A new rehabilitation service to help young people tackle substance misuse has opened at Edmonton.
The $40 million North Queensland Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs Centre will deliver more specialist care for the Far North’s young people and families.
The new 10-bed facility will 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 facility was co-designed with young people with lived experience, alongside local stakeholders and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council. Programs will be tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, families, and communities.
The service is 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.
It integrates therapeutic, recreational, cultural healing, and learning programs with mental health and social supports.
The Cairns centre is one of three new purpose-built alcohol and other drug residential services being delivered in Queensland, alongside a 28-bed adult service in Bundaberg which opened in March 2025 and a 46-bed adult service in Ipswich opening later this year.
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Leena Singh said the new service was a milestone for the region.
‘This is Queensland’s first co-designed youth alcohol and other drugs residential rehabilitation centre,’ Ms Singh said.
‘Together with community-based programs, it reflects our commitment to meeting the unique needs of young people across our region.’
Youth Empowered Towards Independence CEO Genevieve Sinclair said the service would provide much-needed local access.
‘For too long, young people in Cairns have needed to travel far from home to access residential alcohol and drug treatment,’ Ms Sinclair said.
‘This partnership means young people can now access services with strong local and cultural expertise, closer to their families and communities.’
Youth Support and Advocacy Service CEO Andrew Bruun said early intervention was critical.
‘There is clear evidence that acting early prevents years of harm. This service will give young people the intensive treatment and support they need to get their lives on track,’ Mr Bruun said.