Oceanview Psychology has Burnett Heads community care facility approved

The facility will include structures such as an Indigenous cultural arena, two and three bedroom cabins, a covered shelter with a kitchen pod and consultation rooms.

A development application for Oceanview Psychology's new community care centre and short-term accommodation has been approved by council.

A new community care facility will provide support for people with disabilities and coastal activities for western indigenous communities after getting the go ahead from council.

A material change of use application was lodged on behalf of Oceanview Psychology and Support Services in May for a new community care facility at Burnett Heads.

The facility will include structures such as an Indigenous cultural arena, two and three bedroom cabins, a covered shelter with a kitchen pod and consultation rooms.

The site also allows for rural activities including the use of farm animals in therapy, boomerang making and bushwalks focusing on the identification of flora and its applications.

The facility will include a cultural arena as well as two and three bedroom cabins and a covered shelter with a kitchen pod.

Project manager for Oceanview PSS, Dan Smith said the team was excited to bring the project to life.

He said the facility would deliver mental health therapy for adults and children living with a significant impairment or disability.

“Our innovative model for delivering a combination mental health therapy and supports have already helped children and adults with a significant and permanent disabilities improve social connectedness, achieve their goals and foster recovery and maintenance of mental health,” he said.

“Oceanview’s accredited, multidisciplinary, therapeutic service and activities are delivered in a welcoming rural setting by mental health professionals, Equine facilitators, Indigenous advisers, and allied health assistants.”

However, he said that wasn’t all the facility would be used for.

“It’ll also help provide some general support and also help provide a refuge for people escaping domestic violence as well as psychological supports to help with their changing situations,” he said.

“Looking into the longer term, Oceanview will be offering emergency and short-term accommodation solutions in the form of on-site cabins.

“We aim to be a part of the solution to the local community shortage of emergency accommodation and respite solutions.”

Dan Smith said the cabins would also be used for domestic violence refuges.

He said the cabins would also allow for people living in inland areas, such as Monto and Eidsvold, to experience activities offered on site and during turtle season.

Mr Smith said the facility would also be used for educational purposes.

He said the team at Oceanview PSS had been working with local traditional landowners to develop a cultural immersion program.

“Primarily conducted outdoors, the program will consist of Nature Walks; Trailblazing; practical Boomerang (and other indigenous tool) use; Storytelling; Kup Murri (Cooking traditional indigenous food in the ground); Tree Planting and Outdoor Artwork,” he said.

Originally published as Oceanview Psychology has Burnett Heads community care facility approved