Odyssey House NSW

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).

📢 Two exceptional speakers announced for the 2026 Odyssey Women’s Lunch. We’re delighted to welcome Professor Jennifer W...
12/03/2026

📢 Two exceptional speakers announced for the 2026 Odyssey Women’s Lunch.

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Jennifer Westacott AC and Jess Gallagher to this year’s panel, joining Australian music icon Marcia Hines.

✨ Professor Jennifer Westacott AC
Chancellor of Western Sydney University and Special Advisor at KPMG, and one of Australia’s most respected leaders across business and public policy.

✨ Jess Gallagher
Multi-sport athlete and the first Australian dual summer and winter Paralympic medallist, as well as Australia’s first female winter Paralympic medallist.

Together, this year’s panel will bring a powerful range of voices and experiences to the conversation.

Funds raised support Odyssey’s Reconnecting Families Program, helping women and families affected by alcohol and other drug dependence strengthen relationships and build safer futures.

📅 Thursday 21 May 2026
📍 Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

⏳ Early bird tickets close midnight tonight.

Secure your seat - https://bit.ly/4lmhZPn

This March, as we mark International Women’s Day, we recognise the strength, leadership and lived experience of the wome...
10/03/2026

This March, as we mark International Women’s Day, we recognise the strength, leadership and lived experience of the women across Odyssey House NSW - the women in our programs, the women in our workforce, and the women across the sector supporting recovery and advocating for change.

25% of Odyssey clients are women. For many, caring responsibilities can be a significant barrier to accessing treatment and support. Programs like our Family Recovery Centre help address this, allowing parents to enter residential treatment while continuing to care for their children.

This year’s theme, Balance the Scales, highlights the systemic barriers that continue to drive gender inequality. Many of these same barriers affect women impacted by alcohol and other drug use, including higher rates of violence, stigma, and structural barriers to safety, housing, and opportunity.

At Odyssey, women make up 67% of our team and 67% of our Board, and our gender pay gap sits at 0.8%, well within the Workplace Gender Equality Agency benchmark range.

Supporting women in recovery is work that happens every day at Odyssey. Creating safer, fairer pathways to treatment helps build stronger families and stronger communities.

Last week, we gathered at Aria Restaurant with a small group of dedicated Odyssey supporters to raise funds for the upco...
08/03/2026

Last week, we gathered at Aria Restaurant with a small group of dedicated Odyssey supporters to raise funds for the upcoming revitalisation of our Eagle Vale Residential Recovery Centre.

We were honoured to be joined by NSW Health Minister, The Hon. Ryan Park MP, who spoke about the challenges surrounding alcohol and other drug use in NSW and the importance of strong collaboration between government, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector. His recognition of the need for holistic, high-quality care delivered in trauma-informed and dignified environments reinforces why this major upgrade is so important.

Nikki, a graduate of our Residential Program and Peer Worker, courageously shared their recovery journey and the impact of having access to supportive treatment.

Our heartfelt thanks to Aria for their generous contribution in making this event possible, Odyssey College for facilitating a connection to art therapy through the event and to everyone who continues to stand alongside Odyssey in strengthening recovery for our community.

To learn more about the project visit: https://odysseyhouse.com.au/get-involved/donate/philanthropic-giving/

✨ Announcing our first Odyssey Women’s Lunch Special Guest✨ We are thrilled to share that Australian music icon Marcia H...
05/03/2026

✨ Announcing our first Odyssey Women’s Lunch Special Guest✨

We are thrilled to share that Australian music icon Marcia Hines will be joining us as a speaker at the 2026 Odyssey Women’s Lunch.

“Every woman has a voice and a story that matters. When we honour our strength and share our experiences, we create space for healing, hope, and possibility.”

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of honest conversation, connection and community, all in support of women and families rebuilding their lives. Funds raised will support Odyssey’s Reconnecting Families Program, helping women and families accessing treatment for alcohol and other drug dependence to strengthen relationships and create safer futures.

🎟 Secure your seats now! Early Bird Tickets end Thursday 12th March - https://bit.ly/4rRkATR.

📅 Thursday 21st May 2026
📍 Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Supporting someone through alcohol or other drug dependence can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. Founda...
04/03/2026

Supporting someone through alcohol or other drug dependence can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.

Foundations for Family and Friends Group is a free 6-week online program for family members and friends supporting someone experiencing alcohol or other drug dependence.

This supportive group will help you:
• Build practical communication skills and manage conflict
• Set and maintain healthy boundaries
• Understand lapses and setbacks
• Stay safe and look after your own wellbeing
• Connect with others who truly understand

📅 Fridays, 10am to 12pm
13 March to 24 April 2026

If you are interested but unable to attend these dates, get in touch to hear about future programs.

Find out more or register:
📞 1800 397 739 (option 2)
📧 familysupport@odysseyhouse.com.au

Secure your Early Bird Tickets for the 2026 Odyssey Women’s Lunch. Join us on Thursday 21st May 2026 at the Sheraton Gra...
26/02/2026

Secure your Early Bird Tickets for the 2026 Odyssey Women’s Lunch.

