The city of Mount Gambier, like all regional cities, faces ongoing challenges with substance and alcohol use and ongoing funding is required to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to accommodate demand and to retain an experienced and qualified workforce.

The region requires ongoing prevention strategies combined with continuous service delivery specifically relevant to the community's needs.

Currently, planning for two dedicated drug and alcohol detoxification beds within the Mount Gambier & Districts Hospital is moving forwards, expected to come online by early 2024.

These beds will provide medically managed alcohol detoxification for residents requiring supervision and care and were a State Government election commitment, as outlined in my Future Mount Gambier plan. 

The region's advocacy and health promotion organisation - Substance Misuse Limestone Coast - requires ongoing financial assistance, in conjunction with local and federal government, to continue and expand their work, including education, early intervention initiatives and workforce training.

Two additional FTE drug and alcohol counsellors, including a youth-specific counsellor, are also required for the city of Mount Gambier and surrounding districts, to complement existing services.

Do you have ideas around advancing this initiative? Contact mtgambier@parliament.sa.gov.au