The Allan Labor Government is reducing drug harm in Melbourne's CBD, with work underway on a new Community Health Hub - a place where anyone can turn for treatment without judgement.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt today announced the start of works at 244 Flinders Street - which will become a hub for integrated health and social support for people facing addiction and disadvantage when it opens in 2026.
Operated in partnership with cohealth, the hub will have dedicated teams delivering primary care, mental health and addiction treatment, social support and care coordination for the most vulnerable people - all under one roof.
Following earlier remediation works, the Victorian Health Building Authority and Lendlease will now begin the interior fit-out of the site.
The redeveloped site will include consulting rooms, a drop-in zone with kitchen, laundry and shower facilities, pharmacy, counselling and treatment spaces, and a welcoming reception area designed with input from health experts and people with lived experience.
The hub will also host a Victorian-first hydromorphone treatment trial for select participants identified by cohealth - diverting people from the illicit drug market and giving hope and care to people experiencing persistent addiction.
Research shows that hydromorphone therapy works - with participants experiencing sustained reductions in the use of illicit heroin and other drugs plus health and social improvements.
The new Community Health Hub is part of the Labor Government's $95 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harm.
All of the plan's initiatives are completed or underway, including the appointment of Victoria's first Chief Addiction Medicine Adviser earlier this year.
The Salvation Army centre at 69 Bourke St is also now providing medical, nursing and mental health supports, and there is expanded street outreach in the city, Footscray and St Kilda - delivering nearly 7,000 harm reduction supports and connecting hundreds of Victorians to life-saving care.
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"Every Victorian deserves access to care and support when they need it - and this new Community Health Hub will make that possible for people in the heart of our city who are doing it toughest."
"This is about giving people a real chance to turn their lives around - with healthcare, treatment and social support all available in one safe and welcoming place to reduce drug harm in our city."
