New Health Hub to Open in Melbourne's CBD for Vulnerable People

A new health hub for people experiencing homelessness and drug addiction is set to open in Melbourne's CBD, with the state government saying it will "enhance the amenity" of the city's streets.

The Flinders Street Health service, located opposite Flinders Street station, will provide a range of services including GPs, addiction specialists, counsellors, as well as facilities for vulnerable people to shower and eat. The centre will be run by Cohealth and is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

A Safe and Supportive Environment

"Feeling human again is the whole intent of the space," veteran social worker Danny Jeffcote said. "This is about addressing stigma. Our staff deserve to work in a first-rate environment, and our clients deserve access to healthcare in a first-rate environment."

The centre has been the subject of debate, with some traders and Melbourne City councillors expressing concerns that it will increase anti-social behaviour in the area and affect its amenity. However, Health Minister Ingrid Stitt rejected these claims, saying that the centre will actually improve the amenity of the area.

"You've got to have the services where the drug harm is already occurring," she said. "It's actually going to improve the amenity because people will have somewhere they can come and be supported without judgement and get the services they need."

A Trial of Hydromorphone

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

Shadow Minister Emma Kealy said that the Coalition wants to see more details on the Flinders Street centre and ensure that local businesses and the community are consulted.

"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?" she said.

A Growing Concern

Recent data from the Coroners' Court found that in 2025 there were 632 Victorian overdose deaths, two-thirds of them involved illegal drugs. The number of overdose deaths has risen in the past decade, with 495 overdose deaths recorded in 2016.

Alcohol and drug welfare groups have called for greater state investment in rehabilitation beds, with the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association acting CEO Scott Drummond saying that the annual overdose deaths should be an "immediate call to action".

"The other tragedy is that we know what works, yet despite this, evidence-based programs are hampered through misinformation and inaccurate stereotypes," he said.