1980s – Innovation, Inclusion, and Enterprise
The 1980s marked a bold new chapter for Flourish Australia, defined by innovation and the power of lived experience. At the 1982 National Psychiatric Rehabilitation Conference, we made history by inviting a person with lived experience of schizophrenia to speak—challenging stigma and reshaping recovery narratives.
This decade also saw the birth of our first social enterprises, Buckhouse Graphics and Practical Designs, laying the groundwork for the Community Businesses we’re known for today. These milestones reflected our growing commitment to psychosocial recovery, inclusion, and purpose-driven support.
1980 – Mental Health Coordinating Council Founded
We welcomed the Mental Health Coordinating Council into our Redfern office, helping establish a peak body that continues to shape mental health policy and practice. Today, our CEO Mark Orr AM plays a key leadership role in this council, continuing our legacy of sector-wide collaboration.
1982 – A Voice for Lived Experience at a National Stage
At the 1982 National Psychiatric Rehabilitation Conference, Flourish Australia made history by inviting a person with lived experience of schizophrenia to speak publicly. This pioneering moment helped shift national attitudes toward recovery and advocacy, laying the foundation for lived experience leadership in mental health – an approach we proudly continue today.
1983 – Richmond Report and Community-Based Care
We actively supported the Richmond Report, a landmark inquiry that endorsed community-based mental health services. Its recommendations led to funding for innovative programs like outreach, homemaker support, and hospital transition – laying the foundation for Flourish Australia’s recovery-focused model.
1985 – Supporting Women and Children
We launched the Charmian Clift Cottages in Doonside, offering secure, 24/7 supported accommodation for mothers experiencing mental health challenges. This pioneering program helped break cycles of family violence and kept families together through recovery. It laid the foundation for Flourish Australia’s Women and Children’s Program, which continues to empower women to advocate for themselves and others.
1989 – Launching Social Enterprises for Recovery
Flourish Australia pioneered two social enterprises – Buckhouse Graphics and Practical Designs – to create meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities for people on their mental health recovery journey. These ventures laid the foundation for our thriving Community Businesses model, proving that recovery is strengthened through purpose, creativity, and connection. Buckhouse Graphics even produced our 50th anniversary publication, showcasing the power of lived experience in action.