“I have been an addict for 24 years. Walking through the gates of the Farm, I was an angry, defiant, dishonest, sad, lonely and selfish man. I had so much guilt and shame. I was reckless and had no regard for anyone else, nor myself. I was a completely broken man, had lost my mother and was on the way to losing my life.

For the first three weeks here I didn’t sleep much at all and I really struggled to cope. I honestly thought I would never be able to beat this demon of mine…addiction.

But then something happened. I decided to completely surrender myself to the Palmerston therapeutic community program. From that day on, something amazing happened. My life started to change. Using community as method in our daily groups, and the many one-on-one counselling sessions, I grew more than I ever have as a person. I finally got to explore deep within myself and get back to my core values that I lost so many years ago.

I have gained back broken relationships with my wife, my father, my sister, her husband and son. It’s amazing to have those connections back, and I’m sure my mum is looking down on me, a very proud mother.

Writing this now, I’m very proud to say that I’m 107 days clean. I am excited to face the future with the tools I have learnt here. You saved my life.”

Steve

“Thank you so much for your support over the year with my son’s problems. As he continues his journey each day he is more like the person I know and love.”

Claire

 “I understand I still have a long way to go in my recovery and can never afford to be complacent. But for the first time in many, many years I have the confidence and commitment to lead a happy and productive life.”

Matt

“A rollercoaster, I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I’ve been angry, I’ve been sad. But I am learning how to be assertive, deal with stress. I’ve learnt to be happy without drugs. RECOVERY IS HARD.”

Alex

“I loved the courage of the people sharing their personal stories. I loved the honesty. I felt that it was great to be amongst other families who are feeling the same and we don’t need to be alone, best to share with others.”

Susan

“Having initially been intimidated by the idea of living in a large community of complete strangers, that anxiety faded within the first two weeks. I have benefitted beyond belief from the insight provided by fellow residents and clinical members.”

Ridley

 “This is the first time I have spoken about this in front of people. I feel I do not need to hide any more. Thank you.”

Jen

 “It evolves as I get further from that day…early days it was about just don’t pick up…now it’s family, relationships, independence, financial independence and management of behaviours.”

Josie

Today is a good day. No, actually today is a great day. It is Saturday 12 o’clock and so far things have been perfect and the rest of the day is looking the same. The morning started with coffee and cartoons on the lounge with my girlfriend.
Click to read Patrick’s story

HipHop Katanning – Palmerston is proud to have been part of this video with Indigenous Hip Hop Projects, supported by Allens Law firm. The awesome kids at Katanning Senior High School have excelled in putting this brilliant video together:

“I’m not into drinking I’m not into drugs STAND STRONG Gotta make a change STAND STRONG.”