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25.01.2022 Earlier today the Victorian Government announced Victoria will enter a 7-day lockdown beginning midnight tonight, Thursday 27 May. From midnight, until at least midnight on Thursday 3 June, the following changes have been made to Windana’s services: Our face-to-face Community Services will be suspended... No visitors will be permitted at our TCs in Maryknoll and Ballarat By looking out for each other we’ll get through this. We encourage everyone to be kind to themselves over the coming days and check-in with those close to them. We thank all our staff, clients, residents and their loved ones for their understanding and patience. Windana Reception will be open during business hours and can be reached on 03 9529 7955. As always, if you need support outside of business hours you can contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or LifeLine on 13 11 14, twenty-four hours a day.

25.01.2022 Enjoy these photos of winter and wet weather activities from Maryknoll.

25.01.2022 Some kind words left by a past resident of WYCH - Windana Youth & Community House - a homelike environment for residential withdrawal for those aged 12-21. WYCH is located in Dandenong.

25.01.2022 Art Therapy is a special and much-loved part of Windana's recovery program. We spoke with Sandra, one of Windana’s Art Therapists, to tell us more about the program in St Kilda and Dandenong. Click below to read the story and see some powerful art.... https://windana.org.au//art-therapy-at-st-kilda-and-dande/ [Image Description: A painting of evening sky reflecting in a lake. Text reads "Art Therapy at St Kilda and Dandenong" and quote "Creating art can be therapeutic and empowering, and helps to express your thoughts, feelings and experiences when words are not enough.]

25.01.2022 Today we want to send a special thank you to the very kind person who donated this beautiful fresh fruit to our Maryknoll TC. Our residents enjoyed delicious blueberry pancakes for breakfast on Saturday! In these worrying times, we are buoyed by the support and generosity of people with kindness in their hearts. While the donor wishes to remain anonymous we send our heartfelt thanks. What may seem like a small act of kindness can go a long way to brighten someone else's day. Stay well, be kind.

25.01.2022 The 31st of August was International Overdose Awareness Day. https://www.overdoseday.com/ These images are taken from Maryknoll, Alma Road & Drug Withdrawal house. ... A tree branch on purple canvas has been used to commemorate Overdose Awareness. There are two art pieces: One at Alma Road St Kilda near reception and the other at Drug Withdrawal House. The pieces will be left up until end of the week for clients, staff and members of the public should you wish to come in to reflect or to place your own tag on the tree in memory of a loved one.

24.01.2022 As restrictions ease, we cant ease up on looking after ourselves or each other. If you have any of these symptoms, you must get tested and stay home: - Fever, chills or sweats - Cough or sore throat - Shortness of breath - Runny nose... - Loss of sense of smell or taste Getting tested means you keep yourself, your friends, family, workplace and your community safe. Its not over yet. Staying Apart Keeps Us Together See more

24.01.2022 Windana is currently running 2 x Art Therapy programs open to adults who have experienced AOD issues. One program is held at Alma Rd, St Kilda and the other from the SECADA office in Dandenong. Places are still available.... Please refer to the flyers for more information.

23.01.2022 This is a fantastic online initiative from the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria. COSMO welcomes individuals experiencing any type of eating disorder, who are also having difficulties with alcohol and drug use. Led by facilitators with lived experience of an eating disorder, Cosmo is a safe and judgement free space where participants can discuss what they are struggling with and draw upon the support, experience and skills of others facing similar challenges. ... Check out the link below for further information.

23.01.2022 Out at our Maryknoll TC, we finally had the opportunity to take some of our Early Integration participants out into the local park area for exercise and ‘Forest Bathing’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-wHq6yY2CI. Many of our previous residents will recognise this walk along Tomahawk Creek out of Kurth Kiln in Bunyip State Park. After the rains we have been experiencing over the past month the creek was right up, displaying waterfalls and bird life in abundance. ... Sitting quietly beside a running water course while becoming aware of the sounds of the small birds that come in to see what we are doing. Blue Wrens, Rufus Fantails and Grey Shrieks all come in to bring us closer to nature. The therapeutic benefits can’t be underestimated. It’s great to be out and about again with our residents, getting them off property into the big wide world.

