Breaking The Cycle
Culturally Sensitive support for people affected by substance abuse.
About This Program
Breaking the Cycle is a culturally sensitive program that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by alcohol and other drug misuse.
It provides a culturally safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can engage in meaningful change at their own pace.
The program offers case management and one-on-one support, with a strong focus on reconnection—to community, self-worth, and long-term healing. Whether someone is seeking help for the first time or returning to continue their journey, they are always met with respect, understanding, and compassion.
Key Features
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“Yumba-Meta really put me in my place. If it wasn’t for them, I’d be a parkie. I wouldn’t have got this far, I wouldn’t be on my way to starting this business.”
Charlie Gibson
Dale Parker Place Tenant
Charlie Gibson
Dale Parker Place Tenant
Coming to reside at Dale Parker Place two years ago was a turning point for Charlie Gibson.
While completing a course in Ingham, travelling back and forth, and staying in the park, Charlie heard about Dale Parker Place through family members.
“Coming to Dale Parker Place gave me a heads up,” says Charlie. “It was a big change for me. I’ve always wanted my own little ranch, my own space. Now I’ve got it, I’ve settled down.”
Recently, Charlie has achieved his coxswain certification. “My next step is getting my own little business in fishing tourism, maybe here or on Palm. I want to get those young fellas on track, give them something to do to keep them busy, employ them and mentor them.”
Charlie’s other skills are in engineering, fabrication and welding, which he would like to teach. “There are so many aluminium boats over there [in Palm]. I’d like to teach the kids how to weld, keep their hands busy, focused.”
Ultimately though, Charlie says he would love to be a Ranger and protect the fishing green zones around Palm Island.
“Yumba-Meta really put me in my place. If it wasn’t for them, I’d be a parkie. I wouldn’t have got this far, I wouldn’t be on my way to starting this business.”
“We’ve got ourselves a big flat-screen TV and a laptop. A lot of things you dream of when you imagine having a home.”
Elizabeth Barber & Nathaniel Walsh
Long-Term Housing Resident
Elizabeth Barber & Nathaniel Walsh
Long-Term Housing Resident
To look at them now you’d never guess partners Elizabeth Barber and Nathaniel Walsh once called Dean Park home. Back then; life was tough, with drinking and violence an everyday reality.
“We used to be the main two fighting,” Ms Barber said.
“We’d have Domestic Violence Orders out on each other and wake up with bumps and bruises not remembering how we got them.”
The pair used to live down on the riverbank near the mangroves, cooking with a portable stove and relying on stop-gap meals from the nearby drop-in centre and Yumba-Meta’s Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre. It was there they heard about YML’s Breaking the Cycle program and went for it.
“I just got sick of getting up drunk and broke — not even having a shower. That wasn’t a life,” Mr Walsh said.
“There was a point where I had to say enough is enough — I’ve got to change.”
With the help of case workers who were there to listen to their needs, connect them with medical and counselling services and assist with transport to appointments, Elizabeth and Nathaniel were supported in their desire for change.
They had food in their belly, a bed to sleep on and a roof over their head while they waited for more permanent housing at Dale Parker Place when they finished their programs.
Meanwhile, the art therapy and beading workshops offered as part of the program, as well as fishing trips with their case managers and other clients, provided healthy diversions from drinking.
“My first artwork had kangaroos, porcupines and fresh water turtles on a big canvas,” Mr Walsh said.
“Everybody wanted that one but we won’t part with it because it was Lizzie’s 30th birthday present.”
For Elizabeth, beading proved therapeutic and a self-esteem booster as she was asked to make earring, necklace and bracelet sets for admirers of her work.
After completing their programs, Elizabeth and Nathaniel were both offered residences at Dale Parker Place. In 2012 they moved into their own apartment in Belgian Gardens through YML’s community housing service.
“We’re starting to get the things we never had when we were drinking.”
“We’ve got ourselves a big flat-screen TV and a laptop. A lot of things you dream of when you imagine having a home.”
