Celebrating 50 Years of Holyoake

This week, Holyoake turned 50 – five decades of walking alongside people, families, and communities impacted by alcohol and other drugs, and mental ill health.

Yesterday, over 100 guests joined us at The Maali, Perth Zoo to formally mark this incredible milestone. The celebration brought together distinguished VIPs, agency and sector partners, suppliers, and long serving past and present Holyoake employees – all of whom have contributed to our journey and impact.

The morning began with a moving Welcome to Country by respected Elder and educator Aunty Robyn Collard and her grandson Tryse Rioli, whose powerful didgeridoo performance set a tone of connection and reflection.

We were pleased to welcome The Honourable Pierre Yang MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health; Mental Health, who delivered the Minister’s Address, and our Chair, Deb Morrow, who shared heartfelt reflections on Holyoake’s legacy, our people, and our ongoing purpose.

Guests were also treated to consumer video stories celebrating Holyoake’s impact over the decades, followed by a powerful workforce panel discussion featuring three inspiring Holyoakers:

💛 Grace Trusso – 29 years of service with Holyoake, from volunteer to Counsellor to Clinical Supervisor, embodying the spirit of our work.
💛 Mark Lowery – one of Holyoake’s earliest students, now Principal Consultant and Lead Trainer at ADEC, reflecting on the “spirit of Holyoake” and deep commitment to family systems that continues to inspire.
💛 Steve Papadopoulos – Holyoake Services Manager and lived experience advocate, whose incredible personal journey fuels his passion for supporting others.

Beautifully facilitated by MC Fiona Cornelisse, the panel explored what makes Holyoake unique – our values, the transformative power of group programs, the legacy of DRUMBEAT, and the deep impact of lived experience.

As we looked back on our founding in 1975 by John Keating and Anita Day – who turned their lived experience into hope and healing for others – we were reminded that Holyoake’s story has always been one of connection, courage, and community.

Here’s to the next 50 years of partnership, innovation, and compassion – and to every Holyoaker, past and present, who continues to make a difference every day.

Watch our 50 Year Video Series, read our Chairs Address, and view the photo gallery (password 2025) from yesterday’s celebration here: Holyoake 50th Anniversary by 7 to 1 Photography

✨ Celebrating 50 Years of Holyoake ✨