Journal
Published stories, reflections, and research from across the community.
Explore how celebrity influence is shaping young people’s attitudes to gambling, and learn how families and communities can respond with support.
The rise of youth gambling in Australia is changing teen culture - learn why betting is booming and how to tackle the risks.
A story of love, loss, and hope on International Overdose Awareness Day — remembering Grandma and highlighting support for older Australians in recovery.
Find heartfelt tips to offer compassionate recovery support to loved ones and care for yourself along the journey. Your support matters.
Explore SMART Recovery
Help employees overcome addiction. Learn how to empower staff, and foster a supportive workplace for addiction recovery.
Seeking help beyond drug and alcohol counselling? Explore the power of peer support and discover its benefits for lasting recovery.
SMART Recovery Australia Webinar: Giving birth to change: The personal journey of a FASD mother Date: January 30th 11am AEDT (1 hour)Angelene Bruce is a
SMART Recovery Australia Webinar: Supporting Family and Friends During this panel discussion and we will hear the perspectives of Family and Friends
Addiction News Media Release: SMART Recovery Australia welcomes NSW drug-treatment funding April Long CEO 22nd September 2022 SMART Recovery
#RecoveryStories Jarrod Shares His Recovery Story Jarrod grew up in rural New Zealand, living the idyllic lifestyle of a farmer’s son - hunting, shooting,
SMART Recovery Australia International Remembrance Day April Long Chief Executive Officer Today is International Remembrance Day for those lost to
SMART Recovery Australia Introducing our new CEO - April Long The Board of SMART Recovery Australia has appointed April Long as Chief Executive Officer
SMART Recovery Australia Behind the Scenes of Take On Addiction How many jokes have you heard that begin with a combination of “An Australian, an
SMART Recovery Australia x AFINet Family & Friends Webinar with AFINet This AFINet webinar will look at the SMART Recovery Family & Friends
Support for Family & Friends Looking for family members, carers and supporters Alison Beck SMART Recovery Australia SMART Recovery Australia is
SMART Recovery International SMART Global Research Advisory Committee Webinar Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq_075n0sng The SMART Global Research
Research Smoking among people who use substances other than tobacco or who are in recovery SMART Recovery Global Research Advisory Committee Smoking among
Women
#OverdoseAware2021 International Overdose Awareness Day Staff SMART Recovery Australia International Overdose Awareness Day is held on 31 August every
Research Thinking about your smoking? Professor Amanda Baker Clinical Psychologist and proud member of the SMART Recovery Global and Australian Research
Research News - July 2021 A big month for SMART
NADA CONFERENCE 2021 SMART shines at #NADA21 Emily Carstairs Content Manager Let
#RecoveryStories Kicking habits the
SMART Recovery Australia ambassador (Re)Introducing Josette Freeman, new SMART Ambassador Emily Carstairs Content Manager When someone approaches you and
SMART Recovery Australia Chairperson Introducing new Chairperson, Brett Savill. Emily Carstairs Content Manager Meet Brett Savill. Brett is the new
International Women
SMART Family & Friends program Family, carers and supporters invited to take part in research Does someone you support engage in an addictive
It is important for us to acknowledge the hundreds of SMART Recovery facilitators and third party organisations that see the importance of SMART Recovery
#RecoveryStories My addiction recovery story You might say that my story has come full circle... I was a very happy and social teenager. I had a beautiful
RECOVERY MONTH What does Recovery Month mean? September 30, 2020 Emily Carstairs Contributor September is Recovery Month and today is Recovery Day ...
