The Andrews Labor Government is improving mental health services in Portland with a
$90,000 grant to the Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service under
the Andrews Government’s Enhanced Community Mental Health Initiative.
The funding, announced today by Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, will
be used to upgrade and remodel internal and external areas of the Cultural Healing Centre Building, improving access and safety for Aboriginal people facing mental health issues in the Portland area.
This project aligns with the Victorian Government’s $4 million commitment to ensure mental health facilities meet contemporary standards regarding physical amenity, space, safety for patients and staff, with services that are located in the community they serve.
The government has allocated $3 million under the Enhanced Community Mental Health Initiative for capital improvements to existing Mental Health Community Support Service sector providers.
The Department of Health & Human Services sought proposals from providers in a submission-based grant allocation process which closed in February 2015.
For existing facilities, the submission based process prioritised positive impacts on the following:
- Facility safety
- Service innovation and service quality
- Conditions and services for consumers themselves (particularly for women and young persons) and consumers’ families including children and carers.
Quotes Attributable to the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP:
“The Victorian Government is committed to providing a world-leading service system for Victorians experiencing mental health problems and disorders.”
“The Enhanced Community Mental Health Initiative will ensure community-based mental health facilities meet contemporary standards regarding physical amenity, space and safety for patients and staff, and that services are located in the community they serve.”
“Our investment of $90,000 for the Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health will improve facility safety, deliver improvements for consumers, carers and staff, and drive innovation, such as co-location and integration with other organisations.”