Victoria’s First Eating Disorder Centre Opens
The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are making sure Victorians with eating disorders can get the care they need – with Victoria’s first public residential eating disorder treatment centre in Armadale now complete.
Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Federal Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney today opened the new centre which is named Ngamai Wilam.
Backed by a $16.9 million investment from Victoria and $13 million from the Commonwealth, the new 12-bed centre will be operated by Alfred Health and offer a unique 24/7 residential model of care for Victorians aged 18 and over in a therapeutic, home-like environment.
As a dedicated eating disorder centre, it fills a critical gap for Victorians experiencing eating disorders – moving beyond short-term hospital stays by offering 24/7 residential care with consumers expected to stay for an average of 12 weeks.
This wraparound support will also ease pressure on emergency departments, hospitals and GPs, while improving coordination across eating disorder, health and mental health services ensuring people get the right care, at the right time.
The name Ngamai Wilam was chosen through a co-design process and reflect cultural stories that symbolise hope, renewal and the promise of new beginnings.
The centre complements the Victorian Labor Government’s Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024-31, which guides work to support Victorians living with eating disorders in three key areas – prevention and early intervention, accessible evidence-based treatment, and wellbeing and recovery support.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $31 million to expand tailored services and treatment options for eating disorders, responding directly to the sharp rise in new cases and relapses following the pandemic and the growing impact of social media – trends seen both in Victoria and around the world.
As stated by Victorian Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
“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.”
As stated by Federal Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney
“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.”
As stated by Member for Southern Metropolitan Region John Berger
“We recognise the vital impact of early intervention for Victorians facing eating disorders challenges, and this new centre is crucial to helping us deliver life-saving care and treatment.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/250428-Victoria%27s-First-Eating-Disorder-Treatment-Centre-Now-Open.pdf