In a moving smoking ceremony, the dream of the redeveloped Watson Health Precinct as a place of healing and hope in north Canberra came a little closer to reality this morning at an event to mark the beginning of construction.

Ngunnawal elder Serena Williams welcomed organisations involved in the Watson Health Precinct and other representatives to the site, including members of our STEPS team who lead our residential mental health care program for young people.

Photographed after the Welcome to Country are (from left) STEPS manager Matt Wilson, Allied Health Director Samantha Gill and CEO Anne Kirwan, along with Serena Williams, Julie Tongs OAM, CEO of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, and ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith.

Along with a purpose-built new home for our STEPS program, the $49 million redevelopment will also provide new residential facilities to support alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services operated by Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services and the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Our STEPS program (Supporting Young People Through Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies) has temporarily relocated to a property in O'Connor while the redevelopment takes shape.

Today’s event marked an exciting moment for the STEPS team who have been meeting every fortnight for two years in a co-design process with the ACT Government and the other stakeholders involved.

CEO Anne Kirwan said the beautiful natural environment, nestled near bushland under Mt Majura, will play a vital role for young people in their mental health recovery.

"This redevelopment will allow us to create a welcoming, therapeutic space surrounded by nature and designed with the comforts of home where young people can feel safe, supported and empowered to work towards their wellbeing goals."

STEPS is a voluntary mental health residential program providing support to young people, aged between 13-18 years, for up to three months. The program is staffed on a 24/7 basis by youth mental health assistants, and during business hours there are on-site managers and clinicians from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

The redevelopment of the Watson Health Precinct is expected to be completed by mid-2026.