Thursday, 22 June 2023

Barwon Therapeutic Community

Ella GEORGE (Lara) (17:19): (244) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Mental Health, and the action that I seek is that the minister visits Windana’s Barwon Therapeutic Community in Corio, which is a residential rehabilitation facility. Residential rehabilitation is a treatment option for people who have already started their journey to recover from alcohol and drug issues. The site in Corio, opened in early 2022, is a 30-bed adult live-in facility providing 24-hour care and support for people who have been through withdrawal or stabilisation and need to continue their treatment. It provides a structured therapeutic and homelike environment where people experiencing addiction can develop coping skills and address underlying issues to overcome their alcohol and other drug use. The facility also includes administration and consulting facilities and lounge and dining areas along with indoor and outdoor activity areas. It has a mix of single and double bedrooms with shared bathrooms.

I recently visited Windana’s Corio facility for a tour and to meet with some of the staff there. I heard some incredible stories about all the work the staff are doing to support people on their journeys towards recovery. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at Windana for their important work. In particular I would like to thank their chair Jenny Gillam, CEO Andrea McLeod and communications manager Adam Miller for all of their support and facilitating my visit. We know that alcohol and other drug problems are complex, affecting not just individuals but their entire families, their friends and their communities. Each year Victoria’s alcohol and drug treatment and support system helps around 40,000 Victorians who are struggling with dependence on alcohol or other drugs. Windana are delivering a great service to those in need in my electorate and across the Geelong community. That is why I look forward to hosting the minister for a visit to Windana.