Watson Health Precinct

Funding: $49 million

New facilities will be built for Ted Noffs and Marymead CatholicCare who provide alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services for young people. They also provide residential care for young people with mental health conditions.

A new 24-bed residential alcohol and other drug rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons will also be built. This facility will promote rehabilitation and recovery in a culturally safe and inclusive environment. This facility will be constructed and operated by Winnunga Nimmityjah.

The establishment of a residential alcohol and other drug facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fills a service gap in the ACT and increases culturally appropriate treatment options in the Territory.

Connection to Country was a key consideration when considering a site for this facility and is vital to the facility, which will be in a tranquil bushland setting at the base of Mount Majura.

The new facilities will replace ageing buildings with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will offer a welcoming, secure, and inclusive environment to help enable positive clinical and therapeutic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and young Canberrans.

Construction

Demolition of the old buildings onsite is now complete, and construction has commenced.

The Head Contractor for the Watson Health Hub is Monarch Building Solutions. Winnunga will procure a Head Contractor for the work on the alcohol and other drug rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons.

The construction is due to be completed mid-2026.

Find out more

If you have any questions or feedback about Watson Health Precinct contact healthcomms@act.gov.au.