Over the past six months, you’ve probably noticed that The Sydney Retreat has established a vibrant and engaging presence on social media, something that’s hard for anyone to ignore these days, even us!
Meet the Team: Matt Palmer
Over the past six months, you’ve probably noticed that The Sydney Retreat has established a vibrant and engaging presence on social media, something that’s hard for anyone to ignore these days, even us!
Creating a genuine online presence has been a long-held goal for the Retreat, but the sensitivity required to communicate our message authentically meant progress was slow. That all changed when Matt Palmer joined our team.
Since Matt came on board, you’ve likely seen the fantastic videos and interviews appearing on our Instagram and Facebook pages. His creative talent has truly brought to life the unique magic of The Sydney Retreat. Matt comes to us with a long and successful career in advertising, and he’s also an accomplished artist, a man of many talents.
His journey with us began when he met Eugene from Eugene’s Café in Bronte, where Matt was producing videos. Eugene introduced him to our CEO, John Malone, and soon after, Matt began creating content for the Retreat. We haven’t looked back since.
Matt’s work captures the vibrancy, authenticity, and empathy that define The Sydney Retreat. The personal connection he builds with his interviewees shines through on screen, resonating deeply with viewers and, as a result, increasing engagement and attendance. People from all walks of life are discovering the Retreat through his storytelling.
But Matt’s contributions don’t stop there. When our sober house supervisor, Tris, decided to head for the hills of Byron Bay, we suddenly found ourselves without a manager. Without hesitation, Matt stepped in to fill the role, and he’s done an outstanding job. He now oversees our two sober houses, home to 11 residents, and continues to provide stability, care, and leadership in this vital part of our program.
One of Matt’s greatest achievements has been helping to show the broader recovery community that not everyone can get sober without support and that rehab can be a positive, life-changing experience. Through his videos, he’s helped to shape a warm, authentic image of The Sydney Retreat: a place that’s effective, empathetic, affordable, and welcoming.
So, if you know someone who’s struggling with drugs or alcohol, share one of Matt’s videos with them. You’ll find these clips on our social media, heartfelt interviews with people like Trinity or Melinda. Sometimes, a single story can be the spark that inspires someone to take the first step toward recovery.
Matt Palmer, thank you for your creativity, compassion, and commitment to helping others discover a new way of life.







