PlanningxChange 108: Dr Stefan Gruenert - Odyssey House - Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation

Planning XChange

In PX108, our interview guest is Dr Stefan Gruenert, the CEO of Odyssey House Victoria.

Odyssey House Victoria is a state-wide, specialist treatment organisation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who experience significant or long-term problems from alcohol and other drug use.

Stefan describes the work of Odyssey House and the clients they serve. He talks of the various programs on offer. He describes how the OH facilities work and about the knowledge gained in providing effective treatment. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation projects run the gauntlet of the development approval system. Stefan talks of his experiences with the development assessment process and makes observations about common misconceptions.

As a disclaimer, Pete has worked as a planning consultant for Odyssey House.

Podcast extra / culture corner Stefan talks about the joys of learning German listening to the podcast ‘Coffee Break German’ (https://coffeebreaklanguages.com/coffeebreakgerman/). Also he recommends the Netflix documentary series ‘Alone’ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alone_(TV_series)). Jess recommends a Netflix documentary ‘The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari’ https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81410405. Pete recommends a documentary on NHK (Japanese state broadcaster) ‘Return to an Abandoned Village: 50 Years in Tsubayama)’ https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/worldprime/20230429/3016152/

Audio production by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 5 September 2023.