22.01.2022 ICYMI - Addicted Australia premiered on SBS Australia last night. This incredible four-part series follows ten Australians and their families as they battle addiction. If you weren't able to catch it, the first episode is available on SBS On Demand now. #RethinkAddiction #addictedaustralia

22.01.2022 It was a busy International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) at Windana yesterday. Windana Youth Community House and Drug Withdrawal House marked the day by sharing personal messages about why overdose awareness is important, as well as enjoying some IOAD fortune cookies. A full day of activities were held over at Maryknoll Therapeutic Community, including individual and team events about overdose awareness, lots of tasty food, and importantly, time to reflect about the day and ...what it means for residents and staff. Heres a small selection of photos from the day. And if you're interested in learning more about Naloxone, check this article out - https://windana.org.au//international-overdose-awareness-/ #IOAD2020 #OverdoseAware #EndOverdose

22.01.2022 Following the release of 'Indigenous Voice', the Australian Government is running a co-design process to decide what a first nations voice to parliament will look like. We’re supporting From the Heart's call to anyone who is inspired by the Uluru Statement to make a submission on this plan and make your voice heard. Submissions are open now, so check out the post below for more info.... Windana acknowledges that the lands on which we work, were, and always will be, traditional Aboriginal land. We offer our unqualified support for the 'Uluru Statement from the Heart', and the establishment of a first nations voice to Parliament.

22.01.2022 Our Community Clinic at 88 Alma Road is reopening! Check out all the details below and book your appointment by calling Windana Reception.

22.01.2022 Yoga is an important part of Windana's withdrawal, rehabilitation and Community Clinic programs. For International Yoga Day we caught up Tania - one of our yoga teachers - to learn how this ancient practice benefits healing and promotes wellbeing during recovery. Click below for the story.... #InernationalYogaDay #yoga #recovery https://windana.org.au/news/yoga-at-windana/ [Image description: Practicing yoga poses on a beach at sunset. Text reads "International Yoga Day" and quote "It doesn’t matter if you are experienced or a beginner, yoga is adaptable to everyone.]

21.01.2022 Dave T. it is impossible to overstate the impact Dave has had on people and place here at Windana. Sending our love to Dave and Nain. https://gf.me/u/yc2hgd

21.01.2022 Today is R U OK? Day https://www.ruok.org.au/

21.01.2022 Vale Dave Thornton. With great sadness we pay tribute to Dave Thornton, who died peacefully at home last week. Dave inspired and created hope for people looking to change their lives for more than 30 years. Commencing his career as a drug and alcohol worker on the frontline of the Collingwood Needle and Syringe Program during the HIV pandemic, Dave worked with people who were marginalised and disenfranchised. Dave was invited to join the inaugural Hepatitis C panel and spent ...time on the board of the Victorian Aids Council. He worked with Collingwood tenants council on a project to clean up drug affected areas, collecting up to 600 used syringes from the streets of Melbourne at night. In 1997, Dave was honoured with an Australia Day award for services to minority groups accessing mainstream treatment. Dave worked directly with the Vietnamese Community to develop pathways in to mainstream drug and alcohol treatment. His career is a rich tapestry of great organisations, and even greater stories. Dave walked the talk. He was engaging in consumer participation before it became fashionable (or had a name). Dave was a strong personality. He balanced that with humility, passion, drive, and unwavering belief in the people he worked with, and for. Those qualities will live on in the residents, staff, and volunteers of Windana Therapeutic Community - a place that he loved, and that loved him. This is the greatest testament to the power of Daves ability to influence and empower people. Thank you, Dave, for all that you gave us.

