Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Ministers statements: Ngamai Wilam

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:22): I rise to update the chamber on a significant milestone in the delivery of mental health services in Victoria, one that demonstrates the strength of cooperation between the Allan and the Albanese Labor governments. Last month the federal assistant minister Ged Kearney and I officially opened Ngamai Wilam, Victoria’s first public residential eating disorder treatment centre, located in Armadale. Backed by $16.9 million in investment from the Allan Labor government and $13 million in capital funding from the Albanese Labor government, the centre is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to mental health and wellbeing. The name, Ngamai Wilam, which means ‘giver of life house’ in the Boonwurrung language, honours the cultural heritage of the land and reflects the centre’s purpose to offer hope, healing and new beginnings. Operated by Alfred Health, the 12-bed centre will offer a 24/7 residential model of care for Victorians aged 18 and over. Ngamai Wilam fills a critical gap in our mental health system. It moves us beyond short-term hospital stays and emergency visits and will ease the burden on our busy emergency departments in hospitals. It will ensure that people get the right care at the right time in the right setting, and most importantly, it will save lives. With eating disorders on the rise in Victoria and across the country, the Allan Labor government is taking strong evidence-based action to strengthen prevention and early intervention and to enhance treatment, support and long-term recovery for people battling serious eating disorders.