History
The Women’s Alcohol and Drug Advisory Centre Incorporated trades as Jarrah House. We are an independent non-government organisation and registered charity.
In 1984, a conference was held in Sydney to develop strategies for improving services for women with drug and alcohol dependence concerns. The conference gave resounding support for the construction of a specialist women’s only detoxification unit, which also provided childcare facilities.
Funding was received in 1987 as part of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse to open a specialised service. Along with some state government funding, the service operated from the grounds of Canterbury Hospital for several years. It then moved to the Prince Henry hospital site at Little Bay; opening in mid-2005.
Jarrah House is now primarily funded by state and commonwealth funding, together with a contribution from consumers, short term specialised grants from government, business and foundations, and low-bono and pro-bono support from a wide range of businesses and community members and organisations.