Odyssey House NSW

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Odyssey House NSW

Trauma-informed alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, education and support in New South Wales. He opened Odyssey House in Sydney on 30 October 1977.

Odyssey House in New South Wales was founded in 1977 by Sydney businessman, Walter McGrath, following the death of his son from a heroin overdose. As a testament to his son, Mr McGrath committed himself to finding a program to help other people who suffered from problems with drug dependence. Mr McGrath brought the Odyssey House concept of long term residential rehabilitation from the United States of America to Australia. From humble beginnings, the program has expanded to be one of the largest and most successful alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services in Australia. More than 35,000 people have been assisted over the past 40 years. Today, Odyssey House provides a diverse range of services from The Withdrawal Unit, Parents and Children’s Program, MERIT (Magistrates Early Referrals Into Treatment program), residential rehabilitation, numeracy and literacy education and community based services. Odyssey House aims to build safe and healthy communities by minimising the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on the person’s health and by extension our society. We have a holistic treatment model that focuses on the person and helping them develop skills to cope with the underlying reasons they resorted to alcohol and other drug use. This often involves changing the habits of a lifetime and teaching self –awareness, responsibility, self-care to practical skills that have been missed due to addiction such as numeracy and literacy, life skills such as cooking and eating healthy food, budgeting and parenting. Odyssey House complements the direction of the National Drug Strategy (NDS) and aligns with the health and community goals of the NSW Government’s NSW 2021 plan. The organisation is closely linked to the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA), and the Australian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA).

12/11/2025

Congratulations to Professor Michael Farrell on receiving the Senior Scientist Award at the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) 2025 Conference. This prestigious award recognises Professor Farrell’s outstanding and sustained contribution to the field of alcohol and other drug research, policy, and clinical practice.

As Director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), Professor Farrell has been a driving force in advancing evidence-based approaches to treatment and prevention across Australia and internationally. His leadership has shaped policy, informed best practice, and strengthened the research that underpins effective responses to substance use.

Professor Farrell is also a valued member of the Odyssey House NSW Board, where his insight and expertise help guide our commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals and families affected by substance use.

Odyssey House NSW warmly congratulates Professor Farrell on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued contribution to improving outcomes for people in recovery.

05/11/2025

Odyssey Peer Worker Ahmad Jadran (AJ) recently took part in a panel at the NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA NSW) Peers and Consumers Forum - an annual event that brings together people with lived experience, peer workers, and health professionals to strengthen harm reduction and recovery support across New South Wales.

As a voice of Western Sydney, AJ spoke about how drug and alcohol dependance is affecting our communities.

AJ’s contribution reflected Odyssey’s ongoing commitment to amplifying lived voices and ensuring that the experiences of people in recovery continue to inform and improve the broader alcohol and other drugs sector.

03/11/2025

Members of the Odyssey team recently took part in the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) Annual Research Symposium - a key event bringing together leading national and international voices in the alcohol and other drugs sector.

Odyssey’s CEO, Carmel Tebbutt, chaired the NDARC and Collaboration Showcase, while David Kelly, Executive Director – Programs, co-presented on preventing and reducing harm for parents and children through family-based residential rehabilitation in NSW.

From our Multicultural Programs team, Nirekha De Silva and Teguh Syahbahar co-delivered a session on advancing equity in AOD service delivery, sharing practice-based insights from Western and Southwestern Sydney.

Events like this are vital for sharing research, practical learnings, and new approaches - helping ensure that services continue to evolve and better meet the needs of the communities we support.

Thank you NDARC and UNSW for your research and evidence-based thought leadership for the Alcohol and other Drug sector.

Photography credit - Ken Leanfore

30/10/2025

🌟 The Medicare Mental Health Centre is now open! 🌟

Odyssey House NSW is proud to be a partner of the new Campbelltown centre, offering free, walk-in mental health support for the community.

As part of this partnership alongside Grand Pacific Health, Medicare, Relationships Australia, and Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Odyssey will provide specialist care for people experiencing both alcohol and other drug use and mental health concerns.

