Sunraysia Community Health Services to Establish Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility in Merbein

Sunraysia Community Health Services (SCHS) in a consortium partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital, Odyssey House Victoria and Mallee District Aboriginal Services, is delighted to announce its successful submission to lead the establishment and management of a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for Mildura and surrounding communities. This initiative has been a long-standing collaborative effort by the consortium partners, supported by the advocacy of the Northern Mallee AOD Alliance. The residential rehabilitation facility will provide essential local support and care for individuals in need of assistance with substance dependency.

“Our partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, and Odyssey House Victoria will ensure that individuals seeking help for alcohol and drug use can receive the right treatment close to home, supported by local networks.” said Darren Midgley, Chief Executive Officer of Sunraysia Community Health Services. 

 With around-the-clock care and support, the purpose-built 30-bed adult residential rehabilitation facility will provide a therapeutic environment, where members of the community living with addiction are developing coping skills and addressing underlying issues leading to their alcohol and other drug use, in a structured residential setting.

It will include consulting, staff and support areas and several shared spaces including a kitchen, dining, lounge and activity areas, along with extensive outdoor deck and landscaped areas for outdoor program activities.

It will also include two additional beds to support people who require withdrawal services. “We are dedicated to engaging with the community, with neighbours, and with other stakeholders throughout the development of this program,” said Mr Midgley. “Community consultations will be instrumental in shaping a service that is responsive to local needs and expectations.”

Odyssey House Victoria CEO Dr Stefan Gruenert said, “We are excited to be working with the local community to establish a world class treatment program right here in the Mallee region, and we expect this program to have a profound and positive impact on those experiencing addiction.”

It is anticipated that the facility will support around 200 people each year.