About Ngamai Wilam
We specialise in providing comprehensive, trauma-informed, recovery-focused treatment and care for adults who are experiencing an eating disorder who are medically stable and would like a period of intensive support.
Pioneering a new model of eating disorder care in a therapeutic, homelike environment, Ngamai Wilam is the first statewide residential eating disorder treatment centre in Victoria, located in the inner-city suburb of Armadale.
We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, recovery-focused, round–the–clock care in a beautifully designed, residential space that feels more like a home than a hospital. This therapeutic setting promotes treatment, recovery and well-being for individuals facing eating disorder challenges, as well as for their families and chosen support networks.
We emphasise personalised treatment plans based on your needs and goals. Focusing on collaborative decision-making by elevating your voice on a shared journey towards your recovery.
We take a holistic and collaborative approach to eating disorder recovery, which means we consider your circumstances, prioritising choice and tailoring care to your needs and preferences.
Who is Ngamai Wilam for?
Ngamai Wilam is for adults 18 years and over with experience of an eating disorder, who are medically stable and would benefit from a more intensive eating disorder residential treatment program to support their goals for recovery.
Check our Suitability Criteria for more information.
Ngamai Wilam can care for up to 12 participants at any one time.
You can discuss with our staff whether our approach is right for you at this time, what your individual care needs are, whether we have space available at present, and what supports may be available while you are waiting for a bed to become available.
Referrals
What we offer
Ngamai Wilam is a residential treatment centre specialising in the care and treatment of people aged 18 years and over who are experiencing an eating disorder.
We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, recovery-focused treatment and care, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of professionals with a broad range of expertise.
Care & support
How long will I stay?
While admissions to Ngamai Wilam are voluntary, a minimum four-week commitment is expected so that participants can get the full benefit of our program. The general length of our residential treatment program is 12 weeks.
Your stayVisitors are welcome at Ngamai Wilam
The following visiting times allow for consistent routines and uninterrupted therapeutic sessions for the participants:
- Saturday 11:00am – 12:30pm and 2:00pm – 3:30pm
- Sunday 11:00am – 12:30pm and 2:00pm – 3:30pm
While our participants are quite busy during the day, we strive to offer flexibility for visitors whenever possible. Just ask our staff if you have any questions or special requests.
Our Name
Ngamai Wilam means “The Giver of Life (Sunset and Sunrise) House”.
The name can be translated into this story:
In the beginning, a wise spirit named Nala discovered a realm of twilight, where day met night in a breathtaking dance of colours. Recognising its significance, Nala created the first sunrise, Komaregee Ngamai, a promise of hope and new beginnings. Nala also crafted the first sunset, Karburdon Ngamai, a farewell that whispered promises of rest and renewal.
These moments, woven into existence, became a dance of hope and reflection. They reminded all beings that every ending held the promise of a new beginning. Generations gathered at the twilight realm, finding solace and strength in the eternal promise of renewal.
In the embrace of each sunrise and sunset, the legacy of Nala’s creation lived on, teaching that even in the darkest moments, there was always the promise of a new day, filled with the potential for growth, love, and purpose.
Our codesign team worked with a Senior Boonwurrung Woman, Caroline Martin to develop the name for the residential eating disorder treatment centre.
The name from the Boonwurrung language, deeply resonates with our team members with a lived experience of eating disorders. It symbolises hope for a new day and the potential it brings with a sunrise, while also acknowledging the challenges of the day they are leaving behind as the sun sets.