A new health services for vulnerable Canberrans is due to open next month following the completion of the Watson Health Precinct.
The new facility includes a new 24-bed residential alcohol and other drug rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, operated by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
The new facility addresses a service gap in the ACT, expanding access to residential rehabilitation services in a culturally safe and supportive environment.
Winnunga Nimmityjah led the delivery of the new facility, ensuring Indigenous knowledge and experience were central to its design.
The ACT Government said connection to Country was a key consideration when choosing the site, with the facility located in a tranquil bushland setting at the base of Mount Majura.
Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services CEO, Julie Tongs, welcomed the facility's opening.
"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," Ms Tongs said.
"In the past, ACT First Nations men had to go interstate to access culturally safe rehabilitation services. We now have a 24-bed purpose-built facility in Watson that will provide much-needed culturally safe rehabilitation for First Nations men who will receive wraparound services.
"Services that maintain connection to Country in a culturally safe environment that we know works, while remaining local and close to family and support networks."
Ms Tongs said with culture at the forefront, the facility has been thoughtfully designed "to ensure participants feel safe from the moment they step on site during challenging times in their lives".
"This is a much-needed service for First Nations men, many of whom are living with the consequences of intergenerational trauma and systemic disadvantage," she said.
"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."
In addition to the service run by Winnunga Nimmityjah, the $49 million Watson Health Precinct delivers modern facilities for two existing services run by the Ted Noffs Foundation and Marymead CatholicCare.
The Ted Noffs Foundation will return to the Watson site to deliver youth alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services, while Marymead CatholicCare will provide residential care for young Canberrans experiencing mental health challenges through its long-running STEPS program.
The ACT Government said the new facilities replace ageing buildings with fit-for-purpose spaces designed to provide a welcoming, secure and inclusive environment for recovery and wellbeing.
ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Health Infrastructure, Rachel Stephen-Smith, said the Precinct "is all about making sure Canberrans have the care and support they need to recover and thrive".
"Every day, Ted Noffs, Marymead CatholicCare and Winnunga are there for those in our community who are facing challenges and have taken the brave step of seeking support," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
"With these new purpose-built facilities, not only will they be able to continue doing this critical work, but now our city has its first dedicated residential facility for alcohol and other drug rehabilitation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"With room for each service to grow into the future, this investment will deliver for generations of Canberrans."
