The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed State Government funding for a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre near Bairnsdale.
Mr Chester said today’s announcement of on-going funding by Victoria’s Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley meant people struggling with addiction and their families would be able to get the help and support they needed in Gippsland.
“Securing this funding for the Hope Centre is a great win for our community,” Mr Chester said.
“Once built, the centre will provide support for people with addiction issues from across Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
“The quickest way to start saving lives and reducing harm from illicit drugs in Gippsland is to get the Hope Centre built and its doors open. The next stage of this project is to get construction underway.”
Mr Chester said progress on this much-needed facility was testament to the hard work and commitment of the community volunteers from Bairnsdale who were behind the Hope Centre.
“I want to congratulate the community leaders, including Peter and Marg Down and State MP Tim Bull, who have done so much to get the project to this stage,” Mr Chester said.
Mr Chester secured $3 million in Federal Government funding for the $7.5 million Hope Restart Centre. The project has planning and building approval from East Gippsland Shire Council. The centre will be operated by Odyssey House Victoria.
“People want all levels of government to take action on important issues like this – and that is what has happened,” Mr Chester said.
“By working in a bi-partisan manner, we are addressing the increasing problems being seen in our communities as a result of drug and alcohol addictions.”
