Victoria’s south west will soon have access to better mental health, drug and alcohol support, close to home, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Facilities Renewal Grants Fund to improve services across the state.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that South West Healthcare and Wellways Australia will receive a portion of the fund, which will help public mental health clinical services, alcohol and drug services and mental health community support services to improve the quality of care they deliver to Victorians in need.
The funding will be used to remodel or refurbish existing service facilities, to provide greater comfort for patients and service workers. The upgrades will also enable clinicians to deliver safer and more efficient care.
For South West Healthcare we are investing $100,000 from the fund for their acute mental health refurbishment.
Meanwhile, $122,700 has been allocated to Wellways Australia for the renovation and facility upgrade at 279A Lava Street, Warrnambool.
In the Victorian Budget 2018-19, the Labor Government invested a record $705 million in mental health support, extra regional rehabilitation facilities and new emergency department crisis hubs to help Victorians experiencing mental illness.
The Budget also includes $259.9 million in alcohol and drug treatment services – which, alongside the Labor Government’s Ice Action Plan and Drug Rehabilitation Plan, will more than double the number of residential rehabilitation beds in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“By modernising our public mental health, alcohol and drug facilities, we’re making sure people living in Victoria’s south west battling addiction and mental health problems are cared for in a safe and comfortable environment.”
“Whether it’s aesthetic upgrades or works to enhance recovery and rehabilitation opportunities – these grants will give our service providers the chance to deliver the best possible treatment and support.”
“I’m really proud that these Warrnambool services will be upgraded so patients can receive better treatment, close to home – and our amazing mental health workforce will have a safer, more modern place to provide care.”