Shows
Saturday MagazineSat, 15th Nov, 2025: Kent Burgess, Interim CEO Thorne Harbour Health, Updates on Health Lifestyle.Paul and Macca talk to Kent Burgess, the current interim CEO of Thorne Harbour Health.
Kent, an experienced and values driven community leader, with a broad ranging background in the health sector with special interest across alcohol and other drug services, community, mental health, primary care and LGBTIQA+ health. Kent is a former CEO of Your Community Health and Windana, is committed to community partnership, quality and equity in healthcare. Kent’s experience in health and social services, is highlighted by his Masters of Public Health, GAiCD and a clinical background as an occupational therapist in mental healt...
2025-11-1721 minSaturday MagazineSat, 15th Nov, 2025: Kent Burgess, Interim CEO Thorne Harbour Health, Updates on Health Lifestyle.Paul and Macca talk to Kent Burgess, the current interim CEO of Thorne Harbour Health.
Kent, an experienced and values driven community leader, with a broad ranging background in the health sector with special interest across alcohol and other drug services, community, mental health, primary care and LGBTIQA+ health. Kent is a former CEO of Your Community Health and Windana, is committed to community partnership, quality and equity in healthcare. Kent’s experience in health and social services, is highlighted by his Masters of Public Health, GAiCD and a clinical background as an occupational therapist in mental healt...
2025-11-1721 min
Thursday BreakfastAFL Grand Final Day and Domestic Violence, ‘Our Stories, Our Flats’ Episode 3, ‘Pictures of You’ with Tony Birch, Crisis Housing Reform Part 2Acknowledgement of Country Headlines:Updates from Gaza and the West BankMelbourne City Council review aimed at stifling protestMelbourne City Council pushes to criminalise homelessness with ‘community safety’ teamKumanjayi White death in custody investigation completedLabor’s 2035 greenhouse targets criticised as greenwashing ***GIVEAWAY*** 3CR Thursday Breakfast is giving away a copy of acclaimed Australian-Palestinian author and educator Micaela Sahhar’s Find Me at the Jaffa Gate, thanks to Tony Birch! To enter the draw, send us a message with your contact details and “giveaway” on Instagram @3crthursdaybreakfast by midnight next Tuesday the 30th of September. We will announce the winner during our next show on Thursd...
2025-09-2400 min
Stories of RecoveryNikola's StoryMeet Nikola in the final episode of this season of Stories of Recovery.
With a family history of substance misuse, Nikola started misusing drugs early. She was still able to establish a family and a career as a social worker, before finding herself in a relationship with a man who used her dependence to control her.
Nikola was able to leave this abusive relationship to come to Windana, where she unlearned deep seated behaviours that contributed to her drug dependence, and started getting her life back on track.
“Lean into the program – the unco...
2024-06-1714 min
Stories of RecoveryJason's StoryGrowing up in a family of intellectuals, Jason always felt pressure to academically succeed. He struggled to focus though, and ended up disengaging from education.
After developing an alcohol dependence, which resulted in multiple hospitalisations, and being kicked out of home, Jason was referred to Windana.
Jason shares how he overcame his fears, how the program allowed him to open up emotionally, and how he rediscovered his love of writing.
“I needed to find a new meaning for what living is. I was trying to get back to myself”
Content advisory – this e...
2024-06-1010 min
Stories of RecoveryChris' Story“Recovery is about opportunities”
In this episode, Windana Therapeutic Community graduate Chris speaks about his struggles with self-esteem and negative self-talk, and the importance of honesty.
Chris shares his realisation that he’s worthy of the love of his friends, his family, and himself.
“I feel like me again”
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and self-harm.
Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)
Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound
2024-06-0312 min
Stories of RecoveryMark's StoryGrief defined Mark’s early life in Launceston. His mother died when he was only 1 year old, and he lost his brother at 15. Depression and alcohol dependence defined the next decades of his life.
Mark found purpose through marriage, raising a daughter, and his career as an ambulance driver, but couldn’t escape these conditions.
In our Grampians Therapeutic Community, Mark found himself where he needed to be.
“It’s a beautiful experience to go through change and recognise the change in yourself… everyone’s worthy of having the opportunity to be the best version...
2024-05-2814 min
Stories of RecoveryMarie's StoryIn this episode, Marie shares how a dependence on pain killers saw her life spiral out of control. Following a stint in rehab, a relapse saw her separated from her husband as well as the involvement of Child Protection.
Facing homelessness, and serious health and mental health issues, Marie entered a Windana Therapeutic Community.
Marie speaks about her journey, repairing her marriage and relationship with her family, and finding a balance.
“Doing something like this – you’ve got nothing to lose. That life is no life”
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use a...
2024-05-2115 min
Stories of RecoveryLee's story“Life is about growing, and you’re never too old to change.”
Lee felt terrified going to an all-girls high school, a feeling he didn’t understand until coming out as trans. Struggling with pain and depression, Lee turn to drugs and alcohol. Following a suicide attempt, Lee realised that he “didn’t want to die, I just didn’t know how to live.”