20.01.2022 The South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), invites consumers and carers to be part of an important conversation about local alcohol and drug services. SEMPHN funds a range of treatment programs throughout south-eastern Melbourne that support people in their recovery from alcohol and/or drug misuse. SEMPHN understands that more can be done to improve the quality of services for people affected by alcohol and drugs, as well as their families and carers. SEM...PHN would like to learn about your experiences with local alcohol and drug services while exploring what has worked for you, what could be done better and what you think an ideal treatment service would look like. We dont expect you to come up with the solution. We do, however, hope to gain a much better understanding of some of the real challenges experienced when seeking alcohol and drug treatment, or caring for someone who is affected by alcohol and/or drugs. This information will help SEMPHN focus its efforts to address these challenges. We are running four separate sessions across south-eastern Melbourne: Frankston Tuesday 22 October, 3-5pm Frankston headspace, 62 Playne St, Frankston St Kilda Thursday 24 October, 3-5pm Christ Church Community Centre, 14 Acland St, St Kilda Dandenong Monday 28 October, 3-5pm Palm Plaza Meeting Room, McCrae St, Dandenong (next to the public toilets) Narre Warren Wednesday 30 October, 3-5pm Mechanics Institute (Meeting Room 2), 59 Webb St, Narre Warren To confirm your attendance and to let us know which session you would like to attend, please contact Jeff Gavin at the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU) on 9573 1778 or [email protected] by Thursday 17 October. Registration is essential for catering purposes. All participants will receive a flat fee of $60 to attend the consultation. If participants are unable to attend and wish to nominate someone else, please contact Jeff on the above details. See more

20.01.2022 As NAIDOC Week 2020 draws to a close, we'd like to share part of a speech US MOB gave at Maryknoll TC's closing ceremony: A piece of ochre A rock formed from the land A piece of ochre used as a tool to grind... Each motion, each action, has reaction, Symbolic, shaping, carving We add water for ceremony, painting bodies, paper bark, tell stories, and canvas My aboriginal great grandmother holds the ochre and hands I too me My Irish grandmother holds the ochre and hands it to me My father holds the ochre and hands it to me, Each action, each motion, has reaction, Continuing on to me In this way were now connected Closing the gap in our own way, Sharing the ochre will close it further still, Us mob is proud and thankful for being able to share our stories, our food, our hearts, our minds, From now we are family of this land called Australia From now you are my brothers, my sistas, my uncles, my unties, My grandmother grandfather, my niece and nephews, my son my daughter *Inspiration taken from Untie Moorina Bonini’s poem published issue 40 Black Brow page 44 US MOB is a group of indigenous people from all around Australia at Maryknoll TC. Together, they share their stories and knowledge with each other and the community. Check out the photos to see more of the huge NAIDOC Week, led by US MOB, at our Maryknoll TC. #naidoc2020

20.01.2022 Was so great to see our Therapeutic Communities in Ballarat and Maryknoll getting into R U OK Day yesterday. Over at Ballarat, the staff ran a group using R U OK conversation cues. People were encouraged to spend time with someone they might not know and connect over a cup of tea, using the conversation cards as prompts. The team also made a wellbeing corner that all community members could drop in and take some time out for self-care. ... And at Maryknoll, all staff and residents names were pulled out of a hat and then each person asked to check-in with their partner during the day. In the afternoon the whole community joined in with fun activities around the themes of togetherness and connection. Both TCs ended the day the same way with cupcakes for afternoon tea! If you or someone you know needs support with their mental health, you can find a list of supports here - https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

20.01.2022 Our Peer Support Program is a vital part of recovery, offering invaluable support and insight for residents in treatment. Many of our Peer Support Workers are former clients, like Duncan, who last month established Windana’s first Peer Group based in Ballarat. We recently spoke to Duncan about his story, and what drove him to set up a local Peer Group in Ballarat. Check it out below.... https://bit.ly/3u0QAYo

19.01.2022 This cruel mis-characterisation unfairly stigmatises the unemployed and those experiencing drug dependence. The war on drugs is far more profitable for drug dealers than any other government policy. Raising Newstart would 'give drug dealers more money', social services minister says https://www.theguardian.com//raising-newstart-would-give-d

19.01.2022 The NSW government's position on pill widens the chasm between evidence and politics at great cost. NSW Premier reiterates Government's opposition to pill testing despite coroner's impending recommendation - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) https://mobile.abc.net.au//gladys-berejiklian-rep/11605550

