One of the first things you notice when you enter the client reception at the Therapeutic Community in Lower Plenty is a powerful painting with a blazing red sky. The artwork was created in 1998 by Gary Charles whilst he was a resident. In the painting Gary is depicted by his totem, the turtle, who is on a journey to free himself of his demons (amphetamines). He is accompanied by two aboriginal elders from his tribe to protect him along the way from the demons he is fleeing. This story has resonated with other clients for many years.
Therapeutic activities like art and music provide an outlet for creative expression which allows residents to communicate their experiences, thoughts and feeling.
Gary’s daughter Eloise contacted Odyssey recently to let us know that Gary had recently passed away. She asked whether the family could have his painting that was hanging at the TC. Despite being a prolific artist, the family had little of Gary’s artwork as most of it had been destroyed in a house fire. It was agreed, and Eloise gave permission to Odyssey to have a copy made.
Eloise was welcomed back to the TC by CEO, Dr Stefan Gruenert, and Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Advisor, Daniel Wilson, to collect the artwork and have a yarn. She spoke fondly of spending time at the TC, when she was a kid. She also expressed gratitude for Odyssey’s work. The family never expected that Gary would live into his 70s as he did.
The copy of Gary’s artwork hangs proudly in place of the original at the TC as a visual message of support to residents on their own journeys to rid themselves of their demons.
Odyssey Institute, our registered training organisation, plays an important role in developing the skills of today and tomorrow’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) workforce. Our trainers are experienced practitioners, many of whom have current or recent clinical practice experience. They are also able draw on the expertise of our own in-house specialists for best practice clinical and therapeutic practices.
In addition to the suite of nationally recognised qualifications on offer, Odyssey Institute also designs and delivers training programs to other services who interact with, and support clients and families affected by AOD.
One such example is our new partnership with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) and Maribyrnong City Council (MCC). Both organisations contacted us independently; one wanting to skill up their volunteers working with clients with AOD issues (ASRC) and the other with funding to raise AOD awareness in the community (MCC). Carol Williams, Manager of the Odyssey Institute, initiated a joint meeting. The result was the delivery of a full day of customised professional development by Odyssey Victoria (OV), for ASRC volunteers, funded by MCC.
The work of the ASRC is largely supported by skilled volunteers which include psychologists, nurses and GPs. Understanding their client cohort (eg. experiences of trauma, language barriers, limited access to mainstream services and uncertainty about their future) was crucial in developing relevant training content. Some clients arrive in Australia with AOD issues, whilst others develop issues after arriving. Many also face stigma around addiction in their own communities.
The training was well received, and all parties are keen to continue to explore opportunities for ongoing collaboration. Odyssey Institute is unique in that it is embedded into our organisation, as one of Australia’s most experienced and respected specialist AOD service providers. The training and professional development delivered to external organisations such as the ASRC provides invaluable insights into how AOD impacts clients and families. Professionals can adjust their practice and be more inclusive and nuanced to counteract the stigma and marginalisation experienced by those dealing with AOD issues.
For the Odyssey Institute, the provision of professional development is a growing area of demand.