- Published:
- Monday 12 October 2026
People struggling with chronic addiction deserve the best care and the best chance to live a healthy life.
It’s why the Carroll Labor Government is opening Flinders Street Health on Monday, 19 October.
The community health hub will deliver critical support for people facing addiction and disadvantage in the CBD.
Operated by cohealth, it will have coordinated services under one roof, including:
- primary health care
- mental health and wellbeing support
- alcohol and other drugs treatment, harm reduction and referrals
- counselling.
It will also provide social services including help with housing, employment, family violence support, legal advice.
More practical support will also be available including meals, showers, and facilities.
The hub has been developed with input from key community health organisations and people with lived experience.
It will provide a welcoming environment where health and social needs can be addressed in one place.
Outreach teams, including harm reduction workers and registered nurses, will continue operating across the CBD.
They’ll be based at the hub, making it easier for people to move between outreach, clinical care and other supports.
By providing earlier access to coordinated care, it will also help reduce pressure on EDs and other acute services.
It also means strengthening pathways to longer-term treatment and support.
By meeting people’s needs in the CBD earlier, services like Flinders Street Health can reduce drug-related harm.
They can also reduce the need for emergency responses, contributing to a safer and more welcoming CBD.
Safe public spaces are a top priority for residents, traders and visitors.
It’s why the service has been specifically designed to minimise disruption in the surrounding area.
cohealth and the Department of Health will also continue working together with Victoria Police and the City of Melbourne when the hub opens.
Flinders Street Health is backed by a $36.4 million investment from the Carroll Labor Government.
It is part of Labor’s broader $95 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harm across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
"Everyone deserves access to healthcare and support, no matter their circumstances – that’s exactly what Flinders Street Health will deliver.”
“The hub will provide a safe, welcoming place to access critical services under the one roof.”(opens in a new window)
Quote attributable to cohealth Interim Chief Executive Officer Kate Gillan
“With a model of care shaped by the expertise of cohealth teams, and the voices of people with lived and living experience, Flinders Street Health builds on the strong foundation of services such as Innerspace and Health Works, which have provided trusted and compassionate support to their communities for more than 25 years.”