Lee shares the advice that helped him stay in rehab following a relapse, what continues to give him hope, and learning how to “get busy living.”
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug...
2024-05-1412 min
Stories of RecoveryAdam's Story“I didn't even know what feelings were....and couldn’t express them to anyone.”
After a promising basketball career was cut short by injury, Adam managed to pull himself back from the brink, starting a family and his own business. After a series of personal setbacks, including the death of his beloved father, his drug usage got out of control.
In rehab, Adam was able to turn things around, learning how to express himself and his own self-worth.
He’s even planning on returning as a volunteer, helping others in the program.
“It’s...
2024-05-0711 min
Stories of RecoveryNicholas' StoryMeet Nicholas, in our brand new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast.
Nicholas is a chef, a world traveller, and a graduate from one of Windana’s Therapeutic Communities. After 33 years of dependence, Nicholas reflects on his newfound sobriety, the value of community, and what he’s learned.
“It gets easier… you start to gain everything back, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it happens”
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use.
Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)
Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert Sound
2024-04-3011 min
Stories of RecoveryIntroducing Season 2 of Stories of RecoveryWelcome to the new season of Stories of Recovery.
Stories of Recovery shines a light on residents at Windana who share their unique stories, lived experience and insights on dependence and recovery.
Our second season introduces you to Nicholas, Adam, Marie and others on their journeys of recovery – no two stories are the same but each is a moving portrait of resilience and hope.
The new season of Stories of Recovery begins next week.
2024-04-2301 min
Stories of RecoveryStarbuck’s StoryIn this episode, you’ll hear from *Starbuck Visnu – a graduated Windana Therapeutic Community resident - about how he’s always searched for a sense of belonging in all the places he’s found himself.
He shares how his drug use escalated over time, what kept him in rehab, and how this transformed his relationship with his trauma.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use, physical abuse and includes course language.
Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)
Post-edit sound engineer - Mark Lambert...
2023-04-1210 min
Stories of RecoveryMick’s Story"For men, the quicker you learn to drop the armour...break down the barriers and learn that its OK to show your feelings and emotions [you'll see that] is really what being a man is."
In this episode, you’ll hear from *Mick, a Koori/Māori Windana TC graduate, who speaks about his journey of unlearning what it means to be a man.
Growing up in an environment where being vulnerable was seen as a weakness, he had to do the hard work of breaking down his barriers in the support of the therapeutic com...
2023-04-1211 min
Stories of RecoveryMichael’s Story“…its not an easy journey, but please don’t give up on anyone, or yourself because change is possible.”
In this episode you’ll hear from a former Windana Therapeutic Community resident, 30 year-old *Michael, about his challenges as a teenager, the moment he decided he no longer wanted to be in jail, and what he did when he was close to being discharged from rehab.
Michael shares what he’s looking forward to after rehab and gives advice to those who are supporting someone through addiction and recovery.
*name changed for privacy
C...
2023-03-2809 min
Stories of RecoveryOliver’s StoryIn this episode, you’ll hear from young Aboriginal man and Windana graduate *Oliver. He faced many challenges in his childhood and teenage years before entering one of Windana’s Therapeutic Communities, but he shares how his determination has helped him through.
Oliver speaks about breaking intergenerational cycles and the consistent work it has taken to be the first in his family to reach certain milestones.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use, abuse, homophobia and contains course language.
Produced and recorded by - Gaby Ge...
2023-03-2111 min
Stories of RecoveryGwen’s Story“Recovery is about connection…talking to people who were like-minded helped me learn how to trust.”
*Gwen is an AOD Worker on her own journey of recovery. She shares her insights of recovery, the impacts of being diagnosed with PTSD and the importance of connection.
She speaks about the struggles of being a mother in recovery, and her passion for supporting other women and mothers through their recovery.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory – this episode discusses drug use and contains course language.
Produced and recorded b...
2023-03-1409 min
Stories of RecoveryOrlando’s Story“It’s not just about getting off the grog…it’s about healing. People just need to be given a chance.”
In this episode, Windana Therapeutic Community graduate *Orlando speaks about how he and his family were affected by the early and sudden death of his brother. In his teens Orlando explains he developed ‘maladaptive coping mechanisms’ and injured his back which impacted him for 30 years, causing a snow-ball effect of alcohol and drug use.
After a ‘moment of clarity’, he called his GP to help him begin a rehabilitation program. He shares what he’s learned from being...
2023-03-0710 min
Stories of RecoveryEduardo’s StoryIn this episode peer support worker and LGBTIQ+ advocate *Eduardo talks about his early life on the streets of Brisbane and Sydney after being forced out of home as a teen because he of his sexuality.
He talks about what it means to live a happy life after addiction, the importance of language, and why he decided to become a peer support worker. His story speaks to the power of connecting with people, the strength of community and finding your passion in life.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory – this episode dis...
2023-02-2816 min
Stories of RecoveryRachel’s Story"...rehab is a place of healing..."
In this episode you’ll hear the story of former resident, *Rachel. She shares why she went to rehab, what’s kept her in recovery and how she’s dealt with setbacks along the way.
