More than a safe space – recovery services centres like Moonyah are helping addicts get back on their feet
Amongst The Salvation Army’s numerous initiatives, its recovery services are one of its most vital. Recovery services centres like Moonyah in Brisbane’s northern suburbs are a vital source of support for addicts, families and significant others whose lives have been affected by addiction. Moonyah Centre Manager Elisah Lemon fills us in on the centre’s ongoing work and why communities should donate for The Red Shield Appeal in 2025.
What is Moonyah?
In the heart of Brisbane, tucked away in a quiet corner of Red Hill, is a place called Moonyah—a word from the Gubbi Gubbi people meaning “a safe place.” For those of us who work here, and those who walk through our doors, Moonyah is exactly that: a safe place to rebuild, to reconnect, and to recover. Moonyah is the Salvation Army’s Brisbane Recovery Services Centre, offering residential alcohol and other drug treatment for men and women whose lives have been deeply impacted by addiction. But what we offer isn’t just a program—it’s a lifeline.
Who uses Moonyah?
You might like
Every day, we see people arrive here at rock bottom from all walks of life. Many have lost family, employment, housing, and most painfully—hope. Through our evidence- based treatment, and community-based living, we help people rediscover purpose. We walk with them through the hardest, most transformative parts of their journey. But this work is only possible with consistent and adequate funding. Yet as demand continues to rise, our resources are being stretched thin. The cost of running a high-quality, trauma-informed recovery program—complete with medical support, trained staff, accommodation, and aftercare—is significant.
Why should the community donate to The Red Shield Appeal in 2025?
Every dollar invested in recovery saves exponentially more in healthcare, law enforcement, and social services down the line. But more importantly, it gives people the chance to live with dignity and hope. Moonyah means a safe place—but for that safety to be real, it has to be protected, sustained, and resourced.
For more information on recovery services centres like Moonyah, head to The Salvation Army website. To make a donation towards The Red Shield appeal, click here.
