New health hub opens near Flinders Street

The Flinders Street Community Health Hub will open October nineteenth opposite Flinders Street Station in Melbourne's CBD to serve vulnerable people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

What the hub will offer

Run by Cohealth, the centre includes GPs, addiction specialists and counsellors. It also provides facilities for vulnerable people to shower and eat.

Staff and clients deserve first-rate care

Veteran social worker Danny Jeffcote said feeling human again is the whole intent of the space, addressing stigma so staff and clients access healthcare in a first-rate environment.

“Feeling human again is the whole intent of the space. This is about addressing stigma.”

Hydromorphone trial to begin in 2027

The centre will host a trial of hydromorphone, an alternative opioid addiction treatment to methadone. It has had success overseas but is yet to be used in Australia aside from another small trial in Sydney.

Health Minister rejects concerns about location

Health Minister Ingrid Stitt rejected criticism the centre would worsen the area, saying you must have services where drug harm is already occurring and it will improve amenity by providing support without judgement.

“You've got to have the services where the drug harm is already occurring.”

Melbourne council backs hub with conditions

After debate, Melbourne council said it backed the centre but on condition the Victorian government minimises impacts on the local community once it opens.

Overdose deaths in Victoria rising sharply

In twenty twenty-five there were six hundred thirty-two Victorian overdose deaths, two-thirds involving illegal drugs. That compares to four hundred ninety-five deaths a decade earlier in twenty sixteen, just over half involving illicit drugs.

Overdose deaths exceed road toll

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association acting CEO Scott Drummond said annual overdose deaths surpassing six hundred should be an immediate call to action, more than double Victoria's road toll.

“The annual overdose deaths have now surpassed 600 should be an immediate call to action. This is more than double Victoria's road toll.”

Coalition wants assurance on hub details

Shadow Minister Emma Kealy said the Coalition supports hydromorphone but wants to see more details on the Flinders Street centre if it wins office, questioning scope, location and community consultation.

“Is the scope wide enough? Is it meeting the needs of the people who need that level of support and treatment? Is it in the right location?”