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Galiamble Men’s Recovery Centre

Galiamble Men’s Recovery Centre

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Galiamble, named from the local Aboriginal language, honours deep cultural ties to the St Kilda area and community. This culturally safe, 24 hour residential rehabilitation centre provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men aged 18 and over with a place to begin their healing journey in a supportive and respectful environment.
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The 16 week program accommodates up to 16 men at a time, with a holistic, trauma informed approach that supports clients from detox and entry into rehab, right through to outreach follow-up and ongoing connection after they return home.

Our programs include:

Healing Spirit, Mind & Body

  • Counselling
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Trauma-informed workshops
  • AOD awareness
  • Strategies for maintaining long-term recovery

Strengthening Culture & Community

  • Cultural and spiritual healing activities
  • Elders’ guidance
  • Men’s Yarning Circle
  • Community events
  • Cultural mentoring

Caring for Health & Wellbeing

  • Health promotion activities
  • Physical fitness programs
  • Emotional regulation
  • AA / NA meetings
  • Wellbeing check-ins

Building Skills & Strong Futures

  • Digital literacy
  • Creative arts
  • Vocational and life skills training
  • Case management
  • Advocacy
  • Transition planning

FAQ’s

What is the purpose of the recovery centres?

Our recovery centres provide 24-hour residential support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women over 18 years of age who are experiencing challenges with alcohol and/or drug dependency. Each centre offers a structured, culturally safe environment focused on healing and long-term recovery.

Winja Ulupna means Women’s Haven in Yorta Yorta.
Yitjawudik means to cure in Yorta Yorta.
Galiamble draws its name from cultural heritage connected to the St Kilda community.
Each name reflects the centre’s commitment to culturally grounded care. Final translations and meanings can be confirmed with the centres.

Programs run for 16 weeks, and may be extended depending on the individual’s needs and the structure of the centre. Each program includes group sessions, one-on-one counselling, and activities aimed at building life skills and resilience.

Galiamble Men’s Centre can support up to 16 men at a time.
Yitjawudik Men’s Centre accommodates 12 men.
Winja Ulupna Women’s Centre supports 10 women.
Please note this is subject to change. Final numbers to be confirmed by each centre.

Centre visits may be possible depending on availability and staff schedules. Please reach out directly to the centre you’re interested in for up-to-date information on tours or information sessions.

Usually 1 to 3 months. This depends on:

  • Whether the referral is forensic or voluntary
  • Whether an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) worker is already involved
  • How quickly required referral documents are provided

We recommend one suitcase and one small bag. Bring:

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for group activities and cultural events
  • Toiletries and personal care items (no aerosols or alcohol-based products)
  • Approved personal items (no valuables – the centre is not responsible for lost items)

Medications are the client’s responsibility. They must be approved by the program’s health team, supplied in original packaging, and stored securely by staff. Changes to medication must be discussed with staff and your doctor.

Yes, during designated times (check with staff for the current schedule). Phones are not permitted during group sessions, cultural activities, or other program times to ensure full participation in your recovery.

Yes. Family, including children, can visit after the first week. Visits must be arranged with your support worker. Visiting hours are set to ensure they fit with program activities.

Yes. Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas only. Please respect others and keep these spaces tidy.

Rooms are shared with another client. We aim to pair clients respectfully to foster a positive, supportive living environment.

Programs vary slightly at each centre but can include:

  • Healing and Recovery – AA and NA meetings, relapse prevention, therapeutic day rehab (Yitjawudik only), trauma-informed counselling, butterfly group
  • Culture and Connection – Men’s and women’s groups, cultural healing programs, yarning circles, on-Country experiences, cultural site visits
  • Health and Wellbeing – Meditation (women’s rehab), anger management (men’s rehabs), men’s behaviour change program, self esteem building, Allied Health services
  • Life Skills – Cooking, budgeting, digital literacy, art therapy, case management, advocacy, and transition planning

Recovery doesn’t end when the program finishes. We provide outreach and aftercare services to help you:

  • Stay connected to cultural supports and community
  • Continue counselling or group work if needed
  • Link with housing, employment, and education services
  • Access health and wellbeing supports in your local area

Yes, there is a small cost to stay at the recovery centres. We can let you know the cost of your stay when you enquire.

Reaching out for help is the first step

If you are in need of Ngwala’s help, please complete the admission form.
Admission
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