Odyssey Victoria

14/11/2025

We received this mysterious envelope in the mail - no note, no return address, just a $5 bill and a 10 of diamonds.

We’re not sure what it means, but it definitely made us smile. Whoever sent it, thank you! We appreciate the thought (and the mystery)!

13/11/2025

The Victorian Government’s new initiative, “Adult Time for Violent Crime,” proposes laws that would allow children aged 14 and over to be tried as adults and face life sentences for certain offences.

While violent crime is a serious concern and community safety is important, this approach fails to address the root causes of youth offending, poverty and disadvantage. Research shows that incarcerating young people does not prevent crime or reduce recidivism; in fact, it often increases the likelihood of repeat offending.

Instead of harsher penalties, the Victorian Government should invest in children and families by improving home safety, supporting better education outcomes, and helping lift families out of poverty. These measures will have a far greater impact on reducing youth crime and creating safer communities.

You can read here about the work Odyssey does with at risk young people:

Odyssey House Youth & Family Services provides outreach and centre-based programs and services to young people aged 12 to 24 and their families.

11/11/2025

The passing of Treaty legislation in the Victorian Parliament is a powerful step toward truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation with First Peoples.

Odyssey Victoria proudly supports this milestone and encourages everyone to show their allyship by contacting your upper house MP. It only takes 5 minutes to make your voice heard. Victorians support Treaty | Victorians support Treaty

Together, we can help shape a fairer future.

08/11/2025

Thought for a Sunday...

07/11/2025

recently put together a family friendly community event for Mental Health Week. This included different stalls, food trucks and live music. Our Barwon team were there amongst other stall holders. It was a day of coming together with .community, ng and other community services. It was a great day for all!

06/11/2025

BRANDII, FAMILY SERVICES CLINICIAN, 3 YEARS AT ODYSSEY

Why I like working at Odyssey:

I’ve really enjoyed the variety of roles I’ve had the opportunity to learn and grow in, including Duty Worker, Medical Assistant and now as part of the Family Services team. My favourite part of my work is coming in each day to support clients and seeing them learn to love the life they are building for themselves. It’s inspiring to be part of their journey and see the positive changes they make for both themselves and their families.

What a typical day looks like:

Depending on the day, I might be running a Parents Group, supporting parents to work through emotional topics such as guilt, shame, self-worth and helping them unpack triggers in a group. I help parents reflect on their progress and support them in implementing healthy routines, managing their emotions, and developing strategies to strengthen their parenting.

I also spend time liaising with external services and child protection to advocate for parents and support family reunification. A big part of my role involves guiding parents to build strong support networks that will help them transition successfully back into the community.

Throughout the day, parents often come and seek guidance or just a chat, and I always enjoy those moments of connection and laughter. We have a great team here at Odyssey Lower Plenty that works together to make sure both parents and kids are thriving. The afternoons are usually busy with follow-ups, documentation, and planning for the week ahead.

02/11/2025

Odyssey House Victoria’s annual Short Story Competition is now open for 2025. This year’s theme is "Summer Holidays" and must include a reference to alcohol or other drugs.

Summer holidays often bring sun-soaked afternoons, adventure, and cherished memories - yet not every story is carefree. This competition invites you to craft a short story set against the backdrop of summer, and must include a reference to alcohol or other drugs. We encourage you to create a piece that shines a light on experiences that truly matter.

First place wins $1000 and a one year membership to Writers Victoria.
Second place wins $100
Third place wins $50

Entry fee is $10 per submission.

Please share this with anyone you think might be interested, the competition is open to writers of all ages and experience and submissions are due by the 30th of January 2026.

For full T's and C's and instructions on how to enter, head to:
https://odyssey.org.au/short-story-competition-2025/

31/10/2025

Our Therapeutic Day Program staff at our Barwon site went all out for Halloween yesterday transforming the office with creative decorations, enjoying delicious treats, and dressing up in amazing costumes.

What a fantastic way to celebrate together.

https://odyssey.org.au/what-we-do/community-services/day-rehabilitation/

31/10/2025

Yesterday, the Victorian Parliament passed landmark legislation to advance Treaty with First Peoples.

This step affirms the vital role of self-determination in achieving healing, justice, and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land.

Odyssey Victoria embeds Treaty principles into its organisational culture, ensuring respect, equity, and shared decision-making in all services and engagement with Aboriginal communities.

Together, we move forward in truth, respect, and partnership.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-31/victorian-first-nations-treaty-legislation-passes/105954864

Historic legislation has passed that will see the creation of an Indigenous council that will be consulted on laws and policies affecting Indigenous communities.

30/10/2025

Our residents and staff got into the Halloween spirit this week, transforming our therapeutic communities into haunted havens! From ghostly ghouls to cheeky witches and glowing pumpkins, both our Lower Plenty site and the Hope Centre near Bairnsdale were decked out in frightfully festive style. Some of our Footscray staff also dressed up as part of Halloween festivities.

It was wonderful to see creativity, laughter, and community connection come alive in every corner.

27/10/2025

Odyssey Victoria is dedicated to supporting the Victorian Treaty process as part of its Reconciliation Action Plan. This commitment acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land and affirms the importance of self-determination in achieving healing and justice. Through partnerships, education, and culturally responsive practices, Odyssey Victoria embeds Treaty principles into its organisational culture, ensuring respect, equity, and shared decision-making in all services and engagement with Aboriginal communities.