Residential alcohol and other drugs 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 treatment and support for people living in the Mallee — reducing the need to travel to Adelaide, Bendigo or metropolitan Melbourne for treatment, care and support.

Jobs for Victorians

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

What will the residential rehabilitation facility include?

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.

Who are services available to?

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 happens to people attending the facility once their stay is over?

Standard care at rehabilitation services in Victoria always includes pre-planning for discharge from the service, 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.

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.  

It’s on the periphery of the Merbein Town Centre and a short drive from the Mildura Town Centre, including the Mildura Base Public Hospital.

How was the decision made to pursue the Jenner Street site for the residential rehabilitation facility?

The Victorian Government (via a Land Selection Committee) assessed the site against an extensive Site Evaluation Criteria, which is standard practice for health infrastructure projects in Victoria.

The Land Selection Committee considers factors such as how the location of the proposed facility links in with the broader community and health system, site features, planning requirements, site access, proximity to related services, Aboriginal cultural sensitivity, connections and links to public transport, as well as availability for acquisition.

Sites which rate well against the pre-determined site criteria are shared with the Minister for Health Infrastructure for consideration, decision and approval.

The Valuer General Victoria (VGV) and the Victorian Government Land Monitor (VGLM) independently value and regulate all government land transactions to ensure impartiality in the decision-making process.

Who was on the Land Selection Committee?

The Land Selection Committee for the residential rehabilitation facility included subject matter and technical experts from the Department of Health and Victorian Health Building Authority and representatives from the Northern Mallee AOD Alliance.

Will the residential rehabilitation facility change the character of the neighbourhood?

The model of care and program will be co-designed with local community, service providers and service users. If appropriate, the program schedule may include projects than can work to improve the neighbourhood such as gardening, planting trees or making art.

At other Victorian locations with residential rehabilitation services, there has been a positive effect on the local area and participants can become strongly engaged in the community.

How will the facility be staffed?

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

Will parking be provided?

The residential rehabilitation facility will include parking for staff, visitors and consumers within the design / site footprint.The Victorian Health Building Authority will work with traffic consultants and local Council to determine the parking requirements for the facility.

Who will design the residential rehabilitation facility?

The residential rehabilitation facility will be designed by architects Billard Leece Partnership.

Who will manage the residential rehabilitation facility when it opens?

The residential rehabilitation 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.

I have 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.vic.gov.au.

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

• The 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).