Windana

In November, we announced our merger with Windana allowing us to deliver connected services for more people in need. We are very pleased to share that the merger is now complete! We have retired the TaskForce name - and are now known simply as Windana
All our services will continue to be delivered at the same locations and by the same staff.
However we will no longer monitor or update this page, and will close it down in the near future. Please follow Windana for any news and updates on our services, we're excited to show you what we have in store for the future!

A white powder sold as co***ne contains a potentially life-threatening substance, protonitazene, which is 100 times more potent than he**in.

Protonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid that can produce dangerous sedative effects such as loss of consciousness and breathing difficulties.

If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an adverse reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

To learn more about this drug alert visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4cnoA72

Meet 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 uncomfortable moments, the challenges, the hard parts”
Listen to Nikola’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

Growing 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”
Listen to Jason’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

“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”
Listen to Chris’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

Grief 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 Windana's 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 of themselves”
Listen to Chris’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

In 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”
Listen to Marie’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the
Windana website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

Today is IDAHOBIT – the international day against LGBTIQ+ discrimination.

It’s a day to celebrate diversity - and how far we’ve come towards inclusion. However, it's also a day to acknowledge that in 2024, LGBTIQ+ individuals and communities still face discrimination - and that we need to take steps to champion inclusion year-round.

Respect and growth are two of our core values – and guide us to ensure our services are welcoming of all people.

An important part of this ongoing journey is working towards Rainbow Tick Accreditation. This is about making meaningful change across our organisation so that we can offer safe, inclusive and affirming services to members of LGBTIQ+ communities.

To learn more about the significance of IDAHOBIT and how you can get involved, head to:
https://www.idahobit.org.au/



[Image: The Progress Pride flag with text "You are welcome here."]

“Life is about growing, and you’re never too old to change.”
Meet Lee in a special IDAHOBIT week episode of Stories of Recovery.
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 su***de 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.”
Listen to Lee’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the Windana website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

‘My AOD Journey’ is a painting from Windana's Community Studio Art Therapy group.

Each of the many colours represents a time of learning for the artist, who says the painting is about reflection – and asking “How am I feeling? Where do I want to go? Am I OK?”

To see the beautiful, diverse paintings from the Artful Balance Online Exhibition, head to the website: www.artfulbalanceexhibition.com

[Image description: A rectangular painting with layers of spots in many different colours.]

“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 like what it says on the sign outside – it’s life changing"
Listen to Adam’s story in Stories of Recovery on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the website.

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

Meet 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”
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to the website.

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

Announcing the second 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.
We’ll be releasing a new episode each week for 8 weeks.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or head to our website:

Stories of Recovery podcast - new season out now - Windana Announcing the new season of the Stories of Recovery podcast, sharing residents' unique stories, lived experience and insights on recovery.

There’s been plenty of achievement lately in our ResetLife program!

Over the past few weeks, participants have graduated from the program in Cranbourne and Frankston. For each client, this means monumental growth through setting and accomplishing goals, with guidance from the ResetLife team and peers.

Congratulations to all graduates! To mark the occasion, we hold celebrations where friends and family are welcome, and participants can review their progress, make plans and have fun.

As a token to remember their achievements and ongoing goals, graduates receive a ResetLife bear (pictured here) for signing by the team and peers, a keyring and a certificate.

If you’re interested in learning how the ResetLife program can be a part of your alcohol or drug recovery, you can follow the links below to information about our adult and youth programs:

For adults:
https://taskforce.org.au/adult/resetlife/

For young people:
https://taskforce.org.au/youth/resetlife/

You can also call us on 03 9532 0811 or email [email protected]. For drug and alcohol referrals and counselling around the clock, you can also call DirectLine on 1800 888 236.

This beautiful painting is called ‘Inner Paradise’ and comes from the Windana Artful Balance Exhibition.

The artist describes their work as being about “Rebirth and reflections.”

In the online Artful Balance Exhibition, you can appreciate art created in Windana’s Community Studio art groups – where clients explore the healing power of art with peers and our Art Therapist. Most pieces in the exhibition are for sale, with all money going back to the artist.

