AN impassioned plea to fund the construction of residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres in both Shepparton and Mildura has been made by The Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell.
Ms Lovell said that alcohol and drug addiction had impacted every corner of Victorian society and had caused widespread devastation in communities throughout the state, particularly in regional Victoria, in her contribution directed to the Minister for Mental Health James Merlino.
A failure to establish adequate rehabilitation facilities in the regions, causes patients to leave their support networks and travel long distances to get the help they need.
Ms Lovell said the lack of residential rehabilitation centres in regional areas such as Shepparton and Mildura had been identified by Infrastructure Victoria.
“Addiction is a devasting illness that can be managed but never cured and sufferers should have the chance to access professional treatment in their own community where they have the love and support of their family to aid their recovery,” said Ms Lovell.
Mr Merlino was asked to commit funding in the upcoming 2022-23 State Budget to establish residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres in both Shepparton and Mildura, to provide the vital services that locals suffering from addiction in these areas need.
