Addiction treatment centre opens in Bendigo

A MULTIMILLION-dollar treatment centre to support people with alcohol and drug dependence has opened in North Bendigo.

Wanyanimbik Wayawan is being operated by Bendigo Community Health Services.

The centre, designed to provide help and encouragement for those making lasting lifestyle changes, has been established with $4 million from the State’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

Wanyamimbik Wayan means finding myself in the local Djarra language and is based on the BCHS philosophy of discovery, not just recovery.

“We have worked closely with our staff, clients, and other local services to plan a site that safely meets the community’s needs, now and into the future,” said BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson.

“Alcohol and Other Drugs services and treatments can be confrontational for people, and so we have sought to create a calm and quiet building that encourages healing.

“This is a place where people can come to build self-care and resiliency skills that can then be transferred into everyday life.”

The building designed by EBD Architects and built by Franklin and Walsh Builders features an energy-efficient northerly orientation, high ceilings and light-filled spaces with views to the skyline and box ironbark trees, working areas for staff, private clinical spaces, open social areas and spaces for group therapy.

“Most importantly, it’s allowing us to provide a multi-disciplinary service with better, patient-centred care and wrap-around support,” Ms Hutchinson said.

“Since we started delivering AOD services in 1991, people’s needs have greatly increased in complexity.

“For example, we now support both victim survivors of family violence as well as people who use violence.

“The design of this building provides private and confidential spaces from which to provide specialised services which respond to client and staff safety.”

Ms Hutchinson said BCHS was planning to establish a therapeutic garden landscape to further enhance treatment. “We’re also looking at the need for a new, fit-for-purpose residential detox unit on the site to replace our 20-year-old program, which is located in a former aged care facility,” she said. “This will ensure more people can get the support they need to safely undertake their withdrawal journey locally.”

Last week, Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan formally opened the centre with Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards.

“We’re making sure more people in Bendigo have the health services they need close to home, with this centre helping locals to stay connected to their community while they get the treatment, care and support they need,” Ms Allan said.