SMART Recovery Groups
A practical, empowering pathway to life beyond addiction.
SMART Recovery is a science-based, self-empowering program that helps people overcome addictive behaviours and build a healthier, more balanced life. Unlike traditional models centred around labels or identity, SMART views addiction as a behaviour that can be understood, changed and replaced with more helpful choices. This modern, practical approach focuses on what you can do today to move forward.
Hervey Bay - Every Wednesday
1.00pm-2.00pm (Family & Friends)
3.30pm-5pm (Standard)
A practical, empowering pathway to life beyond addiction.
At Shine Bright Mental Health, our SMART Recovery meetings offer a supportive, stigma-free space where participants learn real-world tools to change habits, strengthen motivation, manage urges, and improve emotional wellbeing. Each session draws on the SMART 4-Point Program — exploring motivation, coping strategies, thought and behaviour management, and living a meaningful, fulfilling life.
SMART Recovery is welcoming, inclusive and accessible for anyone wanting change. People join us from all backgrounds: adults, teens, young adults, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, ESL participants, and those in recovery for a wide range of behaviours. It’s also suitable alongside other treatment pathways, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counselling or therapy.
Our meetings are guided by trained facilitators who help members learn practical skills, design their own recovery plan and take steady steps toward long-term wellbeing. The focus is on empowerment, self-regulation, problem solving and building a future you can feel proud of.
To find current Maryborough and Hervey Bay meeting times, visit:
👉 www.smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au
SMART Recovery for Family & Friends
Support that strengthens you — and the people you love.
SMART Recovery Family & Friends is a science-based, stigma-free program designed to support anyone who is caring for a loved one experiencing addiction or harmful behaviours. These groups focus on giving you practical tools, emotional clarity, and the confidence to navigate challenging situations without losing yourself in the process.
At Shine Bright Mental Health, we deliver SMART Recovery Family & Friends meetings across the Wide Bay region through our partnership with Social Shift Institute, creating a supportive community where you can learn, reflect, and rebuild hope safely.
SMART Recovery is grounded in the belief that addiction is a behaviour — not an identity. By removing labels and focusing on empowerment, the program helps families and friends shift from fear and overwhelm to understanding and resilience. In each meeting, participants learn skills from the SMART 4-Point Program: building motivation, coping with urges and stress, managing thoughts and emotions, and creating a balanced, meaningful life.
These sessions also acknowledge the unique pressure placed on family members and support people. Many want to help their loved one but don’t know where to begin, or feel exhausted by the emotional toll. SMART provides tools for healthy boundaries, effective communication, self-care, and supportive relationships — giving you space to look after your wellbeing while still being there for the person you love.
SMART Recovery welcomes all backgrounds and identities, including parents, partners, adult children, teens, carers, LGBTQ+ families, veterans, new Australians and ESL communities. The approach is secular, evidence-informed, and supportive of all recovery pathways, including the appropriate use of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).