A community built by the people who use it

Billabong Clubhouse has been part of the Tamworth community for more than 25 years - not-for-profit, funded by government and community partners, and shaped from day one by the people it supports.

Billabong Clubhouse reception desk with a green plant wall, looking through to the bright café and seating area
Front of Billabong Clubhouse in Tamworth, an 1893 red-brick cottage with the clubhouse sign out front

Our Story

Billabong was officially opened in 1999, the result of tireless work by a group of local families who wanted better supports available for their adult children living with a mental illness. Our mission hasn't changed since: to enable adults living with mental health problems to live their best lives in an inclusive environment, supporting recovery, building resilience and achieving wellness.

Your Goals, Your Way

As a member, you help shape your own recovery. Our Mental Health Support team works with you to build a plan based on your interests, goals and strengths. Billabong is entirely voluntary, so how many days and hours a week you take part is up to you.

Psychosocial Recovery Support, Explained

White Billabong Clubhouse van with the clubhouse logo on the side door, parked in the driveway in Tamworth

Psychosocial Recovery support

Helps people build the skills, confidence and connections they need to live well, participate in their community and move forward in their recovery. It focuses on the person, not the illness.
Close-up of a hand checking orange calendula flowers in the Billabong Clubhouse garden

What it Actually Means

Psychosocial recovery support is a non-clinical, community-based approach that helps people with mental health challenges strengthen the everyday parts of life that support wellbeing - things like routines, relationships, independence, confidence, social connection, and practical skills.

It's built on the idea that recovery is personal, self-directed, and ongoing, and that people recover best when they have choice, control and meaningful roles in their community.

Life at Billabong

Espresso machine and flowers beside a chalkboard “Barista!” sign in the Billabong Clubhouse café

The Billabong Cafe

A welcoming space where members can enjoy delicious home baking, home-cooked meals, snacks, and drinks. The cafe also offers opportunities to learn new skills, with staff supporting members to make barista-style coffees and gain hands-on experience behind the machine.

Ladles, spoons and potato mashers hanging on a rail in the Billabong Clubhouse kitchen

The Kitchen

The heart of Billabong Clubhouse. Our modern commercial kitchen is open to all members, with fresh lunches served Monday to Friday. Members who enjoy cooking are encouraged to get involved, learn new skills, and help prepare meals for everyone to enjoy.

Row of computers with keyboards and headphones in the Billabong Clubhouse computer room

Computers & Connections

Use our computers, access low-cost printing, and join in the trivia at the main table. Whether you're checking emails, updating a resume, or learning something new, our staff are on hand to provide basic computer support and help you stay connected.

Cosy Billabong Clubhouse quiet with grey couches, cushions and an Aboriginal dot painting against a dark wall

The Quiet Corner

A peaceful space to relax, read a book from our library, and take a break from the day. If you're feeling overwhelmed, our sensory box is available to help you reset, recharge, and find a moment of calm.

Shelves of novels in the Billabong Clubhouse book library

The Library

A quiet space with books, DVDs and CDs to borrow, for members who want to slow down and unwind.

Billabong Clubhouse gym in Tamworth with a treadmill, cross trainer, exercise balls and boxing bag along exposed brick walls

Enjoy our Small Gym

Move your body, support your mind. Fitness and wellbeing go hand in hand, helping you feel stronger, healthier, and more connected.

Two men smiling in the Billabong Clubhouse workshop shed, with tools hanging on the wall behind them

The Work Shed

Home to our woodworking group, where members build everything from tables and bookcases to their own handmade projects, at their own pace.

Fresh towels folded on a shelf, ready for members to use the Billabong Clubhouse showers

Laundry & Shower Facilities

Access washing and drying facilities, plus a wheelchair-accessible shower and bathroom. Helping members stay comfortable, refreshed, and ready for the day.

Members and staff tending a raised vegetable bed in the Billabong Clubhouse community garden

The Veggie Patch

Dig in, grow something, and watch it thrive - genuinely one of our members' favourite activities. Members help plant, nurture, and harvest fresh produce, which is then used in our kitchen so everyone can enjoy the rewards of their hard work together.

Acknowledgement of Country

Billabong Clubhouse acknowledges the traditional lands on which we work and live, the Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi/Gomeroi people, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Close-up of a hand checking orange calendula flowers in the Billabong Clubhouse garden

Come and See it for Yourself

Two people talking over a table in the bright teal meeting room at Billabong Clubhouse, Tamworth