Odyssey Victoria

31/01/2026

Thought for a Sunday...

27/01/2026

The Victorian Labor Government has announced new funding to strengthen early intervention mental health support for young Victorians. As part of this investment, additional resources will be used for at‑risk youth services including support for Project Sunrise, which we are proud to be part of.

Project Sunrise is a specialised, culturally appropriate, and tailored alcohol and other drug (AOD) initiative supporting young Victorians aged 12–34 from African communities and their families.

We welcome this additional funding and look forward to expanding our support for African young people and their families across the community.

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/supporting-young-victorians-through-early-intervention

The Allan Labor Government is strengthening early intervention and mental health support for young Victorians – helping them stay engaged and connected with their communities as they approach adulthood. Minister for Mental Health and Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt and Minister for Youth Natali...

25/01/2026

Today is a national public holiday, intended to celebrate ‘being Australian’.

For many, however, it is a reminder of what was lost through colonisation and the terrible harms inflicted on Australia’s first peoples.

While many people believe that we should have a way to celebrate being Australian, the country remains divided as to whether this should be on a date that offends so many people, and is associated with the forceful and violent dispossession of our First Nation’s Peoples.

For this reason, and in support of our Reconciliation Action Plan, Odyssey House Victoria allows staff to choose whether they mark the day with a public holiday, or substitute another day.

For those of you who would like to take action in other ways here is a guide to events you can participate in around Victoria on Monday 26th January:

https://nit.com.au/21-01-2026/22230/invasion-day-2026-a-guide-for-victorian-events

Please be respectful in the comments. Any racist/offensive comments will be deleted and individuals blocked.

The 2026 January 26 events are taking place all over Victoria, with the large rally to take place on the steps of State Parliament in Naarm. The following are several events taking place across the st...

23/01/2026

We had a lot of fun last weekend with our stand at the Midsumma Carnival. We had some great talks with community members about safe drug use and inclusive treatment pathways.

21/01/2026

Odyssey Victoria were proud to be participants in this collaborative.

Congratulations to the first-ever cohort of The Learning Collaborative (TLC), who graduated in December 2025! This round, 11 organisations completed the program:

- Anglicare Victoria
- Ballarat Community Health
- Bayside Health Alfred
- Better Health Network
- Latrobe Regional Health
- Mind Australia
- Odyssey Victoria
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
- The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission
- Wellways
- Youth Support + Advocacy Service

TLC is Australia’s first Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) program to help AOD and mental health organisations strengthen their LLEW. The program, delivered in partnership with Yale University, Dr. Louise Byrne and SHARC, offers guidance on policies, processes and culture, while creating networks for mentoring, learning, and collaboration.

Find out more about TLC and LLEAH: www.sharc.org.au/lleah

21/01/2026

🌼 Are you a mum in recovery?
You’re not alone. Join a supportive community of women who understand the journey.
Our weekly group offers connection, play-based bonding, and practical parenting support for mums and children aged 0–6.
🗓 Wednesdays, 11:30am–1:30pm (school terms)
📍 Iramoo Community Centre, Wyndham Vale
To join or learn more, contact Simone on 0466 356 180 or XWerribee@odyssey.org.au.
💙 PAMS – Together We Rise

15/01/2026

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/

10/01/2026

Thought for a Sunday