Join us on Thursday 21st May 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park for an inspiring afternoon of conversation, connection and impact.

Now in its 15th year, the Odyssey Women’s Lunch brings together our community to raise vital funds for women and families accessing treatment for alcohol and other drug dependence through our Reconnecting Families Program.

Early bird tickets end next week. Don’t miss your opportunity to book at the reduced rate.

Book now - https://bit.ly/40vBlIg

🌈 New LGBTQ+ SMART Recovery Australia Group🌈 Facilitated by Bruce from Odyssey House NSW and ACON team members! Looking ...
23/02/2026

🌈 New LGBTQ+ SMART Recovery Australia Group🌈

Facilitated by Bruce from Odyssey House NSW and ACON team members!

Looking for support around substance use in a space where you can just be yourself?

We’re launching a new LGBTQ+ SMART Recovery group in Surry Hills - a welcoming, judgement-free space to connect, learn practical tools and take positive steps at your own pace.

Across 1.5-hour weekly sessions, we’ll explore:
✨ Building and maintaining motivation
✨ Coping with urges and cravings
✨ Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours
✨ Finding a healthier life balance

Facilitated by clinicians and peers who are members of, or allied with, the LGBTQ+ community, this group is all about practical strategies, shared experiences and real conversations.

📍 ACON, 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
🗓 Every Tuesday from 3 March 2026
⏰ 5.30pm – 7pm

Open to all LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+SB community members who want practical support to make lasting change.

Come as you are. Change is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. 💛

To register, click here - https://bit.ly/4rP4f1G

To find out more, call 1800 397 739 (option 2) or email csces@odysseyhouse.com.au

Gail Easton, NSW CDAT Program Manager, recently met with Charishma Kaliyanda MP to discuss the evolving alcohol and oth...
16/02/2026

Gail Easton, NSW CDAT Program Manager, recently met with Charishma Kaliyanda MP to discuss the evolving alcohol and other drug landscape in Liverpool and the importance of community-led responses.

The discussion centred on emerging local challenges, harm reduction strategies, and practical ways to strengthen collaboration between government and community services. We explored how local insight, lived experience, and coordinated action can better inform policy settings and service delivery across the region.

Importantly, many of the issues raised reflect priorities already identified by Liverpool CDAT, reinforcing the value of shared leadership and aligned action.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration to reduce stigma, minimise harm, and support healthier, more connected communities across Liverpool.

We loved being part of Sydney Gay and Le***an Mardi Gras Fair Day yesterday 🌈 It was such a great day connecting with co...
16/02/2026

We loved being part of Sydney Gay and Le***an Mardi Gras Fair Day yesterday 🌈

It was such a great day connecting with community, sharing what we do, and having lots of meaningful conversations about support for individuals and families impacted by alcohol and other drug use.

Clients from the residential Rainbow Group joined us and had a fantastic time exploring the festival together.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat, spun the wheel, or grabbed some resources ❤️🧡💛💚💙

The Odyssey team will be at Sydney Gay and Le***an Mardi Gras Fair Day this Sunday in Victoria Park! 🌈 Fair Day is Sydne...
13/02/2026

The Odyssey team will be at Sydney Gay and Le***an Mardi Gras Fair Day this Sunday in Victoria Park! 🌈

Fair Day is Sydney’s largest LGBTQIA+ community gathering and is a fun day out for the whole family!

Come past our stall (Zone 9!) to say hello, spin the wheel and grab some rainbow goodies!

We would love to see you there! ❤️🧡💛💚💙

01/02/2026

When someone you love is struggling with alcohol or other drug dependence, it can feel overwhelming.

People supporting a partner, family member or friend are often the last to reach out for help, even though they’re carrying a huge emotional load.

Our Family and Friends Program offers free individual counselling and group support for people supporting a loved one affected by alcohol and other drug dependence. The program provides a safe, non-judgmental space to build understanding, learn practical strategies, and focus on your own wellbeing alongside your loved one’s recovery.

Find out more - https://bit.ly/4qhGXR1

28/01/2026

🎉 Announcing the 2026 Odyssey Women’s Lunch

We are excited to share the details for the 2026 event:

📅 Date: Thursday 21st May 2026
📍 Venue: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Join us for an inspiring afternoon in support of Odyssey’s Reconnecting Families Programs, helping rebuild connections and strengthen families on the journey of recovery.

The event will feature a dynamic panel of motivating speakers, including a graduate of Odyssey’s life-changing programs, making for an uplifting and empowering afternoon.

✨ Early bird tickets are now available at a special rate! Secure your place today and be part of a truly memorable event - https://bit.ly/4rkpUyy

Check out the highlights from last year’s Odyssey Women’s Lunch for a glimpse of what’s to come.

Address

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

Telephone

1800 397 739

Website

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).