Feature Article Mental Health during COVID-19 Emily Carstairs Contributor Pandemic. One seemingly simple word that is defined as a
Partner profile Star Health Silvia Violante Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselling Coordinator - Star Health What does Star Health do? Star Health provides a
You don’t have anywhere to be tomorrow but at home. In fact, the only people you might see are your housemates or your family. Maybe just your dog. Maybe
We won’t pretend otherwise. This is a scary time. Already, Italy, Spain, and Ireland are enforcing mandatory shutdowns, with Australia surely not far
SMART Recovery Australia takes great pride in our status as Australia’s leading evidence-based mutual aid addiction recovery program. A huge part of this
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Family Participation Program Family Participation Program The Family Participation Program (FPP) helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who are going through the child protection system and those who are at risk of going through
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Service Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Service The Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Service provides a single, dedicated team focused on reducing the rate of domestic and family violence
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Bwgcolman Healing Service Bwgcolman Healing Service COVID-19 ALERT If you have any flu-like symptoms, including a fever (particularly above 37.5°C), cough, headache, sore throat or shortness of breath, it is important that you seek medical ca
🧡 This holiday season, thousands of families are facing hidden homelessness—living in crisis motels, far from the warmth and comfort of home. Orange Sky’s Pick Up Program provides more than just clean laundry; it brings connection, hope, and dignity to families in need. Your s...
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Family Care Service Family Care Service The Family Care Service finds carers for Palm Island children who cannot stay at home. Carers are members of the child’s family or of the Palm community. Providing this service means that Palm Island ch
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Women’s Service Women’s Service The Women’s Service provides safe short-term crisis accommodation for women who have experienced, or who are at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence. The Women’s Service can accommodate the childr
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Telstra Call Centre Telstra Call Centre The Telstra Call Centre is an exciting project for Palm Island, and arose through a partnership between PICC, Telstra, Queensland Government, TAFE Queensland, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, and R
Orange Sky is more than a free laundry and shower service; it offers a safe space to sit, chat, and feel heard. A conversation can bring back hope, remind someone they matter, and help them rebuild their confidence. Donate today to give the gift of connection. 🧡
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Safe Haven Service Safe Haven Service The Safe Haven is designed to respond to domestic and family violence issues within the Palm community. It targets children and young people aged under eighteen years and families caring for children who
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Social and Emotional Wellbeing Social and Emotional Wellbeing The Social and Emotional Wellbeing Service provides social and emotional wellbeing pathways and services to members of the community who would like to enhance their wellbeing. Thes
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services NDIS Services NDIS Services General Enquiries Email : ndis@picc.com.au Phone : 4791 4041 Operational Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location : Palm Island and Townsville PICC NDIS Service Delivery Community Access Personalised
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Community Hub Community Hub The PICC Community Hub is Palm Islanders’ central point for community-based activities and a trusted place to access essential services. Located in the Palm Island Mall, the Hub is an innovative space designed to b
Ensure lasting impact by leaving a gift in your will to Orange Sky. Help us support those experiencing homelessness with compassion.
Get involved with Orange Sky! Learn about the different ways that you can support Aussies experiencing hardship and homelessness.
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Community Justice Group Community Justice Group PICC continues to auspice the Community Justice Group (CJG), which works towards reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders and victims within the crimin
Your monthly donation provides compassion to friends like Cass, providing essential services such as warm showers, laundry, and genuine conversation. Your support ensures that those doing it tough have access to clean, dry clothes, a warm shower, and positive connections durin...
Facebook Latest News Date 02/09/2025 Call for Nominations for Election as Member-Elected Directors Nominations are called for candidates for election as Member-Elected Directors of the Palm Island Community Company Ltd. Persons interested in nomination for election at the Company
Discover how Orange Sky supports remote communities with free laundry facilities, local employment, and meaningful partnerships. Learn more about our impact and how you can help.
