truck movements to transport materials to and from site.

When will construction be happening?

Most activities will be undertaken during normal working hours. Works will commence after 7am and will conclude by 5pm Monday to Friday. Some construction activities may also occur over the weekend, starting from 9am. All works will be conducted in accordance with Council requirements.

Will there be changes to local traffic?

A traffic management plan will be in place to minimise impacts and to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and road users, as will dust suppression activities. Please remain alert around the construction site and follow any signage in place.

I have other questions about the residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Who can I contact?

Any questions or requests for information about the project can be directed to the Victorian Health Building Authority at vhba@vida.vic.gov.au.

This project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with:

• The Victorian Department of Health
• Billard Leece Partnership (architects)
• AW Nicholson (builder)
• Sunraysia Community Health Services in a consortium partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital, Odyssey House Victoria, and Mallee District Aboriginal Services (service provider).