You’ll hear how she felt when she first started her recovery, and how she’s grown as a person since being at the TC.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory - this episode discusses drug use
Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)...
2023-02-2109 min
Stories of RecoveryDavid’s Story"...recovery is about treating people with kindness, not persecution."
In this episode, you’ll hear the story of Grampians TC resident *David - a “big traveller” and musician who found solace in an acoustic guitar.
He shares how his outlook on addiction and it's link with mental health has changed over time, and what his journey at Windana has looked like.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory - this episode discusses drug use
Produced and recorded by - Gaby Georges (@gab_georges)
Post-edit sound engineer...
2023-02-1412 min
Stories of RecoveryCupido’s StoryIn this episode, you’ll hear the story of *Cupido, who recently graduated from a Windana Therapeutic Community. Cupido was 6 months into his recovery at the time of this interview. While he was resistant to long-term rehab in the beginning, a graduation he attended on his second day changed his perspective.
Cupido reflects on the early stages of his recovery, how he’s grown to like himself, and how he’s dealt with his perfectionism and depression.
*name changed for privacy
Content advisory - this episode discusses drug use
Produced and record...
2023-02-0710 minStories of RecoveryStories of Recovery - Coming soonStories of Recovery features real stories from residents and staff of Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery. In these episodes, they share their unique stories, lived experience and insights on addiction and recovery.
This series was produced on the lands of the Kulin Nation and we pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging, and any First Nations people listening.
2023-01-2400 min
At The CCCAt The CCC - Breakups in RecoverySend us a textA conversation about "Break Ups in Recovery" with special guest Stu FentonStuart Fenton (Stu) was most recently Program Manager at the Windana Therapeutic Community in Ballarat, Australia prior to that he was the Program Director at R12, an LGBT+ dedicated destination rehab facility, part of The Cabin Addiction Services Group located in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Stu is a Gestalt Therapist and has facilitated his own private psychotherapy practice for the last 15 years working predominantly with gay men and gay men’s issues.This June he will pr...
2022-08-0943 min
Everyday Medicine with Dr LukeEpisode 53. Drug Harm Reduction with Gyu LeeIn this podcast we have a conversation with Gyu Lee who works with Victoria Alcohol and Drug Counselling Service as a harm reduction practitioner managing patients in the community who have developed addictions to both alcohol and drugs. Management techniques include close engagement with referred clients and an approach based on:
· Behavioural modification
· Pharmaceutical intervention
· Job rehabilitation
Whilst there has been a reduction in methamphetamine use in Australia from 2001 to 2019 use of cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA – ecstasy) have both increased. These drugs combined with alcohol addiction pose major social problems for our c...
2021-11-0823 min
The Donna Marie Podcast - Embody Your Greatness, Amplify Your Voice, Leave A LegacyWith Guest Fabian Adami- 'Movement is medicine, bodywork is maintenance'- The power of reconnecting men to their bodiesFabian discovered bodywork & yoga when he turned to the complimentary health world in the midst of addiction and PTSD.
The changes in his life were so dramatic that he decided to leave academia and re-train as a therapist.
He spent a year in Melbourne, Australia, studying Remedial Massage at Endeavour College of Natural Health. During his training, Fabian worked with Victorian Premiership Rugby Union team Harlequin FC, and volunteered at the Windana Centre, a prestigious addiction clinic in Australia known for its' willingness to combine complimentary therapies with allopathic medicine.
2021-03-261h 12
Straight From the Source - a podcast by APSUAOD services during COVID-19 - A resident at Windana's therapeutic community The world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences.Our guest in the final episode of this miniseries is a resident at Windana's therapeutic community.Much has changed at Maryknoll, where Windana's residential facility - often referred to as 'the farm' - is situated. By this account, the community is holding up well, with staff and re...
2020-07-2929 min
Straight From the SourceAOD services during COVID-19 - A resident at Windana's therapeutic communityThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our guest in the final episode of this miniseries is a resident at Windana's therapeutic community. Much has changed at Maryknoll, where Windana's residential facility - often referred to as 'the farm' - is situated. By this account, the community is holding up well, with staff and residents alike proving hi...
2020-07-2929 minStraight From the Source - a podcast by APSUFrank - Living through heroin At a young age, Frank left a violent family home to enter Melbourne's bikie scene, discovering along the way that heroin enabled him to thrive in a hostile environment. The criminal lifestyle offered a steady supply of his drug of choice but eventually wore him down, setting him on a 10-year path to recovery.Frank reflects on his past with honesty, humour and insight - qualities that shape his present life, which includes being a peer worker at Windana.The address that Frank gives at the end is for...
2020-03-131h 01Straight From the SourceFrank - Living through heroinAt a young age, Frank left a violent family home to enter Melbourne's bikie scene, discovering along the way that heroin enabled him to thrive in a hostile environment. The criminal lifestyle offered a steady supply of his drug of choice but eventually wore him down, setting him on a 10-year path to recovery. Frank reflects on his past with honesty, humour and insight - qualities that shape his present life, which includes being a peer worker at Windana. The address that Frank gives at the end is for the Windana Therapeutic Community, loca...
2020-03-121h 01