The ACT Government has completed a major refurbishment of Toora Women's Lesley's Place, delivering a comfortable and modern residential facility for women undertaking alcohol and other drug (AOD) rehabilitation.
The $800,000 upgrade has transformed the property with functional and quality-of-life improvements to better support women on their recovery journey.
Key improvements include:
- A refreshed internal layout to improve practicality for shared living
- Full repainting inside and out
- New flooring throughout
- Zoned reverse-cycle heating and cooling in each of the 10 bedrooms
- A redesigned kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms, including a new accessible bathroom
- Enhanced outdoor areas with landscaping and relocated clotheslines for easier access.
Toora Women provides specialist AOD services for vulnerable women in the ACT, including those with children. It provides services including residential rehabilitation, day programs, counselling, and transitional support, and helps women achieve long-term recovery and independence.
The refurbishment was led by the ACT Government and funded through the Commonwealth Government's Community Health and Hospitals Program, which committed $4.3 million for the expansion and modernisation of local alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation services across the ACT.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher:
"This upgrade is about giving women in our community the support and dignity they deserve as they take steps toward healing and recovery."
"Lesley's Place has been a safe and trusted space for Canberra women for many years, and these improvements will make a real difference for those rebuilding their lives."
"The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the ACT Government and fund the refurbishment, as it strengthens services that help women achieve stability, independence, and long-term wellbeing."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith:
"We know that recovery from alcohol and other drug dependence is a deeply personal and often challenging journey. That's why it's so important that the spaces where people heal are safe, comfortable, and designed to support their wellbeing.
"The ACT Government is proud to invest in services that make a real difference in people's lives. Toora's trauma-informed, gender-specific approach is vital for women facing complex challenges, and these improvements will help ensure they have the best possible chance at long-term recovery.
"We're committed to providing all Canberrans with access to high-quality care in facilities that reflect the value we place on their health and wellbeing."
Quotes attributable to Toora Women CEO, Kellie Friend:
"Toora is deeply appreciative of the Commonwealth and ACT Government's investment in refurbishing Lesley's Place. We know that the physical space plays a vital role in a woman's recovery and healing journey. This refurbishment is more than just bricks and mortar, it's a powerful statement that the women who come to Toora are valued. It's an investment in them, so they can invest in themselves. Creating a space where women can be with their young children not only strengthens the parent-child bond, but also supports the child's wellbeing through connection and continuity."
