Victoria rolls out free naloxone vending machines to reduce overdose deaths
01 Jun 2026
Naloxone is a free medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is safe to use, does not cause addiction or intoxication, and can be given even when it is not confirmed that opioids are involved.
Health officials say overdoses can occur in people using prescribed opioid medicines, illicit drugs, or substances unknowingly mixed with opioids. They also warn that powerful synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, are increasing the risk of sudden and unpredictable overdoses.
As part of a $95.11 million Statewide Action Plan to reduce drug harm, the Victorian Government is trialling 20 naloxone vending machines across the state until June 2027. The rollout will include 10 sites in metropolitan areas and 10 across regional and rural areas.
Each machine provides naloxone nasal spray kits, with two doses included per pack. In some cases, more than one dose may be needed to reverse an overdose. The kits are designed to be simple to use and include clear instructions.
Machines have already been installed at key health services including The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre, Bayside Health, and Sunshine Hospital, with further sites planned across regional and rural Victoria.
Additional rollout locations include community health services in Bendigo, Gippsland Lakes, Shepparton, Ballarat, Mildura and Wangaratta, along with other targeted high-need areas.
The machines will be available 24/7 and placed in locations with higher rates of drug-related harm, supported by approved health providers to ensure safe and easy access.
The program aims to improve timely access to naloxone and help communities respond quickly in overdose emergencies.
More information is available through the Better Health Channel.
Victoria rolls out free naloxone vending machines to reduce overdose deaths
Source: Victorian Government / Better Health Channel