18.01.2022 Windana's Art Therapy Community Studio is back! Paint, draw, collage, use clay or other creative mediums to express, explore, discover, have fun, relax and connect with supportive peers. Creating art is therapeutic and empowering; it helps to express your thoughts, feelings and experiences when words are not enough. Continued healing, personal growth and improved self-care will be assisted by the safe space and guidance of the Art Therapist. The Studio runs weekly on Thursday...'s from October - June. Check out the full details in the link below. https://windana.org.au//art-therapy-community-studio-is-b/

18.01.2022 Earlier this afternoon the Victorian Government announced Victoria will enter a 5-day lockdown beginning midnight tonight, Friday 12 February. From midnight, until at least midnight on Wednesday 17 February, the following changes have been made to Windana’s services: - Our face-to-face community services will be suspended.... - No visitors will be permitted at our TCs in Maryknoll and Ballarat. The situation may be constantly changing, but change is what we do at Windana. Last year we all proved we’re up to the challenge. We got through the marathon, so we’ve got this sprint. We thank all our staff, clients, residents and their loved ones for their understanding and patience. We’re hopeful that by Wednesday next week we’ll be back to our COVID-normal and will provide an update as soon as we can. As always, if you need support outside of business hours you can contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or LifeLine on 13 11 14, twenty-four hours a day. Windana Reception will be open during business hours and can be reached on 9529 7955.

17.01.2022 No to Violence and the Salvation Army Australia have partnered to offer an Accommodation and Support Service for people at risk of using family violence. A trained staff member will support you to access accommodation, discuss ways of addressing violent and/or abusive behaviour, and link you to other services including drug and alcohol and mental health support. You can confidentially call the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to talk to someone now. https://ntv.org.au/get-help/

16.01.2022 Windana wishes you all a restful and happy end to 2020. In the spirit of the season, here some of the festive flourishes spotted across Windana. This time of year can be a stressful one, so if you need support over the festive season remember you can contact DirectLine on 1800 888 236 or LifeLine on 13 11 14, twenty-four hours a day. During the Christmas/New Years period, Windana Reception will be open for calls during business hours (though not on public holidays) and can ...be reached on 9529 7955. Here’s to a bright 2021!

16.01.2022 We’re excited to announce that Windana has joined Rethink Addiction a campaign looking to change the conversation about addiction and tackle the stigma and misinformation that stops people getting the help they need. #RethinkAddiction was created to off the back of the upcoming four-part SBS series Addicted Australia. The show follows the journey of ten Australians and their families as they battle addiction. This weekly four-part series premiers on Tuesday 10 November on S...BS Australia. Set a reminder for this one, and encourage your family and friends to do the same it’ll definitely be worth the watch!

16.01.2022 Individuals who would like to reduce gambling, alcohol or drug use are invited to take part in this program. A television documentary series is seeking people t...o take part in a treatment program designed by Turning Point (a leading national addiction treatment centre). To be considered individuals must be based within an hour of Melbourne and willing to be filmed over a period of six months.

15.01.2022 When COVID-19 hit this year, our Windana Tigers were just about to start their 3rd season of Reclink football. With community sport temporarily out of action the Maryknoll Therapeutic Community (MTC) instead went bush, building a multi-purpose trail around the property. Creating access to our bushland and pastures brought the property together for everyone to enjoy. Over the last few months Windana Integration residents have been taking advantage of the trail, continuing on with the tradition of Health and Fitness groups on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. When the weather permits we use the trail to explore the bushland and the entire perimeter of the MTC’s 40-acre property.

