A Brief History of the Maroondah Addictions Recovery Project (MARP)

The inaugural meeting of MARP was held at Maroondah Social Health Centre in June 1976 with the primary purpose being to establish a community project of a half way house for alcoholics in response to the non existence of facilities in the Outer East. Reference was made to the Rathcoole experiment in England. A Committee was formed on this date which agreed to the setting up of a dry house for 6 – 8 men close to Maroondah Social Health Centre and public transport. MSH approved that MARP become part of its detached program and use of its postal address and Centre as a meeting place. MSH would provide therapy (counselling) and volunteers would visit, talk to, and take residents to AA meetings. Staff would consist of a non-resident, non-practicing alcoholic and possibility of a part time housekeeper/cook.

In May 1977, after considerable fundraising efforts MARPs first property for men, to be called 'Croydonbridge' was established and the first co-ordinator was appointed. It took until January 1978 to raise the funds for a second property, for women to be established 'Baybridge'

By October 1978 the organisation was battling along unaided by any form of government financial support and a deputation consisting of Peter Steer, Marilyn Hage, Dr. Eve Addis, Dr. Santamaria and Dame Phillis Frost met with Premier Hamer who stated he would do his best to get "MARP adopted by a department". Relief did not appear until December 1979 when $5000 was received from the Premiers Department to supplement a $5000 FACS grant for the upcoming year. In addition the Health Commission advised a grant of $15500 on the strict understanding it is a one off.

Thus MARP battled on from year to year, constantly evolving and developing, with a sound, strong program and recorded 'success rate' and still constantly having to apply to the State Government on a year to year basis for funds to eek out their existence.

In 1997, in response to the tendering process for services instigated by Jeff Kennett, MARP was finally able to gain recurring funding for 8 Residential Rehabilitation and 20 Supported Accommodation Beds and became an alcohol as well as other drugs treatment service. Although this was good news the small size of the Residential Rehabilitation (intensive 24 hr staffed) program has created strains on finance due to 'economy of scale', and MARP continues to battle financially from year to year.

In 2000 the Administration Centre was moved to 17 Clarke Street, Lilydale into a DHS purpose built building where we are expected to pay a peppercorn rent and a share of expenses.

MARP continues to supply a niche service in the alcohol and drug treatment service system and due to its small size is able to provide an individualised treatment program which is particularly suitable for some clients who are not suited to the broader treatment system. For example, the older client and/or dual diagnosis clients suffering from the higher prevalence disorders such as anxiety/depression. It operates with a strong group program and highly skilled, dedicated and experienced staff and has an excellent treatment history in the Service Sector.