VAHS & YSAS acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Boonwurrung People and pay respects to elders past and present.

This is the first statement that partner organisations  Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) together with YSAS (Youth Support & Advocacy Service) have made ahead of opening the doors to the new Bunjilwarra Koori Youth Alcohol and Drug Healing Service.

The 12 bed residential rehabilitation is situated on a 1.7 hectare site in Hastings, Victoria and aims to provide a place to journey towards physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing for young people aged 16 – 25.

From their website; ‘Bunjilwarra shares the Healing Foundation’s view that healing is a process that respectfully turns hurt from the past into something positive for individuals, for community and for future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Healing recognises the strengths of Aboriginal young people and the assets of Aboriginal culture and community including resilience in the face of extreme adversity, strong kinship systems and connection to spiritual traditions, ancestry, country and community.’

This state wide service developed in close partnership with the Department of Health, VACCHO and ACCHOs. For more information follow the link.