FACT SHEET THREE
GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601
e CSD@act.gov.au
t 133 427
w www.communityservices.act.gov.au
Melaleuca Place (ACT Trauma Recovery Centre)
What’s in a name?
The name chosen for the Trauma Recovery Centre is Melaleuca Place.
A Melaleuca tree is part of the myrtle/eucalyptus family and is an evergreen tree. Melaleuca is derived
from the Greek word melas, meaning black or dark and leucon meaning white
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.
Melaleuca’s are able to adapt to harsh and difficult conditions, they are highly fire tolerant and their
leaves are known for their natural healing and soothing properties.
Historically, Melaleuca trees have had a wide variety of cultural uses. They have been used as a food
source by Aboriginal people, in traditional aboriginal medicines and as an important source of water in the
dry season
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. The bark of some melaleucas was used to heal wounds and today the oils derived from the
leaves are used in Tea Tree oil based products.
The Melaleuca species chosen for the site is Melaleuca Armillaris and a tree will be planted on the day of
the launch by Minister Burch. This species is planted widely in Southern Australia and often used in
domestic gardens. The planting of a Melaleuca tree on the day of the launch will symbolise the
commencement of the service and the ‘grounding’ of the centre in the local area.
The use of the word ‘Place’ instead of ‘House or ‘Cottage’ was decided upon after consultation with young
people from CREATE; the peak body representing children in Out of Home Care.
By using Melaleuca Place, and not having a reference to trauma or therapy in the title, the type of service
being offered at this site is de-identified. It is hoped that this will reduce any stigma attached to children
attending - as they can simply inform friends they are ‘visiting Melaleuca Place this afternoon’ or ‘MP’.
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(Brophy, 2013)