Frequently Asked Questions

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18 or older from NSW or Queensland seeking alcohol and other drug support may apply. You must be willing and able to participate safely in the 12-week shared residential program. Read Who We Support for the full criteria and assessment considerations.

Complete the online form on Apply Here. If you need help, call (02) 6752 5036 or email intake@marrs.org.au. How to Apply explains the process from application to admission.

Intake will attempt to contact you after receiving your application. We may request further information and arrange a phone assessment. You may then be accepted to the waitlist, asked for more information or supported to explore another service. See How to Apply for all steps.

The form asks about alcohol and other drug use, health, medication, disability or support needs, legal matters, accommodation, social and cultural needs, supports and goals. We may request identification, medical or legal documents, criminal history information or information from another service. Intake explains what is needed and why.

Yes. A service provider, family member, friend or support person can help with your permission. The application must be made with your consent, you must understand what is submitted, and you need to take part in the phone assessment yourself.

Yes. Admission from custody may be possible if you meet the criteria and your bail, parole or release conditions allow. We may need to coordinate with corrective services, your lawyer or another service. Some offence histories prevent admission; read Who We Support.

You may be able to reapply when ready. A new application and assessment are required so we can understand what has changed and what support is needed. Depending on your previous discharge, additional planning may be required. Contact intake to discuss your options.

Wait times depend on bed availability, resident mix, safety and program needs. Applying alone does not place you on the waitlist: assessment must be completed and suitability confirmed. Stay in contact with intake as advised. Admission also depends on readiness, detox status and other assessment factors.

Yes. Maayu Mali does not provide detox. You must complete detox and arrive medically stable, free from acute withdrawal and able to participate safely. See Other Support Services for help finding withdrawal support, or speak with your GP, local hospital or an alcohol and drug information service.

Your Welcome Pack is provided digitally with your admission paperwork. The Resident Handbook and orientation information are provided five days before admission. They cover everyday expectations including phones, leave, medication, belongings, behaviour, feedback and privacy. Ask intake about anything unclear before you arrive.

Yes. A mental health concern does not automatically prevent an application. We assess the support required and may seek information from treating services. Maayu Mali is not a dual diagnosis rehabilitation centre and cannot provide higher levels of psychiatric or specialist clinical care. Read Who We Support.

Yes, where support needs can be safely managed in the shared residential setting. We may ask about daily living, mobility, communication, medication, personal care, decision-making and participation. Each application is assessed individually. Tell intake about your needs so we can assess suitability and explore alternatives if needed.

No. Maayu Mali cannot provide the specialist antenatal and health care required during pregnancy. Where possible, we will help identify a more appropriate service.

Yes. Suitability is assessed individually, including treatment stability, medication, administration arrangements, safety, transport and our ability to support the treatment plan. We may need information from your prescriber, pharmacy, clinic or support service. Read Who We Support and discuss your arrangements with intake.

Maayu Mali is funded to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and will be asked to provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality.

We accept applicants from NSW and Queensland. We do not accept applications from outside these states. See Other Support Services for other options.

Yes. We assess whether reporting requirements, court dates, no-contact conditions, curfews and other obligations can be managed safely. With your consent, we may need to speak with your lawyer, corrective services or another support service. Read Who We Support.

Certain offence histories prevent admission, including sexual or indecent assault, offences against children or minors, child abuse material offences, current or previous sex-offender registration, murder or manslaughter. Strict AVO/ADVO no-contact conditions require careful assessment, particularly where the protected person lives in Moree Plains Shire. Read Who We Support or contact intake.

The fee is based on 75% of your income support payment, plus a one-off $100 urine testing fee on arrival. If you do not receive income support, discuss payment arrangements with intake. See Cost and Payment.

Payments are made through Centrepay or automatic fortnightly deductions. Intake explains what needs to be arranged before or at admission. Maayu Mali does not accept cash. Bring a debit or credit card or another approved cash-free payment method; we do not provide transport to the bank.

Yes. You need funds for medication, approved outings and personal items such as toiletries, clothing, laundry supplies and snacks. Meals are provided. Tell staff if you need budgeting support or a referral for financial assistance. See Cost and Payment.

We may be able to support eligible residents with approved activities that reduce certain fines. Eligibility and arrangements depend on your circumstances and the applicable scheme. Raise fines or debt with your case manager; legal or financial counselling referrals may also be available.

We are in Moree, NSW, on Gomeroi Country. See Our Location for the setting and travel options. Check current transport services and discuss arrival planning with intake. The full street address is not published; accepted residents receive arrival details during admission planning.

