History
Based upon our Christian beliefs,
POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION
Based upon our Christian beliefs, we commit ourselves under God to the purpose of relieving the suffering, trauma and social costs caused to society by alcohol and other drugs and mental illness through carrying out the objects of the Foundation.
1849
Munroe Smith and John Smith arrived from England and Canada respectively to form the Moreton Bay Temperance Society – marking the beginning of the temperance movement in Queensland..
1859
The Moreton Bay Temperance Society changed its name to the Brisbane Total Abstainers Movement.
1863
With Government land received in trust, a temperance hall was built by volunteers on Ann Street, Brisbane, with the rent supporting the outreach work of the organisation.
1919
In line with the rise of the prohibition movement in the 1920s, various temperance organisations in Queensland came together to form the Strength of the Empire, whose purpose was to combat alcoholism and venereal disease. In 1921, the combined executives of the groups decided to form the Queensland Prohibition League.
1927
With a focus on providing alcohol-free hotels, the Queensland Prohibition League built three hotels named the ‘Canberra Hotels’. The Brisbane Canberra Hotel was built on the site of the old Temperance Hall on Ann Street. Providing alcohol-free accommodation continued to be a main focus of the organisation until the late 1980s.
1931
The Queensland prohibition League changed its name to the Queensland Temperance League and the concept of outreach programs was established, based at the Canberra Hotel in Brisbane.
1961
The Mental Health Federation of Queensland was inaugurated and a constitution adopted. Twelve associations and ten private members were affiliated, with early activities focused on fundraising for the wellbeing of patients and Wolston park Hospital.
1967
The Recovery Group was formed (now GROW).
1968
The Australian Association of Mental Health was formed and Dr Beryl Hinckley (Life Member) was elected the first President.
1969
The Relatives Counselling Group was formed (now ARAFMI).
1971
The first Mental Health Week was held in Queensland by the Association.
1980
Recognising a need to introduce specialised services, the League set up Drug ARM as the program and service delivery arm of the organisation.
1991
The name of the Queensland Temperance League was officially changed to the Drug Awareness and Relief Foundation (Australia) in order to continue the expansion and development of its range of intervention and support programs across the country.
2003
To facilitate its education and training mission, MHAQ established the Australian College of Community Services (ACCS), which is also a registered charity.
2011
The name of the Queensland Temperance League was officially changed to the Drug Awareness and Relief Foundation (Australia) in order to continue the expansion and development of its range of intervention and support programs across the country.
2013
The Drug Awareness and Relief Foundation (Australia) began trading as Healthy Options Australia, and the merger of Drug ARM, Mental Health Association QLD and the Australia College of Community Services saw it become one of the largest providers of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
2017
To facilitate its education and training mission, MHAQ established the Australian College of Community Services (ACCS), which is also a registered charity.
2019
On 4 October 2019, a new brand heralded the merger of the activities of the three sister organisations in to the Drug ARM family. Drug ARM now serves the community together as one specialist organisation. The Foundation returned to trading as the Drug Awareness & Relief Foundation (Australia) to continue its objects.
Our history
We can trace our history back to 1849, to the earliest days of the temperance movement in Queensland.
Our faith
Based upon our Christian beliefs, we are motivated to act through carrying out the objects of the Foundation.