Windana was established over 40 years ago by a dedicated group of people who saw the need to provide alcohol and other drug services in a different way to meet the needs of clients. Like Windana today, they were driven by the ambition to deliver lasting and meaningful change for people impacted by alcohol and other drugs. This journey started in 1984 at 88-92 Alma Road St Kilda, and that culture of innovation and client-led, trauma informed service delivery continues to this day.

Much has changed over the last 40 years. Alcohol and other drug use patterns have changed. The evidence base – and our own expertise – has evolved. How we best support people whose substance use is layered with other challenges including family violence, mental health, involvement with the justice system, and social disadvantage is very different today compared to best practice last decade.

To remain a leading provider of alcohol and other drug services in Victoria for another 40 years, Windana must continue to evolve and respond to what clients need both in terms of services and physical environment. As such, in a significant development for Windana, this August, our Adult Residential Withdrawal Service will relocate to a modern, purpose built property, allowing us to better support everyone who uses our services.

About the site

This state-of-the-art property will be unlike any community withdrawal facility in Victoria, supporting client centred, trauma-informed services. Formerly a private withdrawal facility, the fully renovated building is located at 344 Dandenong Road St Kilda East (approximately 1.5km from our existing withdrawal site.)

The building features 13 private rooms, each with their own bathroom, increasing client privacy and safety, particularly for women and gender diverse people. It also has increased accessibility, meaning Windana can accept clients previously excluded due to mobility issues.

Excitingly, the property presents the opportunity to enhance our withdrawal service model with new and current partners – including GPs, psychiatrists and other medical professionals – to co-locate onsite. These are services we know clients need but we are unable to provide them at our current premises.

You can see some images of the site below:

Main entrance

Entry and reception area

Downstairs clinical room

Upstairs clinical room

Group room

Client accommodation

Client accommodation - double room

Client accommodation - single room

Find out more

As we get closer to the move, we will continue to share information about the site and changes to our services via our website and social media.

We will hold an open day for our partners before we officially open to showcase all that our withdrawal service has to offer. We will also arrange tours for alcohol and other drug intake services, partner organisations and other interested parties. We will share information on this as details are confirmed.

We are excited for this opportunity to use Windana’s experience and expertise to evolve our Residential Withdrawal Services in a space that allows us to provide the truly trauma-informed, client-led and dignified services clients deserve.