History, Arbias, Community, Growth

History of arbias

In January 1989, Ms. Marilyn Hage convened a meeting held at the St. Vincent’s Department of Community Medicine. In attendance were a group of people who shared a vision to establish a service that supported people with alcohol related brain injury.

The Reference Group included:

• Ms. Christine Clifford
• Rev. Tim Costello
• Mr. Les Drew
• Ms. Marilyn Hage
• Ms. Margaret Hamilton AO
• Ms. Jennifer Lee
• Ms. Maureen Molloy
• Mr. Ian Paxton
• Ms. Pat Wilkinson
• Ms. Beverley Wood

In the beginning, the primary focus of arbias was to provide accommodation and support for homeless people with alcohol related brain injury.

By mid 1990, a management committee was formed. Staff were appointed in August 1990 and services commenced in September 1990. In October 1990, arbias moved into its first premises located at 226 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.

Over the course of two decades, arbias has grown to an internationally recognised leader in the provision of services to people with an acquired brain injury, specialising in the area of alcohol & other drug related brain injury.

In 2010, arbias had around 40 employees in the area of neuropsychology, case management, community support, accommodation, research & training and education & information services.

arbias provides information, consultancy and training both nationally and internationally. In Victoria, the service provides support to many people each year, most of who are living with the difficulties associated with alcohol or other drug related brain injury.

In 2010, arbias opened services in New South Wales, providing case management, specialist intervention and training services to people with an acquired brain injury.