Shanty Creek

We believe in care, compassion and dignity for all who walk through our doors.

Shanty Creek is a residential community where people can find support and solutions for their alcohol and drug concerns. While our program has strong focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people, we warmly welcome non ATSI residents as well.

At Shanty Creek you’ll have the opportunity to learn about yourself, understand alcohol or drug misuse and develop new ways to face challenges in life.

Admission and referrals

You don’t need a GP referral. You can self-refer through our website here. If you have limited access to the internet or would prefer to speak to us to request a referral, please phone our Contact Team on 1300 727 957.

We also accept online provider referrals from other health professionals, health services, and community and government organisations.

You’re also welcome to drop in to our Cairns office at 139 Sheridan St. We will assess your needs and discuss a range of support options, including withdrawal support.

How much does it cost?

We aim to provide accessible and affordable residential treatment. You will need to pay some money towards your stay, usually a portion of your Centrelink payment. The amount depends on the type of benefit or payment you receive.

For self-funded clients, contributions are based on an equivalent cost to those receiving Centrelink.

There are no additional fees or charges—what is sometimes referred to as an ‘upfront fee’ simply refers to the first two weeks of client contributions.

We understand financial situations differ, so we offer fee relief to ensure no one is denied support due to an inability to pay. If you have any questions or concerns about costs, please call our friendly Contact Team on 1300 727 957.

Finances should never be a barrier to getting help.

How long is the program?

We provide individualised care, so how long you stay is based on your needs. We can work with you for up to four months at Shanty Creek. When you’re preparing to leave, we can help you with transition support. This will help you return to community when you’re ready. Shanty Creek has various program stages; more information can be found on this downloadable information sheet: Shanty Creek Stages.

More FAQs about Shanty Creek

Shanty Creek prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (ATSI) aged 18 and over. We also welcome non ATSI residents.

Our rehabilitation program guides people along a personal journey that leads to greater wellbeing. Up to 30 residents can live-in and stay at Shanty Creek at a time. The program, which is dedicated to acceptance, compassion, respect and trust, includes:

  • cultural support, activities and respect
  • medical and psychological assessments
  • planning for the future and goal setting
  • development of positive thoughts, feelings and behaviours
  • group counselling
  • case management
  • family and relationship building information
  • a focus on nutrition, health and exercise
  • life skills development
  • relapse prevention
  • life skills development
  • mindfulness
  • and recreational outings.

The Shanty Creek – What to expect downloadable sheet gives you useful information about what to bring, some general rules, and other things that you can expect during your stay. The Weekly Timetable also gives you a good idea of how you might spend your days at Shanty Creek.

We understand how difficult it can be starting treatment and arriving at a new place, so every effort will be made to help you settle in stress-free! You will be introduced to our team and other residents, shown around the facility and allocated a room. We will help you complete some essential paperwork and our GP service will conduct a full health check.

It involves coming to live-in and stay in an appropriate environment so that you can address the underlying causes of alcohol or drug dependence.

We offer a 24-hour staffed program within a community of support.

We strongly encourage you to seek medical advice before you enter Shanty Creek. It’s also important that you have detoxed for a minimum of 3-5 days prior to entry. Lives Lived Well offer a Withdrawal Support Service in Cairns and also have a dedicated Transition Wellbeing Worker that can help you while you’re waiting to start at Shanty Creek.

Yes. During your stay, you’ll have scheduled access to your mobile phone in dedicated sessions, at which time you can call your family. You can also send and receive letters. Phone messages can be left at reception for you.

Family and Friends can visit when residents are in the second stage (Scrub Turkey) usually after 4 weeks of the program. Leave is allowed when they are in the 3rd stage of the program (Barra) usually after 8 weeks. However, visits and leave can be arranged on compassionate ground prior to these time frames on compassionate grounds.

Smoking is not allowed at Shanty Creek. This includes e-cigarettes and vapes. Our staff will support you in accessing Nicotine Replacement Therapy and counselling.

Yes, you’ll have access to GP services on a regular basis throughout their stay and are supported in accessing other specialist health care providers and services, including dental care, optometrist etc.

We can also link you to providers who deliver other services such as parenting programs. Some of the other service providers we work with are:

  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Services
  • GPs
  • Psychologists
  • Counsellors
  • Social Workers
  • Psychiatrists
  • Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Services
  • Mental Health Services
  • Job Network Agencies
  • Employment Providers
  • Housing Services
  • Queensland Criminal Justice Agencies (Police, Corrective Services, Probation and Parole, Magistrates Court)
  • Legal Services/Representatives
  • The Learning Workshop (Literacy and Numeracy program).

No. You will need to take short-term leave from work while completing the program.

No. Shanty Creek residential rehabilitation is funded and designed to take in people who live in Queensland.

Shanty Creek is not a detoxification facility. People come to our program drug free (other than prescribed medications) and alcohol free. Many residents will have had to participate in a detoxification program before they will be accepted into our program. Lives Lived Well offer a Withdrawal Support Service in Cairns and also have a Transition Wellbeing Worker to help you while you wait to enter Shanty Creek.

You must remain alcohol and drug free for the duration of your stay at Shanty Creek. We currently do not accept clients on methadone.

Yes. Our programs and staff are able to support people with complex needs to address their alcohol and drug dependence. Adults with low to moderate mental health conditions who are, or can be, stable on medication are able to participate in our alcohol and drug treatment program. Shanty Creek works closely with health professionals to ensure the continued health and safety of our residents.

Yes. Information collected by Lives Lived Well is confidential. Learn more about how we use this information and how we collect it here.

For further questions about our programs, view our FAQs page here or you can contact us on 1300 727 957.