Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm
Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm provides a place of healing, where First Nations peoples can feel safe and supported to make ongoing and meaningful changes in their lives.
About the program
Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm uses a therapeutic community approach, traditional healing concepts, cultural programs and life skills training to tackle underlying social and emotional issues.
The program is delivered at the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm and at other locations including local sites of cultural significance. All transport, meals and equipment are provided for program participants.
The Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm works with a range of health, social, community, educational, government and non-government agencies to provide holistic and culturally appropriate care and supports.
What the program aims to do
The program run at Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm aims to:
- provide a safe environment to help participants work towards a healthier lifestyle
- support participants to think about the meaning and impact alcohol or other drugs have on their life
- promote the achievement of physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual well being
- support the development of knowledge and skills so that participants can live a fulfilling life and achieve their full potential.
Who can attend
Anyone who is aged 18 to 50 years, who identifies as a First Nations person and does not have a history of violent or sexual offending can attend a program at the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm.
In addition, participants:
- need to be 4 to 6 weeks free from use of alcohol and other drugs
- are not receiving treatment for medically assisted opioid dependence, for example, are not receiving methadone, buprenorphine, or buvidal
- are able to attend the program Monday to Thursday for up to 10 weeks
- remain free from all drugs and alcohol while attending the day program.
A willingness to learn and work on all aspects of your life—socially, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically—in conjunction with support workers, referring agencies and other support workers will help participants get the most out of the program.
What to expect
By attending Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, you can expect:
- techniques on empowerment and building resilience
- social and emotional wellbeing support
- training and specific courses to assist with employment opportunities.
How to refer yourself to the program
- Speak to your doctor, counsellor or other support worker about getting referred to the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm. Download the referral form.
- When you are referred the program, you will meet with a member of the team for an initial assessment to determine eligibility. This usually takes between 7 to 14 days.
- If you are eligible you are invited to attend an interview to assess whether you are suitable for the program.
- If you are ready to enter the program, you will be placed on the program waitlist and offered the next available place.
How to refer someone else to the program
- Complete the referral form on behalf of the person interested in attending the program. Don’t forget to complete the consent to share and obtain information.
- Email it to NBHF_Referrals@act.gov.au.
Program dates
Find out program dates by emailing NBHF_Referrals@act.gov.au.