See the inspiring work and stories at www.artfulbalanceexhibition.com

[Image description: An abstract painting of a face surrounded by bold colours – red, orange, blue, yellow and green.]

A pink and white capsule sold as ‘3C-P’ in Melbourne contains the potent opioid protonitazene.

Protonitazene is a novel synthetic opioid that can produce life-threatening toxic effects in very small amounts. It has a potency over 100 times that of he**in.

If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

To learn more about this drug alert, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4bOTJ3g

An off-white powder sold as ‘2C-B’ contains two synthetic drugs with a high risk of toxic effects.

This product was recently detected in the ACT and is understood to be circulating in Victoria. It presents as a white or off-white powder that may be ‘clumped’ and may come in a clear gel capsule.

If you experience adverse drug effects, or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero (000).

To learn more about this drug alert or to see the image for more detail visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/49KmTPi

Wow! Our ResetLife Youth team were so grateful for the beautiful donation of 15 quilts from Bay Quilters Inc. Within just 10 minutes of the quilts arriving, one was eagerly snapped up by a very grateful young person! We really appreciate your support and generosity, and thank you to Community Bank Highett for making this possible. ResetLife really brings the whole community together to achieve amazing results for our clients. To find out more go to https://taskforce.org.au/youth/resetlife/

Struggling with addictive behaviours?

Whether it's alcohol and drug misuse, smoking, gambling, eating issues, online habits, or other addiction, SMART Recovery can support you to achieve a more balanced life ⚖️

TaskForce runs youth sessions at Frankston and Moorabbin and adult sessions at Bentleigh.

Want to find out more?
Youth groups ➡️ taskforce.org.au/youth/smart-recovery
Adult group ➡️ taskforce.org.au/adult/smart-recovery

Yesterday, the Windana and TaskForce team were PROUD to celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities at the 2024 Midsumma Festival Pride March.

Under the sunshine, the atmosphere was bright as we shared the message that everyone is welcome at our services.

Check out a photo of the day below!

Our organisation is currently working towards Rainbow Health Australia’s Rainbow Tick Accreditation. This means we’re looking at what we do right across our programs, and how we do it, so we can continuously improve in offering safe, inclusive and affirming services for the LGBTIQ+ community.

We look forward to sharing key milestones with you along the journey!

[Image description: The Windana and TaskForce team standing under the Midsumma Pride March banner. They’re holding a banner that reads “Everyone is welcome” and some are holding round signs with the Windana and TaskForce logos on them.]

Lost your licence due to a drink or drug driving offence?

We are an approved VicRoads provider of Driver Behaviour Change programs, which help people through their relicencing process to get back to the road safely.

Programs we deliver:
🟡 Drink Driver BCP
🟡 Drug Driver BCP
🟡 Intensive BCP
🟡 Pre Interlock Removal
🟡 Interlock Exemption

Visit taskforce.org.au/bcp to find out more about this service, or book yours today at taskforce.org.au/book-now 🔗

Advocacy that changes lives ✨

The Living Free Project support girls and women who are at risk or in contact with the justice system so they can realise their true potential 💪

This program focuses on the participants' strengths and creates opportunities so they can thrive, while also helping them to overcome barriers and address multiple factors contributing to their contact with the justice system.

Learn more about the wonderful work the Living Free Project does at taskforce.org.au/living-free 🔗

Need employment support?

RealCareers helps job seekers in the city of Greater Dandenong to find and keep employment.

Some of the areas our RealCareers mentors can help:
🔸 Build skills through training
🔸 Seek job opportunities
🔸 Apply for a job
🔸 Write a CV
🔸 Prepare for interviews
🔸 Overcome barriers

RealCareers is delivered in partnership with Afri-Aus Care and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, and it is supported by Jobs Victoria.

Find out more at taskforce.org.au/employment-services 🔗

Discover our Care and Recovery Coordination program ✨

CRC aims to support individuals to live safe, healthy and independent lives.

