Grow Residential Rehab

Leah byme

1

In my experience, this facility operates through coercion, surveillance, and punishment rather than therapeutic care. I was a resident for over eight months. During that time, I observed consistent patterns that raise serious ethical and safety concerns. Many positive reviews are written by residents still in the program. Reviews were strongly encouraged and i see names that were definitely residents. Phone access was repeatedly promised as a reward for compliance and then withheld. Despite remaining in the program for an extended period, I never regained access to my phone. Support for residents was minimal. Staff primarily enforced rules and punishments rather than providing meaningful therapeutic care. I was repeatedly instructed to participate in situations that I identified as traumatic or destabilising, framed as “treatment.” When I expressed distress or declined, I experienced negative consequences. A rigid hierarchy among residents was actively reinforced. Residents perceived as being in higher standing were encouraged to monitor and report on others. This resulted in punishments for minor infractions such as swearing or being late. The environment fostered fear, compliance, and division rather than safety or recovery. I observed that many residents who stayed long-term appeared to struggle significantly with functioning outside the program. Others left abruptly once they recognised these patterns. Relapse was common. Staff openly acknowledged this to residents, stating that long-term success was rare. When residents attempted to leave, significant pressure was applied to remain. Privileges were repeatedly promised and delayed, creating an ongoing incentive to stay longer. This resulted in residents continuing unpaid labour under the belief that compliance would eventually be rewarded. There were also concerning safety and welfare issues. Residents were expected to address maintenance and safety hazards themselves. Animals on the property appeared to lack consistent access to food and veterinary care. At times, residents themselves experienced food shortages due to failed or delayed orders, despite the facility continuing to operate and accept payments. The only aspect I found remotely beneficial was DBT, which is widely available elsewhere without the surrounding conditions described above. Based on what I experienced and observed, I believe this environment is psychologically harmful and undermines autonomy and recovery. I would strongly caution anyone considering this program to seek alternatives.

Sun bac

1

My experience at the Grow rehabilitation facility was extremely disappointing and fell far below the standard of care I expected from a professional treatment service. While I am grateful to now be one year clean and sober after attending another rehabilitation program, my time at Grow did not contribute positively to my recovery journey. During my stay, there appeared to be a lack of structured therapeutic programming. Meaningful counselling sessions or educational classes were limited, while the schedule for farm work was consistently enforced. This created the impression that labour was prioritised over evidence-based treatment and recovery support. I also found the conduct of some staff members especially **Lauren and Mia** to be unprofessional and, at times, intimidating. Interactions often felt controlling rather than supportive, and residents were sometimes treated in a manner that felt dismissive of their concerns. In my experience, there was little opportunity to raise complaints or provide feedback without feeling discouraged from doing so. Additionally, I had concerns regarding health, safety, and trauma-informed care practices within the facility. Certain environmental hazards and the general handling of residents’ wellbeing raised serious questions about the overall standard of care. For individuals seeking rehabilitation, I strongly encourage researching facilities carefully and choosing a program that prioritises qualified staff, structured therapy, trauma-informed care, and a safe, supportive recovery environment.

Shannon Tierney

5

I myself am in recovery and completed a program that has since shut down and was not a very good place to be so when I say you’ll get recovery wherever you want it regardless of anything..I mean it. I am 5 years clean this year and two years ago Grow gave me a chance. I recall when I first started here wishing that I had done this program myself as this program would have done wonders for my overall well-being not just getting me clean then having to do the work elsewhere. The staff including myself have the utmost care and respect for each individual and often we don’t sugar coat things as this is life and death we are talking about so sure sometimes feelings may get hurt, but us as addicts need to hear it.. I’ve never been more proud to work in a team, each and everyone one of them. The property is peaceful and tranquil, BEST SUNSET/SUNRISES EVER! The therapeutic community all work together with staff guidance and the love,care and support is unmatched. This place becomes your home as a resident- residents and staff take pride in it from taking care of our animals (my favourite thing is watching a resident who is struggling slowly start to gain a light back in their eyes when bonding with an animal especially our baby goat!) to planting seedlings and nurturing them to grow then getting to eat something they’ve helped grow. From the addiction focused group to the mental health focussed groups…it works if you work it. All we ask at Grow is for you to have a willing attitude, we can offer all we can but you’ve gotta meet up halfway and put in the work and anyone who has put negative reviews unfortunately wasn’t willing to do that and had to blame something outside themselves. All I can say is if you want recovery, from an addicts perspective as well as someone who holds many certificates and an advanced diploma in AOD… Grow is a wonderful place to be.

Nadine O'Neill

1

Unfortunately the website is misleading. The place is extremely rundown. What claims to be a farm where you work with animals is a bit of a stretch. A pig kept in a bird Avery cage and 2 goats and a potty calf is a farm. The staff listen in on your calls to your family breaching Privacy. I wasn't provided all the material to participate in group. The staff rang my family when I chose to leave and lied saying I was rude and abused them which was a complete lie! I came to them with my concerns and they argued my complaint, and when I asked them to google the privacy act they knew I was right but still insisted on listening to my phonecall to my partner. The residents told me how dissatisfied they were and that staff just sit in the office and the residents are basically slaves. On intake you are told you work 20hours a week doing farm work. Yet residents said they do everything from cooking to cleaning and maintenance which most haven't a clue how to fix a leaking tap. I wouldn't recommend this place and I was more than happy to give up my 740 non refundable deposit just to leave and try find a more suitable place to recover. I would add photos but unfortunately I was not allowed to use my phone u til I was leaving

Keirra Jackson dwyer

5

Where do I even start, with no hesitation hand on my heart this is the best rehabilitation program I have been to, from the location to the staff and the wonderful community that just make recovery enjoyable. I came into grow utterly broken 3 years ago, I was angry at the world and was very self righteous. As I opened myself to the program and started to take responsibility for my actions I saw a huge shift in my behaviour and the way I thought. This place teaches you real life skills and helps you go back into the wider community with grace. The staff are absolutely brilliant, and I must mention Mia and Lauren as I saw some misinformation being spread. Mia is a strong and assertive woman who will tell you how it is and not sugar coat it, that’s what you need in recovery, not someone who is going to beat around the bush, she helped me so much while I was there and continuous to help me now, she gave me motivation to keep going when I struggled the most. Mia is someone who I truely look up to as a person. Lauren is a bright, bubbly and very knowledgeable woman who has been though it as well so she knows what we go through, she started working at grow when I was getting ready to graduate, I still see her when I come back and I have nothing but love and respect for her. The manager Aaron really turned this place around when he stepped in, he included going out to na groups as well as getting other recovering addicts to do hnis on site so we can see just how the program works and where we can be in a year or two if we continue to commit to our recovery, he has also done so much more. Aaron has even grown grow rehabs to other states in Australia , he loves and cares about everyone in grow so does the rest of the staff, and that makes a difference. I struggled abit last month, Aaron and grow with open arms let me come back for abit to get my head straight, i am forever grateful for grows help, I wouldn’t be clean and living my best life like I am now if it wasn’t for grow, I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for their help. The program works only if you put in the work too.