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Diversionary Service Diversionary Service The Palm Island Diversionary Service provides a safe place for intoxicated clients to sober up. The Services delivered are those required for the provision of assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strai
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Blue Card Liaison Service Blue Card Liaison Service A co-designed initiative between the Palm Island Community Company and Blue Card Services, the Blue Card Liaison Officer connects and empowers applicants and organisations to confidently nav
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Our Services A large proportion of the Palm Island population (32 percent) is aged 14 years or younger. This is a large contrast to the Queensland average, where those 14 years old and younger make up only 19.4 percent of the population. Furt
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Early Childhood Services (CFC) Early Childhood Services (CFC) The Children and Family Centre (CFC) provides playgroup 5 mornings a week, Monday to Friday. But we are more than just a playgroup. The CFC is a hub where parents and caregivers ca
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Family Wellbeing Centre Family Wellbeing Centre The Family Wellbeing Service offers support services to families in need, including families who are having contact with the Child Protection system. The Service offers support and help such as
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Safe House Safe House The Safe House provides short-term residential placements for children and young people under 18 years old who have been referred from the Department of Child Safety, Senior and Disability Services. The service provides
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Women’s Healing Service Women’s Healing Service The Women’s Healing Service (WHS) provides holistic support to women across all stages of engagement with the criminal justice system, from early intervention to post-release reintegration. We o
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Social Enterprises Social Enterprises PICC Community Coffee Shop and Variety Store The PICC Community Coffee Shop and Variety Store provides Palm Islanders with the option to purchase a wide range of products on Palm Island. Our product range
Orange Sky is more than a free laundry and shower service; it offers a safe space to sit, chat, and feel heard. A conversation can bring back hope, remind someone they matter, and help them rebuild their confidence. Donate today to give the gift of connection. 🧡
Facebook Quicklinks Home Our Services Youth Services Youth Services We provide a range of youth services to support our young people on Palm Island. Programs include: Indigenous Youth Connection to Culture (IYCC): provides activities recommended in the Palm Island Indigenous Yout
Join Orange Sky Australia as a volunteer and help support people experiencing homelessness and hardship by committing a few hours a week.
Learn about becoming an Orange Sky Corporate Partner today, to make a real impact in Positively Connecting Communities.
Learn about the vital role of Service Provider Partners in creating safe spaces and community connections with Orange Sky.
Discover how Orange Sky supports remote communities with free laundry facilities, local employment, and meaningful partnerships. Learn more about our impact and how you can help.
Discover Orange Sky's innovative services for diverse communities, like Women’s Only shifts and School Laundry Programs.
Discover how Orange Sky fosters social inclusion and combats loneliness through free laundry, shower services, and genuine conversations. Learn about our impact on community connection and wellbeing.
Your monthly donation provides compassion to friends like Cass, providing essential services such as warm showers, laundry, and genuine conversation. Your support ensures that those doing it tough have access to clean, dry clothes, a warm shower, and positive connections durin...
Explore Orange Sky’s vision to double our impact by 2030 and help more Australians access free laundry, showers and positive connection when they need it most.
Support Orange Sky's mission and donate to provide free laundry services, warm showers, and genuine conversations to those in hardship.
Our awards- both local and national- reflect the collective effort and passion of our team, volunteers and supporters.
Discover how Orange Sky supports Australians facing homelessness, financial hardship, and natural disasters through community services.
The holiday season can be the loneliest time of year for people who are experiencing homelessness or hardship. A place to go, a welcoming smile, and genuine conversation make a truly powerful difference to people who may be feeling lonely or isolated. Connection is powerful. H...
