Latest news with #TheButtery
ABC News
11-08-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Rehab centres like The Buttery in NSW struggling to cope with demand
Terry was not sure he would survive his addiction. Once a successful businessman in the finance sector, his out-of-control gambling and drinking led to the loss of his home and contact with loved ones. "When you're that down on yourself, you don't see a future," he said. Change came when Terry was accepted into a seven-month residential rehab program at The Buttery, in northern NSW. After 30 weeks of strict sobriety and regimented routines, he moved into a transitional house nearby with several other program participants. Now, he is optimistic. "I'm looking forward to the future, I'm looking forward to today, and tomorrow," he said. "To participate in community stuff and work, but more importantly, to reconnect with some of the people that I missed in my addiction." But there are fears others in need are missing out on a similar opportunity, due to underfunding in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector. The Buttery's residential programs have waitlists of up to six months, but beds are sometimes left vacant because there is not enough staff to support a full house. Chief executive Leone Crayden said one case worker working in an outreach program had around 45 families on her books. "That's a huge case load for somebody that only works three days a week, and those families need so much support," she said. Ms Crayden said expenses such as insurance premiums had risen considerably, while funding had only increased in line with CPI. "The funding isn't keeping up, not only with demand, but with the skill set that we need to be able to [hire] qualified staff that can really make a difference," she said. The Buttery's main building, a former butter factory, dates back to 1913 and needs a new roof, while the residential cottages are sinking and need restumping. "This place needs a huge amount of overhaul, and we're not funded to do that," Ms Crayden said. "We've seen a decrease in donations and sponsorship in the last 12 months as cost of living has increased, it's very noticeable. Case manager Daniel Ward credits The Buttery with changing his life. Six years ago, he completed the residential program. He now works to support people leaving prison. "It's given me the tools to move forward in life and now I want to give back, so subsequently I got a job here and it's fulfilled me in every way," Mr Ward said. But a lack of crossover support with housing is causing concern. "I can get a participant off drugs … and starting work, but if they've got nowhere to live, then that's a major problem," Mr Ward said. To tackle such gaps in the system, the sector's peak body wants the NSW government to establish a 10-year alcohol and other drugs (AOD) strategy. The Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) is also calling for an additional $65 million per year over five years for the non-government sector. CEO Robert Stirling said if the government did not help the AOD sector, other frontline services such as hospital emergency departments would take the brunt instead. "Government tends to respond at the acute end, when things have gotten bad," he said. "If we start looking at prevention and early intervention … that flow-on effect will happen … in mental health, family and domestic violence and other areas, because often they're interrelated." After last year's NSW Drug Summit, a report was released in April with 56 recommendations. In a statement, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he was "carefully considering" the drug summit's findings. He said the government was committed to building on last year's $33.9 million announcement to build 12 new support hubs. As he readjusts to life outside rehab, Terry is keeping busy with art, exercise and peer support meetings. He wants others to have that chance too. "Everyone there at the Buttery, they're all striving for the same thing," Terry said. "They want to get back into society, be of value to their family or friends, employer, their children maybe, just contribute again.
Perth Now
20-06-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
How one wellness habit redeemed a life of addiction
At 23, John Ogilvie hit rock bottom. After years of substance abuse, he made the painful decision to end his life because he felt like a burden to everyone around him. Thankfully he survived and that moment became a turning point. Mr Ogilvie slowly rebuilt his life. After exploring spirituality, he eventually took a leap of faith into a new path and says he's never looked he's in a much better place and lives and breathes yoga. But it was not always this way. The now 68-year-old was only 12 when he first turned to alcohol. As a teen, he felt like he didn't fit in. Drinking made him feel different, it was his way of finding connection and a sense of belonging. It was about five years later when Mr Ogilvie went from taking speed, acid and other hallucinogens to dabbling with heroin. This sparked the beginning of a relentless cycle that had him in its grip for a decade. "From 17 to 27, I was swinging between using narcotics obsessively to trying to get off narcotics, particularly heroin," he says. "It became a merry-go-round ... a very unhappy life." Hitting a wall of darkness, Mr Ogilvie began to think there was "no purpose to live". "I was lost and in a deep depression," he says. "I had buried myself in debt. I was at a physical low and not capable of working. I couldn't see anywhere else to turn to other than to just end my life." Despite his intentions, Mr Ogilvie woke days after falling into a coma. Some time later, he found himself in a detox centre and speaking with a priest who told him he'd survived for a reason. "Maybe there was a purpose in my life," he remembers thinking. It was at Victoria's Pleasant View Centre that he was first introduced to yoga. He recalls one night in the facility, a staff member photocopying sheets of yoga poses. He he went on to practice them daily. Although subsequently relapsing, Mr Ogilvie eventually entered another residential rehab facility that changed everything for him. The Buttery, in NSW's Northern Rivers region, supports people dealing with alcohol and drug addiction as well as mental health challenges, helping them recover and rebuild their lives. During his five-month stay in 1986, everything finally began falling into place. He credits a combination of the spiritual guidelines of the centre's program and the practices and philosophies of yoga for his transformation. It was during this time he began to truly heal and discover his purpose. "The Buttery really taught (me) life skills I hadn't developed in adulthood like how to clean the house, cook meals and socialise in a sober way with other people," Mr Ogilvie says. "The 12-step program gives people tools to continue with their recovery after they leave there." The year before his stay, the centre was referenced in Paul Kelly's hit To Her Door, which would eventually go seven times platinum and ranks among the top Australian songs of all time. Chief executive Leone Crayden says The Buttery has helped thousands in residential rehabilitation and 20,000 in its community outreach programs over its 50-year history. "Many people stay within the area and this assists in nurturing a special community of people who believe in sober living and giving back to the community," she tells AAP. "Our graduates are entrepreneurs, lawyers, clinical psychologists, Aboriginal artists and mentors to many people seeking recovery." Ms Crayden says the centre is also home to a community and lived experience program. "The counsellors, case managers, co-ordinators and managers of the rehabilitation program have been through The Buttery themselves and gone on to obtain qualifications in social work, nursing and counselling, and are valued for their lived experience." After completing his time there, Mr Ogilvie moved to Sydney and obsessively attended classes to become a yoga instructor. Soon after, he found himself back up north where he opened his own studio, the Byron Yoga Centre. It specialises in Purna yoga, a holistic practice combining physical posture with philosophy, meditation, breathwork and ethical living. The centre also offers eco-friendly accommodation and a mindful vegetarian diet. Mr Ogilvie remains connected to The Buttery, supporting others on their journey. "Yoga has so much depth and interest to it and that's where my passion is," he says. "People can come and I can give them skills that can really help turn their life around. It's jus not for recovering addicts but also big-time CEOs who are stressed and feeling unhealthy in their life. "Yoga is really for everybody." It sounds simple but Mr Ogilvie remains hopeful for the future and vision he's built. As living proof yoga is truly life-changing, he wants to continue teaching and promoting it for everyone. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
