Victoria’s first public residential eating disorder treatment centre has been opened today in Armadale.
Victorian Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt and Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Ged Kearney opened the new centre, which has been named Ngamai Wilam.
Backed by a $16.9 million investment from Victoria and $13 million from the Commonwealth, the new 12-bed centre will be operated by Alfred Health and offer a unique 24/7 residential model of care for Victorians aged 18 and over in a therapeutic, home-like environment.
As a dedicated eating disorder centre, it fills a critical gap for Victorians experiencing eating disorders – moving beyond short-term hospital stays by offering 24/7 residential care with consumers expected to stay for an average of 12 weeks,” said Minister Stitt.
“Victoria’s first public residential centre for eating disorders is going to be life-changing – providing critical care in a welcoming, home-like setting that bridges the current gap between community and hospital treatment,” she said.
The Government says the name ‘Ngamai Wilam’ was chosen through a co-design process and reflect cultural stories that symbolise hope, renewal and the promise of new beginnings.
“Eating disorders are complex, with a range of risks and physical complications that make recovery difficult – Ngamai Wilam will transform the way care is delivered the Albanese Labor Government is proud to help deliver it,” said Minister Kearney.
The centre complements the Victorian Labor Government’s Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024-31, which guides work to support Victorians living with eating disorders in three key areas – prevention and early intervention, accessible evidence-based treatment, and wellbeing and recovery support.
