Mental health and alcohol and drug services across Victoria will share $20 million in funding to upgrade vital infrastructure, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Member for Werribee Tim Pallas welcomed the announcement that applications for the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Facility Renewal Fund have now opened, ensuring mental healthservices across the state can continue to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for Victorians on their recovery journey.
Established in 2016, and part of the Labor Government’s commitment to improving access to mental health and alcohol and drug services, the Fund provides grants for construction, remodelling and refurbishment projects for public mental health and alcohol and other drug care facilities.
This year’s funding round will also offer equipment upgrades including medical equipment, specialised fur-niture, and information technology.
The program has already funded more than 100 infrastructure and improvement projects at mental health and alcohol and other drug care facilities across the state.
A $400,000 mental health intensive care area amenity upgrade at Albury Wodonga Health in Wangaratta, a $190,000bathroom upgrade at Peninsula Health in Frankston and a $477,000 sensory space upgrade and safer gender areas to at Monash Health’s Adult Mental Health Unit in Clayton are just some of the infra-structure projects funded through the program since 2016.
These vital upgrades are just one part of the Labor Government’s response to the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System to reform, modernise, build service capacity and provide better models of care for Victorians experiencing mental ill health.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes $3.8 billion – the biggest mental health investment in the history of the state – to ensure Victorians have the support they need as we get on with fixing a broken system.
For grant program guidelines or to apply, visit www.vhba.vic.gov.au. Applications close at 5.00pm on Mon-day 19 July 2021.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“By modernising our public mental health and alcohol and drug facilities, we’re making sure Victorians fac-ing mental health and addiction problems are cared for in modern, safe and comfortable environments.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“Victoria is leading the way in improving the quality of our health systems and ensuring consumers, families and carers have access to world class facilities and services they need, no matter where they live.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“It’s great to see mental health and alcohol and drug services in the Werribee electorate eligible to apply for this $20 million grant fund, ensuring that everyone in our mental health system has access to world class facilities.”