Canberra’s first dedicated residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility for First Nations people will open next month as part of the new $49 million Watson Health Precinct, funded by the ACT Government.

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services will run the 24-bed facility, in bushland at the base of Mount Majura.

CEO Julie Tongs said the service will allow participants to maintain connections to Country while remaining local and close to family and support networks.

“In the past, ACT First Nations men had to go interstate to access culturally safe rehabilitation services,” Ms Tongs said.

“Being able to access a service like this, one that is both culturally safe and centrally located, is fundamental to the recovery and healing of our men.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah led delivery of the service, and managed funding for its construction. It was designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and experience.

“This is Aboriginal self-determination in practice,” Ms Tongs said. “This is a much-needed service for First Nations men, many of whom are living with the consequences of intergenerational trauma and systemic disadvantage.

“Enabling the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector to build and provide services like this will have a profoundly positive impact and improve outcomes for all, because with this approach we will be setting people up to succeed by giving them the best possible chance, instead of setting them up to fail.”

The Watson Health Precinct will also house new facilities for the Ted Noffs Foundation and Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn.

Ted Noffs delivers youth alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services; its new facility has 15 beds for 12- to 18-year-olds, and six more beds for young people who cannot access mainstream accommodation because of their substance-use history.

Marymead CatholicCare’s long-running STEPS program provides residential care for young Canberrans experiencing mental health challenges.