“Mental health and substance use challenges rarely exist in isolation. Embedding specialist AOD support within a mental health service is a meaningful shift in the way care is delivered - it breaks down silos and ensures people aren’t turned away or overlooked simply because their needs are complex. It’s an important step toward truly integrated, person-centred care.”
– David Kelly, Executive Director of Programs, Odyssey House NSW

We’re proud to contribute to this innovative model of support, helping ensure more people in Southwestern Sydney can access timely, integrated, and compassionate care. 💙

Find out more - https://www.gph.org.au/campbelltown-medicare-mental-health-centre/ or call 02 4604 3000.

29/10/2025

🎓 Odyssey Open Day 2025

Last weekend, we came together to celebrate our inspiring graduates at this year’s Odyssey Open Day.

The event was an opportunity to recognise the strength and achievements of our residents and to mark Odyssey’s 48th birthday together as a community.

The graduation ceremony was a highlight, featuring powerful words from graduates and a moving dance and didgeridoo performance by a group of First Nations residents. We were also honoured to be joined by the Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Darcy Lound, who shared his compassionate words of support together with Charishma Kaliyanda, MP for Liverpool.

Across the day, there was a real sense of connection and celebration - with live music, an Aussie BBQ, a petting zoo, and plenty of family fun. It was a wonderful reminder of the strong community spirit that defines Odyssey House NSW.

Open Day is always a special milestone on the Odyssey calendar, a time to reflect on recovery, growth, and the hope that brings people together 💙

18/10/2025

💙 This week has been National Carers Week, a time to recognise and raise awareness of the incredible contribution carers make across the country.

At Odyssey, we reflect on the vital role that families and friends play in supporting people facing alcohol and other drug dependencies. Their care and commitment often provide the foundation for recovery.

Carers give so much of themselves, often without recognition. That’s why it’s essential they are supported, celebrated, and encouraged to look after their own wellbeing.

“Relationships with loved ones give life meaning and purpose - and it’s no different for people on a recovery journey. Having the support of family and friends can be a lifeline, helping build motivation, ease shame and stigma, and remind someone that change is possible.

Over time, family members and friends can become exhausted and unsure how to maintain what’s become a fractured relationship. Getting support is such a positive way to work through those challenges - to communicate more productively, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen your ability to look after yourself as well as your loved one.

Carers Week is the perfect time to recognise the strength and care of families and friends who walk beside someone in recovery.”
- Thea, Family and Friends Case Worker, Odyssey House NSW

17/10/2025

💙 Thank you, Australian Fund Manager Foundation 💙

On Wednesday evening, we were honoured to be part of the 2025 Australian Fund Manager Awards – an inspiring evening that brought together leaders from across the investment industry in support of three important causes.

Funds raised through the event will directly benefit Odyssey House NSW, the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, and this year’s pledge charity, The Childhood Dementia Initiative.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to all of this year’s award winners and the Hall of Fame inductee, David Pace, recognised for his excellence, values and lasting impact on the industry.

We are deeply grateful to the Australian Fund Manager Foundation and Shaw and Partners for their incredible generosity and continued commitment to giving back through philanthropy.

Because of this, we are able to create safer spaces for recovery and offer hope to individuals and families across NSW.

To read more about the event, click here - https://www.livewiremarkets.com/wires/greencape-s-david-pace-inducted-to-hall-of-fame-as-australia-s-top-stock-pickers-gather-for-a-great-cause

13/10/2025

The Odyssey Multicultural Programs team recently hosted stalls at the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Health Pit Stop events in Blacktown and Mount Druitt.

These events were a great opportunity to connect with local community members, have meaningful conversations, and share information about the alcohol and other drug support services available through Odyssey 💙.

10/10/2025

🌏 World Mental Health Day 🌏

We see every day how access to the right support can change lives. Many people who come to us for alcohol and other drug treatment are also seeking help for their mental health - and no one should have to face that journey alone.

