First Step is proud to announce it has received funding from the Victorian Government, as part of the State Budget 2025-26, to strengthen its multidisciplinary, wraparound services for Victorians living with complex mental health, substance use, and legal needs.

This one-year investment of $150,000 recognises the urgent and growing demand for integrated, person-centred care for people who are too often excluded from mainstream services.

The funding will enhance First Step’s ability to deliver coordinated mental health, psychosocial, and care coordination supports—ensuring clients receive the continuity of care that is essential for recovery and long-term wellbeing.

First Step welcomes this investment as a vote of confidence in its 25-year track record delivering integrated medical, therapeutic and legal support under one roof. It will also help address critical service gaps for individuals who fall outside the scope or reach of existing federally funded programs.

We are grateful to the Victorian Government for this support and also sincerely thank crossbench members of the Legislative Council, Georgie Purcell MP (Animal Justice Party) and Rachel Payne MP (Legalise Cannabis Victoria), for their meaningful engagement with our work and for championing models of effective multidisciplinary care.

Quote attributed to Catherine Easton, Chair, First Step
“This is a strong endorsement of the life-changing work our team delivers every day. We are proud to see the Victorian Government supporting a model that so clearly changes lives and improves community wellbeing.”

Quote attributed to Patrick Lawrence, CEO, First Step
“For many of the people we work with at First Step, the path to safety and wellbeing can be complex and unpredictable. This funding allows us to respond to complexity with a compassionate, multidisciplinary team—meeting people where they are and walking alongside them for as long as it takes.”

You can download the Media Release here.