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 State

s 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).

18/06/2026

Every person who reaches out to Odyssey brings their own story, challenges and hopes for the future.

For many, the right support can mean safety, connection, recovery, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Last year, Odyssey House NSW received more than 7,900 enquiries from people seeking help for alcohol and other drug use.

In this video, our clients share what support at Odyssey has meant to them and how your donation can help make that support possible for others.

Donate before 30 June: https://bit.ly/4aVeTOi

During National Reconciliation Week, we launched Odyssey House NSW's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a...
17/06/2026

During National Reconciliation Week, we launched Odyssey House NSW's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking an important step in our ongoing reconciliation journey. The launch of our RAP reinforces our commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and taking meaningful action towards reconciliation.

The event featured a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Clifford, a Q&A with artist Kerry, who created the bespoke artwork featured throughout our RAP, and a rendition of Beds Are Burning performed by the Odyssey Choir.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of our RAP and to those who joined us for the launch. We look forward to continuing this journey and bringing the commitments within our RAP to life across Odyssey.

Find out more about our RAP here - https://bit.ly/3SdYM8a

12/06/2026

The 15th Odyssey Women’s Lunch was an afternoon of powerful stories, thoughtful conversations, and generous support for families impacted by alcohol and other drug dependence.

This year, the event raised over $120,000 for our Reconnecting Families Program. A special thank you to our event sponsors, CMG, Priceline Australia and Global Mentors Group, as well as our prize sponsors, whose generosity helped make the event possible.

Here are a few highlights from a truly special afternoon ✨

11/06/2026

Addiction can pull families apart. Recovery can bring them back together.

Ben’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people have access to the right support at the right time.

With special thanks to the JAAM Foundation, every donation made before 30 June will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.

That means your gift will have twice the impact, helping more people and families rebuild their lives after addiction.

Donate today and DOUBLE your impact - https://bit.ly/4uqJ2vK

To mark National Reconciliation Week, teams across Odyssey House NSW came together to reflect on this year's theme, All ...
05/06/2026

To mark National Reconciliation Week, teams across Odyssey House NSW came together to reflect on this year's theme, All In.

Across our hubs, staff took part in reflection activities, shared afternoon teas, watched documentaries, and brought along an item or story that connected them to Aboriginal culture.

Residents participated in painting, smoking ceremonies, cooking and sharing meals featuring curried sausages, mince and rice, and Johnny cakes.

These conversations created an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect together, while recognising the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and perspectives 🖤💛❤️.

04/06/2026

Help us turn a house into a home

For nearly 50 years, Odyssey House NSW has helped people rebuild their lives after alcohol and other drug dependence.

Now, we're renovating a new space where recovery will happen.

And we're close.

Building works have started this week, and we're seeking the final funds needed to complete the project.

This is more than a renovation. It's about creating safe, welcoming spaces where people and families can rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and support.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the JAAM Foundation, every donation made before 30 June will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000.

That means:

$50 becomes $100
$100 becomes $200
$500 becomes $1,000

Every donation will help bring us closer to completing this life-changing project.

We're in the home stretch, and together, we can create a place that feels like home for the people who need it most.

Double your impact before 30 June.

https://bit.ly/4e6vj7u

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Domestic and family violence affects individuals, families, and en...
26/05/2026

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Domestic and family violence affects individuals, families, and entire communities. Evidence from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows alcohol and other drug use is often present in incidents of violence and can also be a response to trauma experienced by victim-survivors.

Addiction is never an excuse for violence. But addressing substance use and trauma is an important part of creating safer futures.

We support people to make change, working with individuals and families to reduce harm, rebuild relationships, and strengthen recovery.

This month, we stand with victim-survivors and challenge stigma, so more people feel safe to seek support. Help is available.

📞 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
📱 Text 0458 737 732
💬 1800respect.org.au

📞 Odyssey House NSW – 02 9030 3900

📞 Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491

Last Thursday marked 15 years of the Odyssey Women’s Lunch, and a room full of people backing families to stay together ...
25/05/2026

Last Thursday marked 15 years of the Odyssey Women’s Lunch, and a room full of people backing families to stay together through recovery.

At the heart of the afternoon was our client speaker, Annemarie. She shared her story with openness and courage, speaking about how far she’s come, and what it has taken to get there. Guests showed support with a standing ovation for Annemarie’s courage and for inspiring others toward recovery.

Dr. Jessica Gallagher, Marcia Hines AM, and Professor Jennifer Westacott AC brought their perspectives to the panel, sharing reflections on resilience and leadership, with Jennifer Hewett leading the discussion and Natalie Barr as our MC. There was raw honesty, humour, and a real sense of how complex resilience can be.

We were also pleased to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.

To each and every one of our guests, to our event sponsors and prize donors, thank you for your generosity in making the day possible.

Thank you to our volunteers and to the Odyssey Women’s Lunch Committee, who continue to shape this event with their time, care, and commitment, year after year.

Days like this help our Reconnecting Families Programs, supporting families to stay together through recovery. Thank you again to everyone who was part of this incredible celebration of strong women.

We look forward to seeing you at our 50th celebrations in 2027.

Thank you to our event sponsors for supporting this year’s Odyssey Women’s Lunch. CMG, Global Mentors Group, and Priceli...
21/05/2026

Thank you to our event sponsors for supporting this year’s Odyssey Women’s Lunch.

CMG, Global Mentors Group, and Priceline Australia have generously contributed as sponsors of the event, helping bring this event to life.

By supporting the event, they are helping raise vital funds for our Reconnecting Families Program - helping parents and children stay together and rebuild their lives whilst in recovery.

We’re grateful for their partnership and their commitment to giving back.

We can’t wait to welcome our guests to the Odyssey Women’s Lunch tomorrow🎉 This year’s raffle has been made possible by...
20/05/2026

We can’t wait to welcome our guests to the Odyssey Women’s Lunch tomorrow🎉

This year’s raffle has been made possible by our prize sponsors who have each given generously. From artists and small businesses to long-time supporters, their generosity has made the raffle one of the highlights of the day. We have over $11,000 in raffle prizes to be won! If you are joining us, be sure to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win.

Here’s a look at our top three prizes:

🌿 Elevate Your Garden
A $2,000 nursery voucher from Andreasens Green to help bring your dream garden to life.

🎨 Original Artwork ‘Sharing the Love’ by Christeene Britton
An original artwork featuring a colourful tree bursting with life, beautifully rendered on a sleek aluminium background.

✨ Curated Living Package
Three Georg Jensen Bloom centrepieces, Becker Minty homewares, a Grecian Purveyor gourmet hamper, and a $150 DEA Store voucher.

There are many more prizes to win on the day! A private behind-the-scenes tour at the Australian Museum, wellness and self-care packages, handcrafted jewellery, family days out, and experiences across art, culture, and the outdoors.

Funds raised support our Reconnecting Families Program, helping parents and children stay together and rebuild their lives.

Thank you to all of our prize sponsors for making this year's event possible.

Address

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

Telephone

1800 397 739

Website

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