The Solid Steps AOD Recovery Program is a partnership between Palmerston Association and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation, funded by the Department of Justice.
The program supports men to break the cycle of addiction to alcohol and other drugs (AOD) within a modified therapeutic community environment.
Solid Steps Program
Alcohol And Other Drug Prison Program
Located in the Mallee Unit within Casuarina Prison, this voluntary program is aimed at males aged 18+ from all cultural backgrounds.
The program offers a safe, healthy, supportive and respectful place to recover and make positive lasting changes that will support people in their life outside of prison. The program also focuses on helping them to prepare for a solid and safe return back to the community and in reconnecting with their supports outside.
The program is for clients from all cultures and backgrounds who are motivated to break the cycle of drug and alcohol addictions and take some new steps forward in life.
Joshua’s Journey: Abridged Speech from the Solid Steps Program Graduation
“My name is Joshua, I’m 32, and I’m currently serving 2 years, 10 months for the sell and supply of methamphetamine. Growing up in a loving household, things changed when my parents divorced at 14. I started using marijuana to cope, left school at 15, and moved into stronger drugs like ecstasy and meth. By 23, meth became an everyday escape from a toxic 10-year relationship and feelings of worthlessness.
At 26, I lost my job and turned to theft, then drug dealing by 29. I thought I was living the ‘good life’, but I was spiralling—trust and loyalty didn’t exist, my mental health deteriorated, and my drug use worsened until I was arrested. My sentence, though hard, became a blessing in disguise.
Coming to the Mallee Unit and the Solid Steps Program was a turning point. I realised I needed to change, and this program gave me the space, tools, and support to do so. Through the program, I’ve regained my confidence and rediscovered my sense of self-worth—two things I’d been missing for almost a decade. I’ve learned strategies to manage life’s challenges without turning to drugs, and I’ve built a foundation for a future I can be proud of. I no longer see myself as broken or lost, but as a strong, capable man with hope and direction.
For the first time in years, I’m excited about what’s ahead. I’ve changed the course of my life, and I know this change is real and lasting. To the rest of the participants in the program: believe in yourselves and the journey. I promise you, the way I feel now—proud, hopeful, and alive—is something you can experience too.”
Client Feedback:
A recent Solid Steps graduate completed this wonderful piece of artwork and presented it at his graduation to reflect on his journey, not only through the program but through life.
He based the artwork off a quote he had recently heard, “May we let our pasts not define us, and let our want for change unite us, so we can embrace our futures as a more refined us”.
He also wrote the following, to accompany his art piece, and his reflection of the quote:
What is a normal life? I for one couldn’t tell you and I don’t know many people that could. One thing I can tell you for sure though is that addiction doesn’t care and does not discriminate. So, it is not a question of whose life was normal, or whose life was better, or whose life was harder, but more a realisation that addiction has brought us all here together in one way or another.
How do I get started?
Interested participants will need to speak to their Department of Justice Case Management Coordinator for more information about being assessed as suitable for the program.
Click on the link below for more information.
If you need urgent help
We are not an emergency service. If you are hurt, or worried about someone’s safety, or you need immediate support please call 000 (Ambulance, Police, Fire Brigade) or present to your closest emergency department.