15.01.2022 Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. Its an important day here at Windana, and for anyone who has lost people they love to overdose. Its a chance to take a moment and remember loved ones who have died or suffered permanent injury from a drug overdose. Its also an opportunity to talk about evidence-based overdose prevention and the part each of us can play in reducing the stigma linked to substance use and overdose. This year Windana is focusing on the use of Nal...oxone, and its potential to save lives. You can find out more about Naloxone here https://windana.org.au//international-overdose-awareness-/ Were running activities and events across many locations today and will share photos from these soon. #IOAD2020 #OverdoseAware #EndOverdose

15.01.2022 Last week, the Early Phases Group of the Windana Integration Program took part in an overnight camp at Gilwell Park Scout Park in Gembrook. On the first day the group went caving at the Britannia Creek Caves in the Yarra Valley, exploring the tunnels and caverns created by the creek that’s run through and around the granite rocks for many years. The group had to move through as a team assisting each other to complete some of the challenging tasks - in particular the final c...limb up through the chimney - to complete the course. Everyone was given the option of doing a less challenging activity on the day, adhering to the program’s philosophy that all activities are a ‘challenge by choice.’ In this philosophy, participants are encouraged to describe the support they need from their peers to achieve the challenge they’re taking part in, aligning with a strong metaphor around recovery. Day two was a more relaxed affair with breakfast and some for archery at 9:30, a Koala sighting on the way back to camp, lunch and back home. A great couple of days with a great group of people.

14.01.2022 Windana's Maryknoll Therapeutic Community update: The community evacuated the Farm this morning (Monday 30/12) due to the forecasted weather and fire rating. The evacuation plan swung into action yesterday (Sunday 29/12) due to the expected conditions and the community will remain offsite tonight. Residents and staff are in good spirits and plans are in place to return tomorrow (Tuesday 31/12). Further updates will be provided if the situation changes.

13.01.2022 In need of some food inspiration this week - this slice is so yummy and an easy way to get some extra seeds into your diet. And if you have allergies to be aware of its nut and egg free, making it even more versatile. https://vegiesmugglers.com.au//lunchbox-bars-egg-free-nut/

13.01.2022 The Reclink Grand Final is on next week - Come along and cheer our Tiges! VENUE This year we are very happy to be back at the spiritual home of Reclink footy -The Peanut Farm in St Kilda. The facilities have undergone full renovation and are looking great.... Peanut Farm Reserve, Spenser St, St Kilda - https://goo.gl/maps/GJBL8fD578UtoS467 PUBLIC TRANSPORT Number 96 tram from Southern Cross station exit last stop on Acland St. LIVE TELECAST: Matches are also being live streamed through the Reclink Australia Facebook page. Special callers and guests this year include Smokey Dawson, Paul Roos, Crackers Keenan, Anthony Hudson, Terry Daniher, Merv Hughes and Ted Whitten Jr.

13.01.2022 Shout out to Windana women far and wide today. You're amazing. Keep going.

13.01.2022 Windanas hugely successful online art show is closing soon. This year, with Art Galleries closed due to COVID-19, we brought to you an online selection of art created in the Art Therapy Studios. A great many of the works have already been sold, here is your last chance to view the works and purchase any of the remaining pieces before we close our virtual doors. Creating art is therapeutic and empowering, it helps to express thoughts, feelings and experiences when words are n...ot enough. There are two on-line exhibitions, St Kilda and Dandenong. We are grateful to the City of Port Phillip Council and the City of Greater Dandenong for their support of these projects. https://windana.org.au/art-exhibition/

12.01.2022 Staff at our Drug Withdrawal House have the Coranavirus covered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTRXg-jHog0

12.01.2022 The Welcome House is now coming to life with a power of work completed in recent weeks. The rammed earth walls are complete, the cladding and glazing are well underway, the roof is on, and lock up is scheduled for the beginning of June. Although COVID-19 is impacting us all we feel very fortunate that the Welcome House build has been able to continue.

11.01.2022 Our Reclink Tigers played the Cobras on the weekend in an exciting match that was played hard all day. The last time these two teams met was in the first game of the season where the Cobras won by just 3 points and was the only game the Tigers lost for the whole season. This time the Tigers came out on top by what was a convincing win of 40 points. The team will hold onto this win going into the Grand Final on the 3rd September!

