The Buttery is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation delivering mental health, and alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services across Northern NSW, from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie.
Together with Healthy North Coast, they have been announced as a winner of the Resilient Australia Mental Health and Wellbeing Award, recognising the outstanding impact of Safe Haven North Coast in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Northern Rivers communities recovering from disaster.
Recognising initiatives that strengthen community mental health and wellbeing
The national award recognises initiatives that strengthen community mental health and wellbeing before, during and after disasters and acknowledges projects that build resilience, foster collaboration and create lasting positive outcomes for communities.
Safe Haven North Coast was established following the 2022 Northern Rivers floods and has evolved into a vital, community-based mental health and wellbeing service. Funded by NSW Health, commissioned by Healthy North Coast and delivered by The Buttery, the program provided free support for people experiencing emotional distress, trauma, social isolation, suicidal thoughts and other challenges that can arise during and after disaster recovery.
“No wrong door”
Operating across Lismore, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah and Woodburn, Safe Haven North Coast offered a low barrier, “no wrong door” approach where community members could access support without referral, diagnosis or formal intake. Participants could receive assistance from peer workers, clinicians and case managers and connect with a range of local support services, including housing, financial, alcohol and other drug, disaster recovery and social support services.
From July 2022 to June 2026, Safe Haven North Coast supported 22,750 participants, delivered 34,140 occasions of service and provided 14,079 counselling hours. Evaluation findings demonstrated significant reductions in distress, improved social connection and reduced pressure on emergency and crisis services.
The power of community-led, personalised support
CEO of The Buttery, Leone Crayden, says this award recognises the power of community-led, personalised support in helping people navigate the long-term impacts of disaster recovery. ‘We are incredibly honoured to receive this award alongside Healthy North Coast,’ she said.
‘Safe Haven North Coast was built on a simple belief: that people deserve compassionate, accessible support close to home, especially during times of crisis and recovery.
‘The Northern Rivers community has shown extraordinary resilience over recent years. This award reflects the courage of the people who have accessed Safe Haven North Coast, the dedication of our staff and peer workers, and the strength of the partnerships that have made this program possible.’
Providing ongoing, locally tailored support
Ms Crayden said recovery doesn’t end when the immediate disaster response is over. ‘Safe Haven North Coast has demonstrated that providing ongoing, locally tailored support helps people stay connected, seek help earlier and build the resilience needed to move forward.’
CEO of Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler, said Safe Haven North Coast was designed around the needs of each local community. ‘Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, each site created a welcoming space where people could simply walk in, sit down for a cup of tea and talk to a mental health professional.
‘Importantly, people didn’t need a referral, diagnosis or formal intake to access support. They could connect with a peer worker, clinician or case manager and get the support they needed, when they needed it,’ she said.
Accessibility and local connection
That accessibility and local connection has been central to the service’s impact.’
The award-winning program has been recognised for its innovative blend of peer support, clinical care and practical assistance, as well as its capacity to adapt to changing community needs.
During Cyclone Alfred, Safe Haven North Coast staff continued delivering services while supporting recovery centres, demonstrating the flexibility and responsiveness that have become hallmarks of the model.
Safe Haven North Coast has also become an example of best practice in disaster recovery, showing how low-barrier, locally embedded support can strengthen resilience, reduce escalation to crisis services and foster stronger, more connected communities.
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