Odyssey House NSW

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Odyssey House NSW

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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).

16/10/2026

A significant new funding commitment will enable us to support fathers to address harmful behaviours and create safer homes for children and families.

Odyssey House NSW has received $1.75 million in philanthropic funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation to expand our T.R.A.C.K.S program, supporting fathers to address harmful behaviours and create safer homes for children and families.

T.R.A.C.K.S (Towards Recovery, Accountability and Change for Kids and Self) is a specialist program that works with fathers who have used, or are at risk of using, domestic and family violence. It helps participants recognise harmful behaviours, take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes in their relationships with their children and families.

The five-year philanthropic funding commitment will allow us to reach more fathers and families, strengthen our specialist workforce, and support independent research to evaluate the program's impact.

"By combining accountability with practical support for behaviour change, we can create safer homes, stronger families and better outcomes for children."

– Carmel Tebbutt, CEO, Odyssey House NSW

The funding is part of the Paul Ramsay Foundation's Dads on Track initiative, which is investing more than $24 million across 14 organisations nationally to help prevent domestic and family violence.

Thank you to the Paul Ramsay Foundation for your commitment to national social change. Read more: https://bit.ly/4B6bE2d

15/10/2026

Looking after someone affected by alcohol and other drug use can have a significant impact on a person’s own wellbeing.

For family members and friends, having access to support can help them better understand their circumstances and find ways to manage the challenges they face.

During National Carers Week, we’re sharing feedback from people who have participated in Odyssey’s Family and Friends Program, reflecting on their experiences and what the program has meant to them.

Their feedback highlights the importance of having a space where they feel understood and can focus on their own needs.

Learn more about our free Family and Friends Support Program: https://bit.ly/4y8qYbC

11/10/2026

Supporting a family member or friend experiencing alcohol and other drug dependence can be challenging, and it’s important that loved ones have support too.

Odyssey’s Family and Friends Program offers free group programs and individual counselling, providing a safe space to talk through concerns, better understand challenging behaviours, and learn practical ways to look after your own wellbeing.

This National Carers Week, we’re recognising the important role family and friends play in someone’s recovery and highlighting the support available for them too.

If you are supporting someone with alcohol or other drug dependence, you do not have to navigate it alone. Support is available for you too.

Learn more about our free Family and Friends Support Program: https://bit.ly/4y8qYbC

01/10/2026

Vale Dr. George De Leon.

Odyssey House NSW joins Therapeutic Communities around the world in remembering Dr. George De Leon, whose work helped shape the way Therapeutic Communities understand and support recovery from alcohol and other drug use.

Over many decades, George’s research and thinking, particularly his work on Community as Method, helped build the evidence and practice behind the Therapeutic Community model. His contribution has had a lasting influence on services, practitioners and researchers in Australia and around the world.

His legacy can be seen in Therapeutic Communities globally, including here at Odyssey, where the principles he helped articulate continue to inform our residential programs and the way we support people in recovery.

Our thoughts are with George’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many people across the Therapeutic Community sector who knew him and were influenced by his work.

11/09/2026

Connection matters. 💛

This week we took time to pause, connect and check in with one another for R U OK? Day.

In Redfern, staff gathered over afternoon tea and used conversation starters to spark meaningful discussions. Our Mingu Yabun team joined Community Connect for a yarn and check-in with community members, while clients in our Residential Programs came together for an Amazing Race activity and shared afternoon tea.

While each activity looked different, they were all centred around the same idea: creating opportunities for connection.

A simple conversation will not solve every challenge someone may be facing, but feeling seen, heard and supported can make a difference.

R U OK? Day is an important reminder that checking in with the people around us is not something we do once a year. Small moments of connection matter every day.

10/09/2026

Su***de prevention can take many forms. Part of our approach is recognising when someone may be at risk, but it can also be creating space for honest conversations, listening without judgement, and connecting people with the support they need.

56% of Odyssey clients have a diagnosed mental health condition, and many are also navigating challenges with family relationships, housing, trauma or other circumstances that can affect their wellbeing.

Our treatment recognises the whole person behind their alcohol and other drug use. Mental health, trauma, relationships, housing and other circumstances can all affect someone’s recovery.

This World Su***de Prevention Day, we are supporting the call to change the narrative on su***de by moving away from silence, shame and judgement, and making it easier for people to speak openly and seek support.

Sometimes the first step is simply letting someone know they do not have to face what they are experiencing alone.

If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For free, confidential crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or use Lifeline’s online chat. Support is available 24/7.

***dePreventionDay

09/09/2026

Today is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day.

FASD is a lifelong disability that can affect learning, behaviour, communication, and daily life. It can look different for every person, and the challenges someone experiences are not always visible or well understood.

Misinformation and stigma can leave people with FASD, parents and families feeling judged or reluctant to seek support.

We understand that people’s circumstances are complex. Support may involve alcohol and other drug treatment, parenting and family services, or help with the broader challenges affecting their lives.

By learning more, challenging misconceptions and responding without judgement, we can help create a more understanding and supportive community.

Learn more about language here -https://www.nofasd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/FASD-HUB-Australia-Language-Guide.pdf

07/09/2026

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this post contains the name and image of a person who has passed away.

Vale Uncle Ivan Wellington

Together, we honour and celebrate the life and legacy of Uncle Ivan Wellington, a respected Dharawal man whose wisdom, generosity, leadership and dedication to helping others made a lasting contribution to Odyssey House NSW and the wider community.

Uncle Ivan was committed to supporting others and strengthening his community. Through the knowledge, guidance, and care he shared so generously, he made a significant difference in the lives of many people and helped create positive change that will continue to be felt.

Together, Aunty Leonie and Uncle Ivan were also an important part of the beginnings of Mingu Yabun, generously sharing their knowledge, guidance and support over many years.

We extend our sincere condolences to Aunty Leonie, Uncle Ivan’s family, friends, and community at this very sad time.

31/08/2026

Overdose doesn’t always look the way people expect.

The latest findings from Penington Institute’s Annual Overdose Report 2026 challenge some common assumptions about who is affected by overdose.

Most overdose deaths are unintentional. Many involve prescription medicines and multiple substances. For the first time, people aged 50–59 recorded the highest number of unintentional overdose deaths.

It’s a reminder that overdose can affect people of any age, background or circumstance - including people we know and care about.

This International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the people who have died, and acknowledge the families, friends and communities who carry that loss.

Reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and knowing how to respond in an emergency can help save lives.

Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is available through the Take Home Naloxone Program across NSW https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/2e685f89d4e94b05b6ee5f61fff7149c.

If you think someone may be experiencing an overdose, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Read the full report: https://www.penington.org.au/reports-and-submissions/

27/08/2026

Register for this year’s Odyssey Open Day!

Join us as we celebrate 49 years of Odyssey House NSW, with our Graduation Ceremony marking one of the most meaningful moments of the day as we recognise the achievements of our clients and graduates.

There will be plenty happening for the whole family too, with a petting zoo, BBQ, fairy floss, live music and more.

📅 Date: Sunday 15 November 2026
📍 Location: 13A Moonstone Place, Eagle Vale
⏰ Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm (Graduation Ceremony 1pm – 2pm)

We can’t wait to celebrate with the Odyssey community!

Register here - https://bit.ly/3UleCir

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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