10.01.2022 The Cardina Tigers have wrapped up their season for 2019 by receiving the umpires award for Most Disciplined Club 2019 - Melbourne South East Reclink Competition. Our leading goal kicker for the season came runner-up for the Peter Cullen Medal as nominated by umpires votes throughout the season. In order to thank everyone and congratulate individual efforts a presentation and celebration was held at Maryknoll TC attended by our partners from Reclink, Vicpol, Cardinia Shire, t...he Alcohol & Drug Foundation and the Richmond Institute of Sport & Leadership. Sam Grimshaw & Ashley Barton, our playing coaches and local serving Vicpol members alongside senior residents and team members, presented trophies and thank-you gifts to players and volunteers. We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Maryknoll TCs nursing team; Maz, Kellie, Mary, Nicole, Bec and Jen, who managed the first aid and medical needs during and after games. They all did such a wonderful job looking after our players on and off the field. Enjoy these photos from the celebration at Maryknoll. Looking forward to a big 2020! Go Tiges!

09.01.2022 Its Magnificent Monday today (the first Monday of the month) which means 10% off everything in our dispensary at St Kilda (excluding food). If you need to stock up on your Naturopathic medications - today is the day to do it! Come on down.

08.01.2022 Below is an incredibly moving and heartfelt post from Nain, Dave's beloved wife. In loving Memory of my beautiful husband David Thornton. It is with an incredible aching and heavy heart that I write this post. As many of you now know, David passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning August the 11th. ...Continue reading

08.01.2022 Join Johann Hari live from London for a screening of "The United States vs. Billie Holiday" at the iconic Astor Theatre to celebrate Support. Don't Punish day this Saturday 26th June. You can grab your last-minute tickets here - https://www.drugpolicy.org.au/the_united_state_vs_billie_ho The movie, based on the book Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari, tells how the war on drugs began in the United States in the 1930s, when Harry Anslinger, then head of the FBI, hounded the f...amous jazz singer Billie Holiday to her death over her narcotics addiction. - Date: Saturday 26th June - Time: Doors open at 6:15 pm for a 7:00 pm start - Location: Astor Theatre, 1 Chapel St, St Kilda There will also be information tables from some of Australia's leading AOD organisations, including the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Rethink Addiction, Turning Point, Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia), Thorne Harbour Health, Self Help Addiction Resource Centre - SHARC, Family Drug Support, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Australia, and Windana. Books by Johann Hari and Jenny Valentish author and journalist, pill testing kits and other merchandise will also be available for purchase. Hope to see you there!

08.01.2022 Our latest sports collaboration with Reclink Australia and Aligned Leisure got underway last week at their ‘Cardinia Life’ centre. Basketball training was the first activity for the reduced-sized group. Sessions like this will continue as we prepare for the upcoming footy season. Of course, there’re the added benefits of improving fitness and ball-skills, increasing confidence, and having fun!... Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

08.01.2022 It’s Men’s Health Week. In Australia, this gives us a platform to challenge the key issues affecting men’s health. For insight into men’s health, barriers to seeking support and how we can work together to overcome them, we spoke to Darrell Hinga, Executive Officer of SECADA.... Click below to read the story. #MensHealthWeek https://windana.org.au/news/connecting-for-mens-health [Text in image: With the right treatment men can begin to understand that feeling vulnerable and needing help is okay, and it does not show weakness but rather strength to acknowledge they are struggling.]

08.01.2022 Problematic use of drug and alcohol and mental health issues often go hand-in-hand. They have an inter-twined relationship that’s unique to every person’s situation. Dual Diagnosis is the term used to describe this relationship - when someone is experiencing both mental health problems and drug or alcohol misuse. Windana is committed to addressing dual diagnosis and clients taking part in Windana’s Residential Withdrawal Program and Maryknoll TC have access the Dual Diagnosis... Program. To mark World Mental Health Day, we spoke to Windana’s Dual Diagnosis Practitioners to explore this topic further - https://windana.org.au/news/what-is-dual-diagnosis/ #worldmentalhealthday

08.01.2022 Windana’s Recreation and Development program is striding forward with our ‘Outward Bound’ activities getting underway again. On Tuesday and Thursday last week we started with local walking trails for morning health and fitness walks. Later in the week residents ventured down the Bass Coast to the Woolamai Circuit at Phillip Island, and surf beaches at Cape Paterson. These outings are seeing our residents taking part in similar activities for their weekend leaves together, including day trips up into the Yarra Valley forests.

