HISTORY

The Gold Coast Drug Council Inc. had its beginnings as a voluntary organisation known as the Drug Referral Centre. It was established in 1971 as the first alcohol and drug service on the Gold Coast. In 1981 land was granted by the Gold Coast City Council at 191 West Burleigh Road to establish a centre for education, prevention, assessment, referral and detoxification – this was called Mirikai (or “place of peace”).

In the 1980’s the Gold Coast Drug Council focused on developing professional standards for treatment and education and in 1987 adopted a Therapeutic Community approach to treatment services for young people.

Since that time the organisation has developed community services which assist young people and their families. These services include residential services and a wide range of out-client services supported by both state and federal funding.