Together, we’re working to make sure that compassionate, person-centred care is within reach for everyone who needs it.

01/10/2025

With Odyssey’s Open Day right around the corner, we are excited to share some of the highlights of the day!

At the heart of the celebration is our inspirational graduation ceremony, honouring the courage and achievements of our residents. Adding to the atmosphere, live band Chameleonz will bring the day to life with soulful music.

The event is family-friendly, come along and enjoy the petting zoo (including an alpaca!) by Kidz Zoo, soft serve by Paradise Ice Cream and an Aussie BBQ by Rotary Club of Campbelltown NSW.

It’s set to be a day filled with celebration, connection, and fun for all ages. Everyone is welcome – register to join us! https://odysseyhouse.com.au/get-involved/events/open-day/

29/09/2025

We’re incredibly grateful to our friends at PX Partners, whose generosity is helping us create brighter futures for people in recovery.

PX Partners connected with Odyssey House NSW at this year’s Odyssey Women’s Lunch, where they heard the powerful story of a young mother who, with the right support, was able to turn her life around. Deeply moved, they chose to support Odyssey through their PX for Good program, contributing toward the renovation of our Eagle Vale Residential Centre and Odyssey College.

“This partnership matters to us because it reflects what we value most – ensuring everyone has a fair and real chance to create a better future for themselves and their communities." - PX Partners

When we visited their team recently to share more about our work, including a lived experience story of recovery, you could feel the real connection and support in the room from the PX Partners team. Moments like these remind us that recovery is not just an individual journey, but a collective effort powered by compassion and community.

Thank you PX Partners for your incredible support.

18/09/2025

Earlier this month, we welcomed Jackie O back to our Eagle Vale Residential Centre to share our exciting renovation plans – because of Jackie’s generous support and the contributions of other philanthropic donors, we have been able to start the planning to upgrade our residential centre and college 💛

The first step is transforming Odyssey College into a flexible indoor-outdoor learning environment, with light-filled classrooms where residents can gain life skills and vocational training. Education is an essential part of recovery, helping residents build confidence, independence, and pathways to employment.

We also plan to upgrade our accommodation and create warm, homely therapy spaces where residents can reflect and connect.

Vital philanthropic support will help bring this vision to life. So please reach out if you can support this initiative. Together, we can create spaces that restore dignity, support recovery, and give hope for the future.

Address

Ground Floor 2/199 Regent Street Redfern
Sydney, NSW
2016

Telephone

1800 397 739

Website

https://odysseyhouse.com.au/, https://give.odysseyhouse.com.au/

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Our Story

Odyssey House in New South Wales was founded in 1977 by Sydney businessman, Walter McGrath, following the death of his son from a he**in overdose. As a testament to his son, Mr McGrath committed himself to finding a program to help other people who suffered from problems with drug dependence. Mr McGrath brought the Odyssey House concept of long term residential rehabilitation from the United States of America to Australia. He opened Odyssey House in Sydney on 30 October 1977. From humble beginnings, the program has expanded to be one of the largest and most successful alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services in Australia. More than 35,000 people have been assisted over the past 40 years. Today, Odyssey House provides a diverse range of services from The Withdrawal Unit, Parents and Children’s Program, MERIT (Magistrates Early Referrals Into Treatment program), residential rehabilitation, numeracy and literacy education and community based services. Odyssey House aims to build safe and healthy communities by minimising the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on the person’s health and by extension our society. We have a holistic treatment model that focuses on the person and helping them develop skills to cope with the underlying reasons they resorted to alcohol and other drug use. This often involves changing the habits of a lifetime and teaching self –awareness, responsibility, self-care to practical skills that have been missed due to addiction such as numeracy and literacy, life skills such as cooking and eating healthy food, budgeting and parenting. Odyssey House complements the direction of the National Drug Strategy (NDS) and aligns with the health and community goals of the NSW Government’s NSW 2021 plan. The organisation is closely linked to the Network of Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies (NADA), and the Australian Therapeutic Communities Association (ATCA).