Year in Review

Gold Coast Drug Council formed 50 years ago

In 2024, we celebrate 50 years since the founding of the Gold Coast Drug Council, established in 1974 by Dr. Rob Richardson to address the lack of local substance use services on the Gold Coast.

In 2012, the Gold Coast Drug Council merged with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Queensland, forming Lives Lived Well. This partnership brought together the strengths of two organisations, enabling us to embark on a purpose-driven path of planned growth.

Read more in our Annual Report >

Expanding mental health support

In 2023-2024, Lives Lived Well began delivering multiple new mental health programs in Queensland, supported by PHN funding, to improve access for diverse populations. These include the Residential Aged Care Home Group Program, providing tailored support to older Australians in aged care, and the innovative LIME Program, developed by Lives Lived Well to offer low-intensity mental health care.

We also started delivering the Targeted Psychological Therapies program, offering free, evidence-based mental health care to priority groups, and introduced the Central West Mental Health Psychosocial Program, which provides recovery-focused support for individuals with complex mental health needs.

Read more in our Annual Report >

New alcohol and other drug programs

In 2023-2024, we expanded our services to better support individuals and communities facing alcohol and drug challenges. This included the launch of the Coffs Harbour Youth Residential Service, a 12-week program for young people involved with Youth Justice NSW, with significant facility upgrades making it a more welcoming space.

New day programs also began in Dubbo, offering intensive care close to home, and in Nowra and Lithgow, where the Nana Muru Youth Program and Dianella Day Program for Young People provide tailored, non-residential support.

Read more in our Annual Report >

Wellbeing support for veterans

In October 2023, we officially launched the Veterans’ and Families’ Wellbeing Hub in Caboolture, in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia (Queensland Branch). This Hub provides integrated and flexible support for veterans and their families in a welcoming environment that acknowledges their unique experiences and respects their service.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our support for the veteran community with a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Northern Adelaide, set to open in 2025.

Read more in our Annual Report > Access support or sign up to our Hub newsletters >

Improving access to care through digital innovation

We’re enhancing our service model with ConnectWell, a free online portal to help clients with a range of mental health and alcohol and other drug challenges.

ConnectWell offers tools, resources, and clinical modules to help clients and bridge the gap between enrolment and program entry, often a vulnerable time. It also improves administrative processes, reduces triage times, and supports stepped care by guiding clients to the appropriate level of treatment. A pilot group will begin using ConnectWell in early 2025, with wider access planned later in the year.

Read more in our Annual Report > Sign up to stay in the know >

Renovated rehab supporting families to build brighter futures

Lives Lived Well is reminding the community that support is available now and into 2025 through its recently upgraded Chambers Flat facilities, home to Logan House and Logan Family Recovery. The renovations, completed in May 2024, included upgraded residential spaces, a refreshed reception area, improved driveways and roads, and a new pergola, creating a more welcoming and functional environment for clients and staff.

These services provide comprehensive care in a peaceful, semi-rural setting, helping individuals and families take positive steps toward lasting change.

Learn more about the renovations and how we're encouraging individuals and families to reach out for support >

Case study: How Binbi Yadubay Family Recovery helped Kimani*

Kimani, a proud Aboriginal woman, joined Binbi Yadubay Family Recovery with her young daughter, seeking to improve her mental and physical health while overcoming significant trauma, PTSD, and chronic pain. By the end of treatment, Kimani reported a dramatic reduction in anxiety and depression, achieving a 10/10 quality of life score and maintaining abstinence. She described her experience with Lives Lived Well as “extremely satisfied.”

 *Name has been changed to protect client’s privacy. The image used is a stock image of a person for illustrative purposes only and does not, expressly, or implied, portray a person with drug, alcohol or mental health problems.

Learn more about Kimani’s experience >