The Hope Restart Centre drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility has opened its doors and accepted its first residents.

The Bairnsdale facility has been some four-years in the making.

Managed by Odyssey House Victoria, the Hope Centre will provide vital services for individuals and their families across the region who are dealing with addiction.

An initial group of nine residents were transferred from Odyssey’s Melbourne facility last week, helping to establish the culture and orienting the new staff.

These nine residents have already completed much of their residential rehabilitation journey and have volunteered to move to the new facility. They are senior residents who will also provide support to new clients as they are admitted.

"Our model utilises a therapeutic community approach, providing values-based rehabilitation in a structured environment," Odyssey House Victoria chief executive officer, Dr Stefan Gruenert, said.

"The residents, the staff, and any visiting consultants all work together to facilitate the positive changes and choices that residents make on their pathway to recovery. Peer support from residents who are well-established in the program is critical."

Executive manager of residential services at Odyssey House, Eric Allan, will spend a significant amount of time in Bairnsdale to oversee the start-up period, and is working closely with locally-based health service workers employed at the centre.

Additional residents, many coming from across Gippsland, will be admitted to the facility in the coming weeks. Numbers will be increased gradually, building up to 30 to match the current and recurrent funding being provided by the State Government.

Several community leaders who established a Board of Management and sought a partnership with Odyssey House Victoria, have worked tirelessly to achieve this significant milestone. They led a fundraising effort to lobby state and federal governments for capital and operational funding, securing philanthropic grants and enormous support from local businesses and the broader community.

Construction began in February 2019. The Hope Centre facility is currently licensed to accommodate up to 58 residents, with the potential to be expanded in future if needed. It includes large group-training rooms, a commercial kitchen and dining room, recreation areas, greenhouses and courtyards.

"The need for a residential rehabilitation facility in this area has been well documented and we are very pleased to be finally up and running, especially in the current climate," Dr Gruenert said.

"This project was initiated by Peter and Margaret Down in 2016 and would not have been realised if it wasn't for their vision.

With the support of Federal MP, Darren Chester, the Hope Board secured $3.8 million from the Federal Government toward the capital works.

Significant financial contributions were also made from Odyssey House Victoria, the Peter & Lyndy White Foundation, and Loy Yang B Power Station - Alinta Energy Australia, among others.

Mr Chester paid tribute to everyone involved the establishment of the centre.

 
“Board chairman Peter Down, his wife Margaret, and project patron, Richard Rijs have been part of a remarkable team of locals and garnered the support of decision makers who could help them realise their goal,” Mr Chester said.

“As the project neared completion over the past few months, their dedication and commitment continued, despite some being personally impacted by the bushfires.

“They have finally realised their dream of providing hope to people with addiction issues and to their families and friends, who love them and want to help them.

“This centre will save lives. It will bring hope to many families in Gippsland with a loved one struggling with addiction.

“The Hope Centre will provide a much-needed and vital service to our community by providing rehabilitation services to those affected by drug and alcohol addiction.

“The centre has now been handed over to Odyssey House Victoria. I feel privileged to have watched and supported Peter, Marg, Richard and their team achieve something truly remarkable.”

While the main building is already in use, there is still a little bit of ancillary work to be done outside, including fencing and finishing off the last of the landscaping.

Earthworks began at the Lucknow site in 2018, with construction beginning at the start of 2019.

“This project has also supported a significant injection to the Bairnsdale economy, with local traders and suppliers involved during the construction phase. As the centre becomes fully operational, there will be new opportunities for local suppliers, traders and services,” Mr Chester said.

“I look forward to the time when everyone involved in this project can gather together and celebrate this remarkable achievement.”

IMAGE: Project patron, Richard Rijs, board member, John Glynn, board chairman, Peter Down, and project officer, Margaret Down, pictured with local MP, Darren Chester, in October 2017 at the Lucknow site for the Hope Centre before construction began. (PS)