Department of Health

Ngamai Wilam - Victoria's first publicly funded residential treatment centre for eating disorders

28/04/25
Ngamai Wilam residential treatment centre for eating disorders

We’re ensuring Victorians with an eating disorder get the care and support they need with Victoria’s first public residential eating disorder treatment centre, Ngamai Wilam.

Operated by Alfred Health in Armadale, Ngamai Wilam is a brand new, purpose-built 12 bed residential centre, offering 24/7 support in a safe, home-like setting, providing specialist care for Victorians aged 18 and over who are living with an eating disorder.

Delivering on the objectives of the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy 2024-31, the establishment of this centre represents a shift in our system towards a stepped model of care, where care is available and tailored to an individual’s needs and circumstances - where we have services that are designed to meet people where they are at.

By providing treatment, support, and care in a welcoming, home-like environment, Ngamai Wilam gives individuals the best chance at lasting recovery.

The centre's approach to care has been co-designed with people who have lived experience of eating disorders, alongside families, carers, health professionals, advocacy groups, and experts. By centring lived and living experience in both the design of the built environment and the model of care, Ngamai Wilam offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment, care and support for individuals impacted by eating disorders as well as their families, carers and supporters.

The name, Ngamai Wilam, from the Boonwurrung language, (pronounced Nah-may Will-ahm) is inspired by the story of Nala, a wise spirit who created the first sunrise and sunset. Resonating strongly with the naming group, sunset is a reminder that as the day fades, so too can difficulties, where sunrise brings the promise of fresh beginnings and renewed strength to confront challenges.

Ngamai Wilam represents a transformative approach to care for individuals with eating disorders. With a strong focus on family and chosen supports, Ngamai Wilam is committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that promotes long-term recovery.

Read more about what we're doing to tackle the rising prevalence and severity of eating disorders in the Victorian eating disorders strategy 2024-31.

Further information

Ngamai Wilam will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with onsite staff support, and will be integrated with existing eating disorder services across the state.

Treatment is free to consumers accessing Ngamai Wilam as a publicly funded service. Equitable access to care is provided to all Victorians with a diagnosed eating disorder.

Ngamai Wilam will progressively open to a 12-bed capacity across 2025. More information on referral pathways is available on the Alfred Health websiteExternal Link .

Reviewed 29 April 2025

Health.vic

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