Bring suitable clothing, new and unopened toiletries, labelled medication, identification, your Medicare card, Health Care Card if applicable, and a debit or credit card. Read What to Bring for the checklist and speak with intake about any uncertain item.

Do not bring alcohol, drugs, vapes, weapons, unsafe items, food, smartwatches or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Mobile phones are an exception under managed arrangements described below. Avoid valuables and excessive belongings. Ask about personal-care products containing alcohol. Staff explain whether prohibited items need storage, return home or disposal for safety.

Yes. You may bring your phone. It is stored securely and available at approved times. These arrangements help protect everyone’s privacy and support participation in the program.

Do not use your phone to photograph or record residents, staff, visitors or the facility. Other Wi-Fi-enabled devices and smartwatches are not permitted.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided each day, with tea, coffee, fruit and other options. Communal kitchenettes may be used for personal food items in line with storage and hygiene expectations. See Our Facilities.

Tell us about allergies, medical, cultural, religious or other dietary needs during application. We will discuss what can reasonably be supported within the program. Supporting information or planning may be needed before admission.

No. Do not bring food on arrival. This helps manage storage, hygiene, allergies and safety. You may be able to purchase and store approved personal food during the program; staff explain the arrangements.

Shopping for personal items is organised and supervised by staff under the program schedule. You cannot leave independently to shop. Staff can help you plan purchases and budget for clothing, snacks, toiletries and other needs.

You primarily share a room with other residents in a gender-specific wing. Each wing has communal living, kitchenette, laundry and outdoor spaces. See Our Facilities. Staff explain privacy, boundaries, tidiness and respect for other residents.

Laundry facilities are available and you wash your own clothing and linen. Staff explain the routines. You also help keep your room and shared areas tidy.

Yes. You help look after bedrooms and shared spaces through tasks such as washing up, wiping benches, sweeping or mopping, taking out rubbish and cleaning kitchenettes. Staff explain expectations and provide practical coaching where needed. See Daily life at Maayu Mali on Our Program.

Yes. Hand all medication to staff on arrival in its original pharmacy-labelled packaging, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products. Staff store it safely and provide it at appropriate times. Bring enough or arrange prescriptions and funds. Staff can help coordinate supplies where available. Do not keep, share, hide, swap, misuse or change medication without speaking with a doctor or staff.

Tell staff as soon as possible about illness, injury, medication side effects or changes in wellbeing. Staff help arrange appropriate support, such as a GP, pharmacy, specialist referral or emergency care.

Yes. A baseline sample is collected on admission. Testing may be random, for a reason, part of group testing or required after leave. Residents are expected to cooperate respectfully. A one-off $100 urine testing fee applies on arrival.

Cigarette smoking is permitted only in designated areas at approved times. Follow staff directions and keep the area clean. Vaping is not permitted. Support is available if you want help cutting down or quitting.

Yes. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are part of the broader program and provide connection with others focused on recovery. See Our Program.

You participate in counselling, groups, case management, culture, recreation and shared responsibilities. Staff explain the routine and support you to understand expectations. See Our Program for daily life and Our Facilities for accommodation and meals.

Yes, through designated phone access under the Resident Handbook. Access may be managed differently because of program needs, safety or individual circumstances. We explain the arrangements when you arrive. See Family, Friends and Support People for consent and contact information.

Speak with staff about current arrangements. Visits depend on the program, safety, privacy, operational needs and individual circumstances. See Family, Friends and Support People.

You cannot come and go independently during the program. Purposeful leave may be requested at set points and is assessed against safety, progress, program needs and your care plan. It is not automatic. Outings may be supervised. Leaving without permission or outside approved arrangements may affect your place.

Staff respond fairly and respectfully, focusing on safety and healing. Responses may include discussion, extra support, a behaviour support plan or loss of privileges. Serious or repeated unsafe behaviour may affect your place. The Resident Handbook explains expectations and possible responses.

Information may be shared with your consent, where needed for your care and support, or where required or permitted by law. We may be unable to share information with family or others without permission. Tell staff who you want involved and what information you are comfortable sharing.

We manage information under privacy laws and Pius X policies. Information is stored securely and accessed only for appropriate reasons. Staff, volunteers, students and partners must respect confidentiality. See Privacy Policy.

Use the website feedback form. You can provide compliments, suggestions, concerns, complaints or anonymous feedback. No person is disadvantaged for honest feedback or a genuine concern. Resident surveys and exit feedback also provide opportunities to comment.