2019 was a huge year for SMART Recovery Australia. Our growing community has helped more people than ever before realise their potential and overcome
SMART Recovery Australia are very excited to announce that we’re making some changes to the way we are structured. The range of services we provide has
open letter Ryan McGlaughlinExecutive DirectorSMART Recovery Australia Senator Jacqui Lambie, we commend your stance against welfare drug-testing Dear
SMART Recovery Australia has joined forces with the University of Wollongong (UOW) and creative agency GHO to launch Smart Track, an app that helps people
Q: In interviews, you discuss how Anna slipped through the cracks. What changes need to be made to our care systems in order to better help people like
Katie Horneshaw writes about mental illness, addiction and women
Last week, the suppression order on Australian media regarding the conviction (currently under appeal) of Cardinal George Pell - once the third-highest
SMART Recovery Australia cut a striking, significant presence at last week’s VAADA Conference in Melbourne. The biannual VAADA conference is one of
Sporting life is a vital part of Australian culture. Of course, in such a diverse country, there are those who prefer not to participate in or watch
SMART Recovery Australia recently appointed Tania Skippen to our Board of Directors. Her wealth of experience in the world of mental health policy and
Can you believe we’re only a month away from Christmas? While these past eleven months feel as if they’ve flown by, and millions of people are preparing
I
It’s been a long day. In fact, it’s been a long week. Maybe you were overworked and your boss was too demanding, or your kids have been acting up and
SMART Recovery Australia wishes to express our sincere congratulations to Leanne and the WA mental health team for winning the Families – Excellence in
There’s no such thing as an ideal time to quit, or an ideal time to create change in your life. Change can be chaotic and traumatising, and the safety of
Unless you’re colour-blind or live under a rock, you’ll notice that this weekend features St Patrick’s Day, when the 80-million strong Irish diaspora (and
In this interview, one of our newest members of the SMART Recovery Australia Board discusses gender-sensitive care, her own story, and the #MeNoMore
This week, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed a shocking statistic: more Australians are misusing pharmaceuticals than any illicit
If you
In a dramatic 180-degree turn from his previous position, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews this week announced the government
Josette Freeman, our Senior National Coordinator and pivotal early adopter of SMART Recovery in Australia, recently attended the international Cutting
Matt runs our Northcote meeting, and in this week
Recently, the tragic case of the young British man who died of a blood clot deep in the midst of a mammoth twelve-hour gaming session hit the news. The
Dan joined the SMART Recovery Australia team in late 2016. Originally from Scotland, Dan worked in addiction, peer education, and homelessness services
An extensive report on addiction in America has just been released by the United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. The first-ever Surgeon
Max* was savouring a cigarette in the sun when he received a phone call telling him not to pick up his seven-year-old daughter Karen* from school. It was
There are over 175 SMART Recovery meetings happening every week across Australia, giving thousands of people free access to ongoing addiction support.
I shot heroin and cocaine while attending Columbia in the 1980s, sometimes injecting many times a day and leaving scars that are still visible. I kept
We’re excited to announce New Zealand has joined the SMART Recovery international community. The move came about after the SMART Recovery Board
The NSW Government will invest $197 million in 2016-17 on drug and alcohol services including prevention and harm reduction programs across NSW. Assistant
The NSW Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies (NADA) just wrapped up its annual conference at The Grace Hotel in Sydney on June 6 and 7. This year’s
Medicinal cannabis legalised in Victoria, child epilepsy patients to be given access from 2017 Victoria has become the first state in Australia to
Dennis McLaughlin spent much of his working life in corporate IT. Several years ago, he decided to follow his passion, which is to help people afflicted
SMART Recovery Australia National Program Coordinator Josette Freeman was one of twenty industry professionals to take part in a specialised roundtable on
Seeking validation online doesn’t bring real happiness. In today’s interconnected world, social media is a major channel of communication and an important
What problem does this study address? Use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) has been linked to criminal justice involvement and may increase the
Binge or daily drinking increases your risks of developing alcohol dependency, the clinical term for alcoholism. Eventually, if you continue these
This article was originally published in Curtin University magazine, Cite, on the 12th of October, 2015 Author: Nikky Lee For Curtin University social
There are over 135 SMART Recovery meetings across Australia, and this number continues to grow. Here are some of the latest to have opened their doors. To
SMART Recovery Australia provides professional training courses for individuals and organisations wanting to learn the SMART Recovery behavioural change
VIDEO: SMART Recovery Australia National Program Coordinator Josette Freeman talks about SMART Recovery Australia
SMART Recovery USA held its annual conference on the 18th and 19th of September in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Marriott Airport Hotel. As always, this year’s
SMART Recovery Australia invites participants, facilitators, friends & family of anyone touched by addiction to join us at the Sydney Recovery Walk
A little over two years ago I came to SMART Recovery Australia a broken and shamed man. My life had spiralled out of control on both drug and alcohol
It
Free 8 Week Family & Carer’s Support Program for people affected by the addictive behaviours of someone close to them. Being in a close relationship