Residential alcohol and other drugs rehabilitation facility for the Mallee

The project will deliver:

• a 30-bed residential rehabilitation facility
• two extra 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, reduce pressure on the hospital system, and improve access for people who may struggle to attend community-based services.

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 service is being delivered in partnership with the Mildura Base Public Hospital, and planning for health care does not rely on local General Practitioners.

About residential rehabilitation

What is residential rehabilitation?

Residential rehabilitation is a 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 alcohol and other drug use, in a structured residential setting. 

The facility will include accommodation for 30 people undergoing rehabilitation, 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.

It will also include two additional beds to support people who require withdrawal services.

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?

Residential rehabilitation facilities and services like the alcohol and other drugs residential facility we’re building for the Mallee can be accessed by any adult in Victoria and neighbouring areas on the NSW border.

However, having a new 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 rehabilitation expect?

Residential 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 residential 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 alcohol and other drugs rehabilitation facility for the Mallee

Where will the residential rehabilitation facility be located?

The residential rehabilitation 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 swipe card access.

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.

Who will manage the residential rehabilitation facility when it opens?

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.

When is construction starting?

The process to select a builder is underway, and construction is still expected to start in early 2026. Project neighbours and the local community will be kept informed as construction progresses.

Further information on construction and opening timelines will be provided to the community as it becomes available.

I have other questions about the residential 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.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)
• Sunraysia Community Health Services in a consortium partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital, Odyssey House Victoria, and Mallee District Aboriginal Services (service provider).