Victorians struggling with addiction will benefit from bigger and better support housing to help them break the cycle of re-offending and get their lives back on track – which means a safer community for everyone.
Minister for Corrections, Youth Justice and Victim Support Sonya Kilkenny opened the refurbished Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) facility in Healesville today, which includes an additional 12-bed residence made up of accessible single and double rooms.
Ms Kilkenny said a safe and stable home is vital when it comes to assisting people to get their lives back on track.
“We know addiction can be difficult to break free from, but the important support provided at these facilities help to stop the cycle, meaning less offending, fewer victims and a safer Victoria for all,” she said.
The Andrews Labor Government invested more than $2.5 million in the refurbishment – to better support people struggling with addiction to live independently and build themselves a better life.
The funding has also delivered a new community building featuring a large dining hall and outdoor space, meeting spaces, counselling rooms, and offices which will support rehabilitation and access to therapeutic services.
Run and managed by EACH, the facility focuses on its alcohol and other drugs (AOD) residential rehabilitation program and provides a therapeutic drug and alcohol treatment program within an environment that is supervised 24-hours per day by a range of multidisciplinary health services staff.
Residents are able to access drug and alcohol counselling, as well as other local EACH services, including financial and mental health counselling, disability support and therapies such as exercise physiology, yoga and mindfulness mediation.
Minister for Housing Danny Pearson said many of us will have known someone who has struggled with addiction.
“The dedicated team from EACH provides at-risk Victorians with around-the-clock care and a range of support services to support their needs and help them build brighter futures,” he said.
Maroondah Addictions Recovery Program (MARP) merged its services with EACH in 2014 and together they provide affordable, safe and secure accommodation for people with complex needs who are at risk of contact with the justice system. It offers them support through a variety of wrap around services.
The funding is part of the Labor Government’s Building Maintenance Stimulus Package, which has dedicated almost $500 million since 2020 to build and upgrade community and public housing.
This is all part of the Building Works package, made possible in partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