07.01.2022 Last Tuesday was the first game of the Reclink Grand Final round between our Cardinia Tigers and the Salvo Hawks - What a Game! The scores were relatively low but neck and neck all the way through. A big surprise was that two aftercare participants from the Ballarat TC turned up to play with the Salvos. They played very well too.... This year the Cardinia Tigers were certainly a strong playing group with extraordinary natural ability, grit and determination. Our coach Sam Grimshaw along with the ability and expertise from the Richmond students developed a side that only lost one game throughout the season. In the final minutes of Tuesday's game the Salvos held off a big push by the Tigers who lost by only 3 points. Well done to everyone who participated, you should all be proud of your performance.

07.01.2022 Photos from the Welcome House 'sod turning' ceremony at Maryknoll TC last week. The Windana Welcome House construction has commenced and is due for completion in August 2020.

07.01.2022 Calling all writers! We're looking for writers with experience helping people write and capture their story of recovery to work with residents of our Therapeutic Communities (TC’s) in Maryknoll and Ballarat. This 10-12 month [paid] opportunity will have a positive impact on people’s lives and help break the stigma around alcohol and drug use and dependence.... Check out the link below for more information, and be sure to share this incredible opportunity with your family and friends who might be interested. https://windana.org.au//writer-in-residence-expressions-o/

07.01.2022 This year Windanas Art Exhibition goes online. With Art Galleries closed due to COVID-19 we still want to be able to bring you a selection of art created in the Art Therapy Studios. Creating art is therapeutic and empowering, it helps to express thoughts, feelings and experiences when words are not enough.... There are two on-line exhibitions, St Kilda and Secada. We are delighted to announce that due to the support of the City of Port Phillip Council and the City of Greater Dandenong we are able to make available for viewing, and in some cases purchase, the artworks from members of the Windana Art Therapy Communities. https://windana.org.au/art-exhibition/

07.01.2022 Today is R U OK Day. Its a day to check in on the people in our lives to see how theyre going. But before we ask the question, Windanas Counselling Team wants to remind everyone that we also need to check in on ourselves and ask - am I OK? Right now were all living with stressors we havent before - on top of what our pre-COVID lives brought with it. Everyones plate has more on it than usual, and to be able to help those around us we must first check in on ourselves.... Remember to practice selfcare before and after youve asked someone if theyre OK. - Ask yourself how youre feeling today. With everything you have going on, are you able to take more on today? - Can you take some time out from work, home schooling, your screens to give yourself a mental break? - Think about the supports you have that can help you to support others. This might include family, friends, your GP, counselling services, online forums like those run by Beyond Blue, LifeLine etc. Above all, remember to be compassionate with yourself and those around you. If you feel you can, do ask someone R U OK. If you dont feel like you can today, thats OK too. And if you or someone you know needs extra help, you can find a list of supports here - https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp #ruokday2020

06.01.2022 MUST CLOSE TOMORROW. Windanas hugely successful online art show will close tomorrow at 5pm. This year, with Art Galleries closed due to COVID-19, a selection of art created in the Art Therapy Studios was brought to you online. A great many of the works have already been sold, however we are giving you one last chance to view the works and purchase any of the remaining pieces before we close our virtual doors.... Creating art is therapeutic and empowering, it helps to express thoughts, feelings and experiences when words are not enough. There are two on-line exhibitions, St Kilda and Dandenong. We are grateful to the City of Port Phillip Council and the City of Greater Dandenong for their support of these projects. https://windana.org.au/art-exhibition/

06.01.2022 If you’ve ever wanted to join the team at Windana, now might be the perfect time! Today we’re highlighting a couple of positions available at our Therapeutic Communities (TC) in Ballarat and Maryknoll. We’re looking for:... - some passionate chefs/cooks to prepare tasty and nutritious meals, and support residents to improve their skills in the kitchen. - experts in maintenance to help keep the facilities and gardens at our TCs in great shape. - skilled cleaners to help keep our TCs clean and safe for everyone. There are many other positions listed on our Working for Victoria jobs page. So be sure to check it out and share with your friends and family who may be interested in joining us at Windana to make a real difference in people’s lives. https://windana.org.au//working-for-victoria-current-vaca/

04.01.2022 Only a few days to go to register for the 3rd Annual Overdose Prevention Training. See the flyer for further details and how to book.

