Victoria has taken a major step forward in tackling eating disorders with the official opening of its first public residential treatment centre, Ngamai Wilam, in Armadale.
The project, supported by $16.9 million from the Victorian Government and $13 million from the Commonwealth, promises a new model of care for adults aged 18 and over. Operated by Alfred Health, the 12-bed centre offers round-the-clock residential support in a therapeutic, home-like setting, aiming to provide a longer-term alternative to short hospital stays.
Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Federal Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney attended the launch on Monday, describing the centre as a long overdue addition to the state’s mental health infrastructure. The facility is designed to support an average stay of around 12 weeks, focusing on sustained recovery rather than crisis management.
Ngamai Wilam, a name chosen through a co-design process to reflect stories of hope and renewal, comes at a time when demand for eating disorder services is rising sharply. Following the pandemic, health experts have warned of a worldwide increase in eating disorders, fuelled in part by social media and disruptions to daily life.
The centre forms part of the broader Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024–31, which outlines priorities across prevention, early intervention, evidence-based treatment, and support for wellbeing and recovery. Earlier this year, the Victorian Budget 2024/25 allocated an additional $31 million to expand tailored services, responding directly to the growing need for specialist care.
Ms Stitt said the facility would play a crucial role in closing the gap between hospital treatment and community support.
“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.
Federal Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney noted the complexity of treating eating disorders and highlighted the need for dedicated, sustained care.
“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,” Ms Kearney said.
John Berger, Member for Southern Metropolitan Region, also welcomed the initiative, emphasising the importance of early intervention.
“We recognise the vital impact of early intervention for Victorians facing eating disorder challenges, and this new centre is crucial to helping us deliver life-saving care and treatment,” Mr Berger said.
Beyond providing critical care to individuals, the centre is expected to ease the burden on emergency departments, GPs, and hospitals by offering specialised support tailored to the unique needs of people living with eating disorders.
The opening of Ngamai Wilam is being seen by health advocates as a hopeful moment for mental health services across Victoria, with calls for similar models to be expanded across other states in the future.
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