SIMON Corbell says construction is well underway at the new Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, following a site visit to assess progress on the new facility.

Simon also joined Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Agnes Shea in adding some ashes from the traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony, held at the site in March, to a rammed earth wall which will form an important part of the cultural design of the farm.

“This service will be a valuable addition to the ACT’s health care system and I am delighted to see work on the site is progressing well,” Simon said.

“The property will provide a residential rehabilitation service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, set on a working farm west of Tharwa. It will be a therapeutic community where people can voluntarily choose to enter for personal growth and rehabilitation.

“The facility will focus on providing culturally appropriate prevention, education and rehabilitation programs, working to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by addressing the complex issues that relate to alcohol and other drug abuse.

“People here will be able to learn and practise skills that are directly relevant to them, helping them to manage life’s challenges better in the long term.”

“This $11.7 million project (with a $1 million contribution from the Federal Government) is part of the ACT Government’s nearly $1 billion million investment in health infrastructure, which also includes the Secure Mental Health Unit, University of Canberra Public Hospital, Calvary Hospital car park and the expansion of the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department. The farm is expected to be open in late 2016.

“The Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm will help individuals to improve their health and quality of life, and as a result it will also benefit the people in their community,” Mr Corbell said.

For more information please visit the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm website.