03.01.2022 Sage advice from Thekindnesspandemic Be kind, stay safe. We'll get through this. https://www.thekindnesspandemic.org/maskkindness.html

03.01.2022 In the midst of COVID-19 which is changing how we do most things it is great to see the Welcome House build continuing. With everything on track there have been a mass of workers on site finishing the outside cladding, the external painting and landscaping. And internally the finishing trades are hard at work tilers, carpet layers and joiners.

03.01.2022 Event happening today at 2pm! Aligned Leisure together with Windana, Cardinia Shire Council, Outlook Victoria, Monash Health, Headspace, Reclink, and Richmond Institute are hosting an event today discussing state and local initiatives to help with mental health and where you can find the help that you or a friend may need. You can find all the details here - https://www.facebook.com/events/673122016942759?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A5%2C%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22main_list%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%5C%22[]%5C%22%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D

02.01.2022 Today’s Conversation Hour on ABC Radio Melbourne asked the question - if healthcare workers wrote the blueprint for treating people with addiction, what would the system look like? Hosts Richelle Hunt and Warrick Long spoke to a GP, a paramedic, people on their recovery journey, and Prof Dan Lubman from Turning Point. You can listen to the audio in the link below, and don’t forget to tune into episode three of #AddictedAustralia tonight on SBS Australia at 8.30.... https://www.abc.net.au//th/the-conversation-hour/12893554

02.01.2022 A big thank-you to Peter Cullen from Reclink who donated 7 bikes to Windana. These bikes will mean that Windana Recreation & Development can now arrange bike rides as part of the summer program at Maryknoll TC. .

02.01.2022 Always was, always will be. Today marks the start of NAIDOC Week for 2020. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. #NAIDOC2020 invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country a history which dates back thousands of generations. ... You can find out more here - https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2020-theme Our Therapeutic Communities have organised activities across the week to celebrate NAIDOC Week and we can’t wait to share more with you soon.

02.01.2022 Today, on the eve of National Reconciliation Week, we acknowledge National Sorry Day. It’s an important time for all Australians as we work together towards reconciliation. It’s a journey for everyone - as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. We must all play our part to build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures. Windana acknowledges the mistreatment ...of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who were forcibly removed from their families and communities: the Stolen Generations. Unfortunately uncertainty around COVID-19 has meant we’ve had to cancel our planned National Reconciliation Week dinner hosted by US MOB - a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all around Australia who share their stories and knowledge with each other and the community. That won’t stop us from championing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture at Windana and doing what we can to advance reconciliation. We encourage you to do the same. #NRW2021 #MoreThanAWord https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/

01.01.2022 We have an exciting volunteer opportunity at our Community Clinic in St Kilda for a Volunteer Community Naturopath. Key tasks will include: - consulting with clients in our Community Clinic - assisting the Program Coordinator with the running of the dispensary ... - administrative and supportive duties Why volunteer with us? - We will work with you to utilise and/or enhance your skills and provide you with a fulfilling experience as part of our unique and vibrant service - This could be a valuable addition to your CV and references for future - Make a difference in someone's life For more information and to apply, visit https://windana.org.au/volu/volunteer-community-naturopath/ Applications close: Wednesday 2 December 2020 at 5.00 PM

01.01.2022 Some of our residents and staff got together recently to create an illustration that captures Windana on a page who we are, what we do, how we’re different, and how people are at the centre of everything we do. We wanted to show that Windana is here for you wherever you find yourself on your recovery journey. Check it out below, and please share with anyone who wants to know more about Windana, and how we can help.