Once complete, the massive redevelopment will transform services at the hospital and have capacity for 35,000 additional patients to be treated each year.

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The Victorian Health Building Authority commenced community consultation and engagement for the residential alcohol and other drugs rehabilitation facility for the Mallee project in November 2024.

The purpose of this report is to provide:

• an overview of how we engaged with the community
• a summary of what we heard and how community and stakeholder ideas are shaping the design of the facility.

About the project

The Victorian Government is building a $36 million residential alcohol and other drugs facility for the Mallee.

This new facility will make it easier for people to access support and treatment closer to home – without needing to travel long distances or leave the local support networks they rely on.

It’s the first of its kind in the region and it will be located at 13 Jenner Street in Merbein.

The facility will have:

• 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.

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

Scope of the consultation

Site selection is a technical process managed by a government appointed Land Selection Committee. This is standard practice for infrastructure projects in Victoria, and as such feedback on the site selection process was out of scope for this consultation.

Community and stakeholder input was sought on a range of topics relating to the project, including aspects of the facilities design, with feedback received shared with the architects and health services.

This report shares what we heard and summarises the ideas and priorities that have been considered in the design of the facility.

How we engaged

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

Community engagement timeline

• 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.

Survey

An online survey was available on the Engage Victoria website from late November 2024 to 10 January 2025.

The survey was targeted at service providers, service users, key stakeholders and the local community.

There were 106 survey submissions received, with 35 people leaving their email so they can be notified about future updates.

Drop in community information session

The project team held a drop-in information session at the Merbein Football Club on 20 February 2025. The session provided an opportunity for the local community and interested stakeholders to learn more about the project, meet the team and ask questions.

Approximately 100 community members attended.

Consultation with Merbein traders and locals adjacent to the site

In August 2025, consultation with Merbein traders and residents living nearby the site was undertaken. Conversations were an opportunity to provide up to date information, while addressing questions or concerns where possible.

‘Sorry we missed you cards’ were left if people weren’t home, encouraging them to reach out to the project team with any questions.

Community updates

Merbein residents received community updates in January and August of 2025. The August update was also shared with several traders along Commercial Street, with many taking multiple copies to display as a poster in their shop and to hand out to others.

Each update included a link to the project webpage and contact details for questions and feedback. Only a small amount of feedback was received through this process.

What we heard

Throughout the consultation, the local community shared their thoughts on different aspects of the facility’s design. Much of the feedback also touched on how the service itself will operate.

Some of this input can be addressed through the design, while other elements will be considered later as the service planning that will guide the operation of the facility progresses.

Key themes identified from the feedback include:

Community safety and security

• Keeping the community safe is a top priority.
• The community would like to see strong security measures, including 24-hour security, surveillance, good lighting, visible security measures and controlled visitation conditions.

Geographic naming

• Many respondents said they don’t want the facility to be named after a specific town like Merbein or Mildura.

Look and feel

• Respondents shared the importance of a non-clinical, homely environment with natural light, green spaces, and calming aesthetics.
• Suggestions included incorporating First Nation’s culture, local art and natural elements from the Mallee region (such as the Murray River, semi-rural surrounds, red earth and local vineyards or open space).
• Privacy and safety were also highlighted as key priorities.

Arrival and departure

• Some people raised concerns about the lack of public transport options in Merbein.
• They said the facility should have car parking available, so less visitors arrive by public transport or taxi which may result in people needing to wait outside the facility for long periods.

Accessibility and comfort

• Suggestions included reliable public transport, ample storage, tobacco-free policies, and a focus on function over grand designs.
• Respondents want the facility to be welcoming and practical, with clear communication about how it works and what services are available.

Recognition of the need for the facility

• Several respondents acknowledged the urgent need for rehabilitation services in the region.
• Supporters emphasised the potential benefits for individuals and families affected by substance use and called for timely action.

Community connection and local identity

• Some respondents emphasised the importance of supporting local businesses, and ensuring the facility reflects Merbein’s identity (not just Mildura and the Mallee).
• There’s a desire for the community to feel part of the facility’s development and ongoing operations, helping build trust and support.

What we’re doing next

The project has completed its the first phase of design, which reflects the ideas and priorities captured through consultation.

Some of the key features of the design are:

• the building is designed to blend in with the surrounding neighbourhood
• it will be a single-storey structure, located in the southwest corner of the site
• the building is set back from the Jenner Street boundary, with landscaping, planting and screening to enhance privacy
• interiors, courtyards and outdoor spaces are designed with visibility and safety in mind, with separate spaces available for women and families
• security features include 24/7 on site staff caring for residents, controlled visitation and set arrival/departure times, external CCTV, secure doors and swipe card access
• parking is included in the design with accessible parking spaces, a sealed road entrance from Jenner Street and an on-site car park
• existing mature trees have been incorporated into the layout and will be protected and celebrated
• the building is designed to complement the local surroundings, with the use of rammed earth throughout the building reflecting the local environment
• natural and neutral tones, inspired by local plants, are intended to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The project’s name has been changed to reflect the broader Mallee region, better reflecting the geographic area the facility will serve.

The Department of Health and delivery partners Sunraysia Community Health Services, Mildura Base Public Hospital, Odyssey House Victoria and the Mallee District Aboriginal Services will continue to consider the needs and ideas of the Mallee community, including people with lived experience and their families, to ensure the new facility is safe, welcoming and delivers high quality care

A first look at the facility designs is available here.

A builder is currently being appointed, and construction is expected to commence in 2026.

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