General News
16 September, 2025
Teen alcohol and drug rehab centre unveiled
A NEW $20 million 10-bed residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation service has opened at Edmonton – despite objections by residents and the area’s councillor concerned about its proximity to the town centre and four bottle shops in Cairns.
Patients will be admitted from October and support young people aged 13 to 18 experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use, providing round-the-clock treatment in a safe, home-like environment.
The service also includes $20.65m over five years for operations from the Mental Health Levy. The service will be operated by Cairns-based Youth Empowered Towards Independence (YETI) in partnership with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation, Queensland Health and the Department of Education.
Member for Mulgrave Terry James said the new service would deliver specialist services that had been missing in the region. “This service will help young people make positive changes and set them up for a healthy transition into adulthood. With 24/7 residential support, they don’t need to be admitted to hospital to get the help they need,” he said.
YETI chief executive officer Genevieve Sinclair said the service would provide much-needed local access.
“This partnership means young people can now access services with strong local and cultural expertise, closer to their families and communities.”
Cr Matthew Tickner (Div. 2) had raised concerns about its proximity to the town centre and the lack of consultation with the community.
However, earlier this year he said he was confident about the team behind the centre who had eased his concerns about its operations.
