BUNJILWARRA RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
+BUNJILWARRA
Situated on a 1.7 hectare site, one of the first things you will notice as you enter onto Bunjilwarra is the peace and openness that exists in the space.
Staff and residents will help you to adapt to your new surroundings and routine, while also ensuring that you feel safe and supported.
You will be welcomed into the program and guided to work on yourself in a way that encourages connection with culture, family, community and country.
Reach out to Bunjilwarra - Koori Youth Alcohol & Drug Healing Services by giving us a call at 03 5979 2011
RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION
Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service is based in Hastings.
This is a purpose-built 12 bed residential rehabilitation and healing service for male and female young Aboriginal people aged 16 – 25. The service is accessible state wide and run by Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and YSAS.
The Aboriginal-defined understanding of healing is protected and cultivated in this environment and is central to a cultural framework that guides the support of young people who enter the service. This means that moving toward a return to physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing can begin in this safe place.
Bunjilwarra is staffed 24 hours a day by a team of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers. They are skilled in the areas of alcohol and other drugs, mental health, and complex life experiences so they can help you during your journey.
The program is structured with therapeutic activities including individual and group therapy, regular recreational, educational and training opportunities. These all help develop living skills, strengthen cultural identity, and increase physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Improving connection to family, community and culture is a priority along with building up your ability to care for yourself now and in the future.
YSAS Rehabilitation Services, including Bunjilwarra are free, confidential and voluntary.
Referrals can be made by:
- Individual young people or family members
- YSAS Community Programs
- Through community alcohol and other drug services, GPs, primary and mental health service, youth justice and homelessness services.
Things to think about
If you decide to go to Bunjilwarra you will need to be prepared. So getting support from Elders and workers in the community who can help you go through an assessment and make sure you are ready for the program is a good idea.
The program is pretty intensive, there is structure and you will be expected to participate in the program. Also you will be living in a community environment with other young people.
When you are part of the program you will be challenged, supported and given time to build connections to self, community and culture.
These steps towards healing will help you to move forward in a meaningful and positive way.
Who is this best for?
This program is a good option if you:
- Identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Need help dealing with your drug and/or alcohol use
- Really want to make some changes and be drug free for a longer time
- Are not working or going to school