July 26, 2022
News
The Victorian state opposition has pledged $36 million support for The Lookout residential rehabilitation centre.
Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy and Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy were in Warrnambool today to confirm a Liberal Nationals Government will build a new 30-bed, state-of- the-art treatment facility.
A critical shortage of residential rehabilitation in the Warrnambool region has seen a strong community push, led by the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Centre (WRAD), to establish The Lookout residential rehabilitation centre.
A change in government in November will deliver the community’s vision, according to Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy, who said The Lookout would provide 24-hour care and support for south-west coast residents seeking help for alcohol and drug dependencies.
“Alcohol and drug addiction has a dreadful impact on local communities and unfortunately, regional Victoria lacks adequate support for people struggling with dependency issues,” Mr Guy said.
“To invest $36 million into a dedicated local facility with trained staff to support residents with addiction problems will go a long way to addressing the challenges the community currently face.”
The investment will mean that residents can get the treatment they deserve without needing to travel long distances, leaving family and local support networks.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the commitment forms part of the Liberals and Nationals’ overall plan for better mental health care.
“The Liberals and Nationals will address the mental health crisis in our state, and support Victorians in getting the help they need when they need it.”
Member for South-West Coast Roma Britnell said residents in the Warrnambool area shouldn’t have to travel far and wide to access the support they need and deserve.
WRAD Director Geoff Soma said the announcement was a positive step in the right direction. “Roma Britnell and her party have shown strong support and commitment for this project which is appreciated and significant to the cause,” Mr Soma said.
“The whole community has got behind this project because it is important to our community. People with substance misuse issues are import and a residential rehabilitation centre locally will directly benefit clients and their families.’
WRAD Health’s vision is to advance the health and wellbeing of those in the South Western Region of Victoria affected by Addictive behaviours and to promote optimal enjoyment of life.
WRAD Health seeks to provide comprehensive, holistic support and treatment to individuals and others affected by addictive behaviors and associated issues.
The philosophy of harm minimisation underpins the delivery of all programs offered by WRAD. This principle recognises that people in our society use both licit and illicit drugs, and that drugs can be used in ways that are more or less harmful to individuals, families and society. Harm minimisation offers a number of options designed to reduce the harm of drug use to the user and society.
Emergency call 000
For medical issues call South West Healthcare 55 631666
For mental health issues call SWH emergency dep't 55 631 666 or 1800 808 284
For drug and alcohol issues call Directline 1800 888 236
For Lifeline call 13 11 14
Or click on the links below for help.