The Development Application for the $49 million Watson health precinct redevelopment is now open for public consultation.
ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the precinct will improve the availability of alcohol and other drug treatments for young people and First Nations Canberrans.
New specialist facilities will be built for Marymead CatholicCare’s youth mental health residential service and the Ted Noffs Foundation’s alcohol and other drugs youth rehabilitation services.
“STEPS, supporting young people through early intervention and prevention strategies, recognise that a young person’s environment is a vital component in mental health recovery,” Marymead CEO Anne Kirwan said. “We are excited about the multi-million-dollar investment from ACT Government into youth services at the Watson site.
“The buildings are well past their use by dates and the re-build will enhance the ability for STEPS to offer young people an inviting and comfortable therapeutic space, surrounded by nature with comforts of home, while they work towards their wellbeing goals.”
The Ted Noffs Foundation’s national programs manager, Lachlan Dean, said:
“The Ted Noffs Foundation is very excited for the new site development. We have been working closely with ACT Health to make sure these buildings allow for the best possible treatment for the young people we work with.
“Detoxing and undergoing a rehabilitation episode at such a young age requires a very specific treatment intervention, and these new facilities will strengthen the current treatment programs on offer. Being able to continue to work on the site we have been on for the last 23 years allows us to stay connected to this community.”
A new facility will house an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 24-bed residential rehabilitation service, in partnership with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
“There is a recognised need in the ACT for a culturally appropriate alcohol and drug residential rehabilitation facility in Canberra to meet the specific needs of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” Winnunga Nimmityjah CEO Julie Tongs OAM said. “The ACT Government has granted funding to Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services for the design development of a new Canberra-based residential rehabilitation facility.
“The new facility will offer a holistic therapeutic program, helping to rehabilitate those struggling with addiction and to assist them to transition back into the wider community and a place for healing, supported by culturally sensitive indoor spaces, landscaped areas and shared places for recreation.”
Ms Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government is committed to supporting Canberrans.
“Alcohol and other drug dependence causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities, with a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” the minister said.
“The establishment of a residential facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, to be run by Winnunga Nimmityjah, will promote rehabilitation and recovery in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.
“We are also improving drug rehabilitation and mental health treatment options for young Canberrans with new facilities operated by Ted Noffs Foundation and Marymead CatholicCare.
“These new facilities will offer a welcoming and inclusive environment to encourage positive outcomes for young Canberrans.”
The DA for the precinct is available to view and comment on until 9 October.
For more information about the designs of the facility, visit Built for CBR.
