Services are already operating from the site, providing support and encouragement for people to make lasting lifestyle changes, in keeping with the site’s name.
Wanyanimbik Wayawan means ‘finding myself’ in the local Djarra language, based on the BCHS philosophy of discovery, not just recovery.
BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson said the building’s unique design, and the services being delivered within, support this sentiment.
“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,” Mandy said.
“Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) 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 has been designed by EBD Architects and built by Franklin and Walsh Builders and features an energy-efficient, northerly orientation, lofty ceilings and light-filled spaces with views to the skyline and the box ironbark trees beyond.
It incorporates a warm and welcoming entrance foyer, working areas for staff, private clinical spaces with frosted glass walls, open, social areas and spaces for group therapies.
“Most importantly, it’s allowing us to provide a multi-disciplinary service with better, patient-centred care and wrap-around support,” Mandy said.
“Since we first 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.”
Mandy praised the Victorian Government for recognising the increasing need for AOD services, and meeting those needs via all-important funding opportunities.
“We’ve been pleased to deliver on the needs of central Victorian people,” she said.
“Our next step will be to establish a therapeutic garden landscape to further enhance the treatment spaces.
“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. This will ensure more people can get the support they need to safely undertake their withdrawal journey locally.”
