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).

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.

16/09/2025

💬 Talking about alcohol and other drug challenges isn’t always easy – especially when stigma, cultural taboos, and lack of information get in the way.

That’s why Odyssey Multicultural Programs run Become an AOD Champion workshops – interactive sessions that give communities the tools to break down barriers and support each other.

👉 Interested in learning more? Email us at multicultural.projects@odysseyhouse.com.au

12/09/2025

💛 Yesterday at Odyssey House NSW, we marked R U OK? Day in our own way – with connection, reflection and care.

Our staff came together in yellow for morning tea and a team Zoom, sharing what motivates us in our work and the challenges we face. Supporting people through recovery is rewarding, but it can also be tough – and checking in with each other really matters.

At Odyssey College, residents joined in too. They reflected on the power of three simple words – “Are you OK?” – and how asking can sometimes save a life. Together, they shared their support, and created a colourful affirmation tree filled with kind words for each other.

Whether it’s with colleagues, friends, or family – a simple conversation can make a difference. Let’s keep asking, listening, and staying connected. 💛

09/09/2025

Today is FASD Awareness Day. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is more common than many realise – research shows that one child in every classroom lives with FASD. ('Estimating the Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Australia', Drug and Alcohol Review, 2025).

Stigma and shame often prevent people from seeking help; whether it’s someone who is trying to stop using alcohol during their pregnancy or a parent who is worried about their child, we believe no one should feel judged when reaching out for support.

By breaking down stigma and having open conversations, we can ensure people living with FASD, their families, and carers get the understanding and care they need. This can make a huge difference to the quality of life that a person has.

To find out more, please visit FASD Hub Australia and National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Australia

Read more about the University of Sydney study here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/06/03/one-child-in-every-australian-classroom-affected-by-fetal-alcoho.html

02/09/2025

🌟 You’re invited to our Odyssey Open Day! 🌟

📅 Sunday 26th October | 🕚 11am – 3pm

Come along for a fun-filled day with the whole family! There’ll be face painting, a petting zoo, and plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

You’ll also have the chance to learn more about the impact of Odyssey and celebrate with us as our newest class graduates from the residential program.

✅ Please register here - https://odysseyhouse.com.au/get-involved/events/open-day/

31/08/2025

💙️ Today is International Overdose Awareness Day – a time to remember those lost to overdose, support those who grieve, and take action to save lives.

Odyssey House NSW provides free naloxone through the NSW Health Take Home Naloxone Program. Naloxone is a medicine that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and give people the chance to survive until help arrives.

It’s simple, effective, and saves lives.

Learn more about naloxone and how we are making it available to our clients, families, and carers: https://odysseyhouse.com.au/news-stories/odyssey-house-nsw-is-a-proud-participant-of-the-nsw-health-take-home-naloxone-program/

For participating Take Home Naloxone providers visit NSW Health website.

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).