Service agencies share in extra government funding HEALTH, education and drag rehabilitation providers will share in millions of dollars for extra support services to reduce the harm caused by the drag ice in the Hume region. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced local funding on Friday, as part of a $24.6 million State Government package to expand treatment services, support families and strengthen communities. Ms Symes confirmed that: Gateway Health Wangaratta and Wodonga will receive $200,000 for family support funding; The Centre in Wangaratta will receive a $10,000 Community Ice Action Grant,; and Odyssey House which runs a rehabilitation centre at Molyullah will share in $2,581,720 for non-residential rehabilitation made available to Goulburn Valley Alcohol and Drug Service consortium. Gateway Health Wangaratta chief executive officer, Leonard Peady, told the Wangaratta Chronicle the additional funding was very welcome. Family support is critical in the early intervention, treatment and recovery stages of addiction, leading to improved outcomes for the family member, he said. Ms Symes said she was well aware of the damage ice was inflicting on communities. She said this funding was part of the State Governments $45.5 million Ice Action Plan, focused on supporting families, communities and individuals battling with the highly addictive drag. Tim McCurdy (MLA, Ovens Valley), who was part of a state parliamentary inquiry into the ice problem, welcomed the funding for what he said was a major challenge with a lot to do in the state. Its a good start, he said, reserving further comment until more details are known on what programs will be delivered, and if there will be any new rehabilitation beds in the North East. Included in the State Governments new four year $45.5m Ice Action Plan, which Premier Daniel Andrews spoke about in Wangaratta back in April is: $18m to treat an extra 500 ice addicts each year; and $4.7m will expand support services for ice addict families.