People living with eating disorders in the Canberra region can now access residential treatment close to home - with the opening of a new Eating Disorders Residential Centre in Coombs today.
The centre will provide round-the-clock care, seven days a week for people with eating disorders, while they receive the support they need to recover.
It will offer therapy including specialist, intensive nutritional, and psychological treatment, in a home-like environment.
The Federal Government provided $13.5 million for construction and fit out of the new centre and the ACT Government will fund its ongoing service delivery.
The funding is part of a $63 million Commonwealth commitment to the development of 7 eating disorder treatment centres nationally.
It is estimated that around 1.1 million Australians are living with an eating disorder.
Recognising the ongoing need for those living with eating disorders and their families, the 2024-25 Budget committed an additional $1.3 million to continue critical eating disorder services and supports.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
"The Albanese Government recognises the impact of eating disorders on people of all ages.
"We are working collaboratively with state and territory governments, alongside the health and community sectors to achieve better prevention, early intervention, and care for eating disorders.
"This new centre in Canberra will provide high quality support and care to help people with eating disorders in the ACT and southern New South Wales.
Quotes attributable to David Smith, Member for Bean:
"Many families across the ACT, not just Bean, will welcome the Albanese Government's investment in this much needed health infrastructure and the delivery of this service by the ACT Government. It's a great example of what two Labor Governments can do together."
