Frequently Asked Questions

The Buttery headquarters are located in Binna Burra on Bundjalung Country, Byron Bay Shire NSW. Our residential rehabilitation is hosted on site, while our other programs are spread across Northern New South Wales, from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie. 

We offer treatment for all illicit drugs, prescribed legal drugs and alcohol.

A Therapeutic Community relies on a self-help approach within a supportive community environment – like The Buttery. In fact, the ability to recover is often directly related to the support of an understanding group. It’s about offering a safe, nurturing space that fosters personal growth and behavioural change so that people can realise a sense of self-worth, learn the living skills that we often take for granted and take their place in society.

If you are seeking residential treatment, please contact the Intake Team to book a phone assessment, this assessment can take up to 1 hour. If you are seeking residential treatment on behalf of a loved one, you can contact the Intake Team for details about our programs, however that person must make contact to book a phone assessment for themselves.

The Residential programs at Binna Burra (TC and OTP) can offer treatment to up to 33 people at any one time.

There are three stages of the program - the first stage is 3 months, the second stage is 3 months, and the third stage is 6 weeks.

No.

The majority of people self-refer either because they have heard of The Buttery, seen it on the Web or been recommended to them by a friend or ex-resident. Other sources of referral include other drug and alcohol agencies, doctors and community counsellors. You do not have to be referred by a doctor, however we may request access to medical reports during our assessment process. Full details of how to apply are on this website. Phone 02 6687 1111 during business hours for more information or email intake@buttery.org.au

Yes they can reapply and then join the waiting list until a bed becomes available. 

Does it only cater for local people?
Buttery residents are drawn from all over NSW.

The waitlist times for our programs vary and depend on each person’s individual situation and our current vacancies. Please contact the intake team to discuss the requirements to be ready for admission and our bed availability.

The Buttery reviews each potential resident for suitability, including clinical need and risk. Please contact the Intake Team to discuss your specific situation. A phone assessment will need to be undertaken by the person incarcerated, however with their consent The Buttery can liaise with you on their behalf.

Residents are not able to store their vehicles onsite, however on admission and discharge day temporary parking is available for pick-up and drop-off.

No pets are permitted at our residential service and our residential service has no animals onsite.

Our residential service is between 3 and 7.5 months in duration. Family visits are not permitted during the first 3 months of treatment and facilitated in the final stages. Residents with dependent children have individualised family contact arrangements in consultation with their Case Manager.

Residents start their day with morning program which includes physical exercise and activities of daily living. Groups run from 8.45am to 4pm and include psychoeducation, therapy, case management and activities such as yoga, choir and art. Evenings may include attending 12-step meetings, attending a house meeting or having free time. Weekends include day trips such as to the beach.

Yes, with a person of the same gender.

85% of a full Centrelink benefit, or equivalent for those not on Centrelink. We can facilitate Centrelink liaison onsite.

No.

Yes. Visitors are permitted in the second and third stages of the program in consultation with Case Manager and community.

No.

Yes, those who have the means can pay an upfront fee to gain early access to the non-funded beds for up to 3mths and avoid any waitlist. Please contact the Intake Team for further details.