Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, yesterday announced almost $860,000 in additional government funding for the Hope Restart Centre at Lucknow.

Mr Chester has previously secured $3 million to build the residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

The Federal Government has now allocated $859,850 to the Hope
Restart Centre through the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). The money will be spent on therapeutic facilities to enhance the rehabilitation process.

“The BBRF is designed to support local businesses, boost economic activity and grow local jobs in regional areas,” Mr Chester said.

“The Hope Restart Centre will create economic benefit for local businesses involved in its construction. When operational, the centre will also generate employment opportunities for health workers, educators, other professionals, as well as support service providers.

“Of course, the most important community benefit will be to those who are directly impacted by drug and alcohol addiction.”

More than $4 million has been allocated to projects in Gippsland under the third funding round of the BBRF, including $750,000 to build a viewing platform at Jemmys Point, Kalimna.

Projects in Gippsland to receive funding through previous rounds of the Building Better Regions Fund include the construction of mountain bike trails near Omeo ($1.5 million) and the expansion of Gippsland Lakes Community Health’s Bairnsdale site ($500,000).