Through outreach support, this program delivers integrated treatment and care to those in the highest need or greatest risk associated with alcohol and drug misuse. It also connects individuals to other supports to address their specific needs, such as health, housing and legal services.

Visit taskforce.org.au/crc 🔗 and learn more about our Care and Recovery Coordination program

Yesterday Windana and TaskForce had our very first stall at the Midsumma Festival Festival Carnival, on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Land in Alexandra Gardens.

We had many great conversation with people about the diverse services we offer, spread the message about harm reduction and shared some key info on recognising overdose and calling for help.

In a short harm reduction quiz at our stall, 89% of people supported legalised drug checking in Victoria. Evidence shows knowledge of harms helps people make safer choices – so drug checking is something we strongly support.

We also found that 43% of people who took the quiz did not know that when you’ve called for emergency medical help in relation to drugs – you CANNOT be arrested or charged for having consuming drugs.

It’s essential to know that you can call 000 for help if you or a friend needs it – and you can’t be arrested or charged for having taken drugs.

If you’re interested in learning about harm reduction for different substances, visit Harm Reduction Victoria’s website (www.hrvic.org.au) or check out the ‘Reducing Risk’ section of Alcohol and Drug Foundations’ website (https://adf.org.au/).

We wish everyone a safe and happy Midsumma Festival – and hope to see you as we join the Pride March on 4 February.

[Image descriptions: Two photos of the Windana and TaskForce stand in a white tent, containing Progress Pride flags and banners with text “Everyone is welcome”. People stand smiling in front of the stand].

Nine people recently became unwell after using M**A at a music event. Some were also exposed to PMMA, synthetic cathinones and/or methamphetamine.

Consuming these substances at a hot, humid music event will increase the risk of life-threatening hyperthermia. If you’re at a festival, seek out the First Aid Service – these services often provide a very high level of emergency care. Their assistance can be the difference between life and death.

If you, or someone else, experience a bad or unexpected reaction to any substance, call Triple Zero (000) immediately for help.

For more information and the signs of drug-related hyperthermia, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/48HDJOs

Have you heard of our First Peoples' Healing Program? 💡

Oriented to individuals who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and their immediate family, this program provides support around concerns related to Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD).

🟡 Cultural lens that acknowledges the individual's own journey.
🟡 Incorporates First Peoples’ supports identified within the community
🟡 Supports connection to self, Mob and Country

Find out more about this program at taskforce.org.au/first-peoples or contact our dedicated team at [email protected]

The Living Free Project is a lifesaving – and life changing – service supporting girls and young women in the Frankston area and wider Mornington Peninsula.

Lisa Abbott (Executive Manager Social Impact and Growth), Lyanne Morel (Lived Experience Advocate) and Andrea McLeod (CEO) recently spoke to The Guardian about why this work is so important, and Lyanne shares her first-hand involvement with Living Free in 2019.

“For two years, they helped me receive support for mental health, for housing and I got myself to a stable place. Without all those services at the one time, engaging with me, I would not have got to that point,” Lyanne says.

Now, Morel has her daughter full-time and is TaskForce’s first lived experience advocate.

CEO Andrea McLeod, says the results of Living Free “speaks for itself”.

“It changes these girls’ trajectory,” she says.

Read more -

‘They honestly saved my life’: the Victorian project saving girls from the cycle of exploitation and abuse Living Free is having such a profound positive effect that there are calls to expand it across the state, yet it is still to be permanently funded

If you or someone you know is struggling with addictive behaviours, SMART Recovery is here to guide you toward a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life ✨

We deliver this program for Adults (18+) in Bentleigh and for young people (11-25) in Frankston and Moorabbin

Want more information?
🟠 Youth groups > taskforce.org.au/youth/smart-recovery
🟠 Adult group > taskforce.org.au/adult/smart-recovery

New program alert! ✨‍

Discover RealCareers, an employment mentorship program that offers tailored help to jobseekers in the city of Greater Dandenong.

Whether help is needed with building skills, job application, CV writing or interview preparation, our experienced mentors are ready to assist in any area to overcome barriers and get participants job-ready 💼📑

Find out more at taskforce.org.au/employment-services