Odyssey Victoria

21/10/2025

The earlier teenagers begin drinking before the minimum legal age for purchasing alcohol, the higher the risk of heavy drinking and alcohol-related harms in early adulthood.

This is the key finding to emerge from a long-term study, published in Addiction, on patterns of alcohol use among more than 900 Australian adolescents who were followed up annually for 10 years.

Researchers led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at UNSW Sydney said teenagers who began drinking early (age 12) were more likely to report heavy episodic drinking and alcohol abuse than those who began drinking at age 18.

The earlier teenagers begin drinking before the minimum legal age for purchasing alcohol, the higher the risk of heavy drinking and alcohol-related harms in early adulthood.

19/10/2025

Receiving treatment is only part of the challenge faced by people experiencing alcohol dependence.

The various “stimuli” that we associate with alcohol are everywhere. Pubs and bottle shops are in nearly every suburb. Alcohol advertisements greet us from screens and billboards, and the sights, sounds and smells of alcohol are present at many social events.

To address these underlying biases, a team of researchers from Monash University and Turning Point investigated a brain-training smartphone app designed to reduce the brain’s automatic responses to alcohol-related cues.

A personalised smartphone brain-training app has shown significant results in reducing alcohol consumption among outpatients receiving treatment for alcohol dependence.

18/10/2025

Thought for a Sunday...

17/10/2025

This week we celebrated the retirement of Ian, one of our longest-serving team members from our Therapeutic Community in Lower Plenty. Over the past 24 years, Ian contributed in countless way, serving as Business Office Manager, Therapist, Operations Manager, and most memorably, as the passionate coach of the Odyssey Blues football team. He also once led our cricket team with the same spirit and care.
Ian often spoke about the joy of coaching, especially the privilege of seeing people in treatment, many of whom hadn’t had the chance to play sport as children, experience the camaraderie and confidence that comes from being part of a team.
Ian has been a familiar and friendly face for almost a quarter of a century, and his presence will be deeply missed. Pictured here with our Program Manager Tim, Ian leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and connection.
Please join us in wishing Ian all the best in retirement, and feel free to share your memories of Ian in the comments below.

16/10/2025

STAFF PROFILE
OLIVIA (LIV), ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR (RESIDENT SUPPORT), 5 MONTHS AT ODYSSEY

Why I like working at Odyssey:

Odyssey Victoria is like no other workplace. Every day brings new challenges that are both fulfilling and rewarding. You’re constantly learning, growing, and supported every step of the way. My favourite part of the job is supporting individuals in the therapeutic community – and of course, the amazing lunches made by our chef and residents!

What a typical day looks like:

Each day starts with warm greetings exchanged between me and the residents, helping to build strong rapport over time — often during lunch and throughout the day. My role includes handling admin tasks like emails, phone calls, and Centrelink reporting. I also work closely with job providers and Services Australia to ensure residents are correctly signed over to me as their nominee. This allows me to manage their accounts, ensure they’re receiving the correct payments and rates, and prevent any suspensions.

15/10/2025

Odyssey Victoria offers a variety of student placements across our programs and services. While we currently take on students studying social work, psychology, and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) qualifications, we are looking to expand this with nurses and medical students in the future. These placements offer people a valuable introduction to working in the AOD sector, and provide clinically focused, structured experiences to complement their academic learning.

A great example of the success of this program is our community service site located in Werribee which has supported more than 75 students since 2017. The student placement program is an important pathway for people starting their careers in the care sector and we are grateful for the team in the South-West sector for welcoming and supporting so many students over the past 8 years.

10/10/2025

The children’s centre at our Lower Plenty Resi’ Rehab’ was lucky to get a visit from the Unconditional Love Foundation and Scout, one of their wellbeing dogs. The children had a great time patting Scout and taking him for a walk. We hope Scout visits again soon 😊

08/10/2025

Refresh Your CPR Skills with Odyssey Institute at Footscray
Stay confident and compliant with your annual CPR update! Odyssey Institute’s HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation course is designed for professionals and community members who need to maintain current CPR certification, in line with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
Delivered via a flexible blended format, you’ll complete online learning at your own pace, followed by a trainer-led practical session at our Footscray training facility, just a 3-minute walk from Footscray Station.

🗓 Next session: Monday 20 October 2025
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Level 1, 202 Nicholson St, Footscray
💰 Fee: $95
✅ Nationally recognised unit of competency
✅ Valid for 12 months
✅ Meets workplace CPR update requirements
✅ Ideal for AOD and community service professionals
This course equips you with the skills to respond to cardiac emergencies, including CPR and AED use, essential for anyone working in health, education, or community services.
📞 Call (03) 8537 7112
📧 Email: studentadmin@odyssey.org.au
🌐 Enrol now: education.odyssey.org.au/first-aid-programs

07/10/2025

Spring has sprung at our Hope Centre Resi’ rehab’ near Bairnsdale and our newest chicken has hatched 17 little chicks. Naming suggestions most welcome. Comment below ⬇️

06/10/2025

Be Ready to Save a Life — Enrol in HLTAID011 Provide First Aid with Odyssey Institute.

Looking to boost your confidence and capability in emergency situations? Join Odyssey Institute’s nationally recognised HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course in Footscray.
Delivered through a flexible blended format, this course combines online learning with a hands-on, trainer-led practical session at our conveniently located training facility, just a short walk from Footscray Station.
Whether you're a community worker, employer, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, this course equips you with the essential skills to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including CPR, injury management, and medical incidents, all in line with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.

🗓 Next session: Monday 20 October 2025
🕘 Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Level 1, 202 Nicholson St, Footscray
💰 Fee: $180 (includes CPR)
✅ Nationally recognised certification
✅ Valid for 3 years (CPR component valid for 12 months)
✅ Meets workplace First Aid requirements
✅ Ideal for AOD and community service professionals

Spots fill fast so secure yours today!

📞 Call (03) 8537 7112 or
📧 Email: studentadmin@odyssey.org.au
Learn more and enrol: education.odyssey.org.au/first-aid-programs