Victorian mental health and alcohol and other drugs services will receive a $20 million boost for upgrades and refurbishments, with 32 providers funded under the latest round of the state government’s Capital Renewal Fund.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt announced the allocations on Tuesday, outlining a program aimed at improving access to care in modern and safer facilities across Victoria.
The funding targets a range of projects, from refurbishments to safety and accessibility upgrades, with an emphasis on ensuring services are available closer to where people live.
Among the projects, Aboriginal Community Elders Services will receive $1 million to refurbish a social and emotional wellbeing centre for Elders. Bendigo Community Health Services has been allocated $1 million for safety and accessibility works, while Better Health Network will receive $790,000 to refurbish its Fitzroy Street site.
Grampians Health has been granted $1 million for safety upgrades and planning work on a new Intensive Care Area in the Steele Houghton Unit. In Warrnambool, Wellways will receive $131,000 to upgrade the Kuna Bim Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service.
The Capital Renewal Fund forms part of the state’s response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, with a focus on improving environments for patients, staff, carers and families.
Since 2018, the fund has delivered $70 million in upgrades across mental health and alcohol and other drugs services in Victoria.
Ms Stitt said the latest round would help strengthen access to treatment across metropolitan and regional areas.
“Victorians living with mental health or AOD issues deserve care and support – wherever they are.”
She said the investment would support services across the state, including regional communities.
“From Gippsland to Warrnambool – we’re upgrading services so that no matter where you live, you have can get the best care in the very best facilities.”
Further details on funded projects are available through the Victorian Health Building Authority.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
