The Development Application for the $49 million re-build of the old Watson Hostel site is now open for public consultation. New specialist facilities will be built enabling a doubling of capacity for the youth rehabilitation service currently operating in the precinct.

The Ted Noffs Foundation’s National Programs Manager, Lachlan Dean, said, “These new facilities will strengthen the current treatment programs on offer. Being able to continue to work on the site we have been on for the last 23 years allows us to stay connected to this community.”

“There’s some really good evidence that 30 days in a treatment facility like this has really long-lasting impacts, not only around drug and alcohol use but around mental health and crime.”

“If we can give them some small interventions to manage their lives better, the substance use drops off really quickly, particularly at this age.”

While young Canberrans are prioritised for the program, it will also take people from the Riverina and South Coast areas.

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Photo credit: Claire Fenwicke