Lovell calls for residential rehabilitation facilities in Shepparton

By Anna McGuinness

Apr 7, 2022

Call for funding: Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell wants the Victorian Government to address a lack of residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres in regional Victoria. Photo by Megan Fisher

Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has called on the Victorian Government to fund the construction of a residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre in Shepparton.

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Speaking in state parliament, Ms Lovell said Infrastructure Victoria had identified a lack of residential rehab centres in regional areas such as Shepparton and Mildura.

She said it recommended the government build facilities in regional Victoria within five years to provide equitable access to treatment.

“Addiction is a devastating illness that can be managed but never cured,” Ms Lovell said.

“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.”

Ms Lovell said alcohol and drug addiction had caused widespread devastation in communities, particularly in regional Victoria.

She said patients were having to leave their support networks and travel long distances to get the held they needed.

Ms Lovell called on Victorian Mental Health Minister James Merlino to commit funding in the 2022-23 state budget to establish facilities in Shepparton and Mildura.