October 28th, 2026Supporting Victoria’s vital mental health and AOD services

The state government is backing safer mental health and alcohol and drug (AOD) services.

Applications are now open for the latest round of the Mental Health and AOD Capital Renewal Fund.

Successful services will share $10 million in grants to upgrade and modernise services across Victoria.

It’s all about ensuring Victorians can access the specialist care they need, when they need it and close to home.

It also responds directly to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

This included creating safer, more accessible and more supportive environments for staff, consumers and their families, and carers.

$1 million is dedicated to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, supporting culturally safe mental health and alcohol and drug care.

Projects supported in previous rounds include:

security upgrades at Latrobe Regional Health

safety and accessibility upgrades at Bendigo Community Health Services

upgrades to the Austin Hospital’s Acute Psychiatric Unit

refurbishment of the Mental Health Inpatient Unit at the Northern Hospital Epping campus.

Since 2018, the fund has delivered $80 million to improve mental health and AOD services across the state.

Labor will always invest in mental health and AOD services and back the workers who deliver them.

Jess Wilson and her Liberal One Nation Coalition have a $40 billion cuts plan.

It will slash the mental health and AOD services Victorians rely on – meaning longer wait times and fewer beds.

“Victorians deserve access to quality mental health and AOD care in safe, modern facilities – no matter where they live,” Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt said.

“From Gippsland to Mildura, we’re making sure Victorians can get the care they need.”

“We also want to make sure our dedicated workforce have a safe and supportive environment.”