Our story
Who We Are
Since 1990, arbias has been dedicated to supporting people impacted by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). But for us, this is more than just our work, it’s our purpose. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life, and we go above and beyond to make that happen.
Our team is made up of people who care deeply, not just about providing services, but about making a real difference. From neuropsychological assessments and specialist support to community programs and education, we are here to walk alongside individuals, families, and professionals to increase awareness, prevent injuries, and ensure the right support is there when it’s needed most.
At arbias, this isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are.
Our Vision
The arbias vision is ‘enabling our people and our partners to achieve their very best’.
Our Mission
arbias assists people with an ABI to achieve their goals and make a positive difference to their lives.
Prevention
Identify and address factors leading to alcohol & other substance related brain injury.
Education
Develop and enhance the knowledge and skills required to work effectively with people who have an acquired brain injury and alcohol & other substance related brain injury.
Research
Undertake research in alcohol & other substance related brain injury which informs current and future service provision and policy development.
Intervention
Provide immediate services through secondary consultation, crisis intervention and monitoring.
Treatment
Provide a range of specialist services for people with an acquired brain injury and alcohol & other substance related brain injury and associated complex needs.
Awareness Raising
Actively promote issues of alcohol & other substance related brain injury with policy makers, service providers and the community.
Community Safety
Teach our clients community responsibility to keep them and our community safe.
Our Purpose
At arbias, we are here to make a difference in the lives of people affected by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), whether it is developed due to accidents, strokes, mental health struggles, AOD, or something else entirely. We work to prevent acquired brain injuries through education and provide the right support for individuals living with it. Whether it’s through immediate interventions, ongoing care, or helping people regain their independence, we’re dedicated to walking alongside our people every step of the way.
Our work goes beyond direct support. We believe in educating, raising awareness, and driving change helping others understand ABI, training professionals to provide better care, and contributing to research that shapes future policies.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple Principle: everyone deserves to be understood, supported, and given the opportunity to live their best life.
Our Values
Commitment
Partnership
Be with your people
Respect
Social justice
Make it happen
Our Philosophy
At arbias we know that our clients aren’t defined by their impairment, they are people; each with their own story, their own strengths and weaknesses, and their own goals. We aim to not just help our clients today, but to focus our support on their goals to enable them to achieve their very best.
At arbias, everything we do comes back to people the individuals we support, the team we work with, and the communities we serve. We believe in respect, social justice, and standing beside people every step of the way. Together with our partners, we work to create real change and make things happen.
We welcome and embrace every background, every story, and every journey. Being inclusive and culturally sensitive isn’t just something we strive for its who we are. Because at the heart of it all is a simple Principle:
“Be with your people”
Our History
Since 1990, we’ve grown, learned, and stood by the people we support through every challenge and achievement. Have a look at our journey – it’s been one of dedication, resilience, and care.
1989, The beginning
The arbias Journey began in January 1989 when a group of people concerned about alcohol related acquired brain impairment (ARBI) met at St. Vincent’s Department of Community Medicine and an Advisory Committee was established. The group included: Ms. Christine Clifford, Mr. Tim Costello, Mr. Les Drew, Ms Marilyn Hage, Ms. Margaret Hamilton, Ms. Jeni Lee, Ms. MaureenMolloy, Mr. Ian Paxton, Ms. Pat Wilkinson and Ms. Beverley Wood. In the beginning, the primary focus for arbias was to provide accommodation and support for homeless people with alcohol related brain damage.
1990, Laying the Foundation
arbias was officially incorporated with a mission to support people with alcohol-related brain impairment. Services included neuropsychological assessments, case management, and education. Revenue in the first year was $193,000 marking a humble but determined start.
1991 - First Grant and New Home
With support from the William Buckland Foundation and government grants, arbias appointed a permanent Coordinator and launched its first office at 226 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. A major milestone was the opening of Paxton House—our first supported accommodation.
1992 - Expanding Recreation & Inclusion
arbias launched the SRS Community Access Recreation Project, reaching a 75% participation rate within months—well beyond expectations. A part-time coordinator and sessional workers supported 140 residents across four SRSs.
1993 - Advocacy & National Recognition
We submitted a proposal to formally recognise alcohol-related brain injury as a disability. Our recreation camp in Anglesea provided many with their first holiday in years, while advocacy for client rights intensified.
1994 - Financial Turnaround & Growth in Case Management
After a “lean and mean” year, Arbias recovered financially and secured funding for a case management program. A three-year expansion plan was developed with Latrobe University. Case management became a core offering.
1995 - More Homes, More Impact
A leased home in Collingwood helped ease Paxton House overflow. We surpassed targets in case management, assessments, and advocacy. Awareness of ABI grew across Victoria.
1996 - Reaching New Communities
We received new HACC funding to expand recreational programs into Glen Eira. A landmark information package was launched for Koori health and welfare workers, supported by new community grants.
1997 - Serving More, Supporting Longer
arbias supported over 200 new clients and provided long-term case management to 155 individuals. Services continued to deepen across SRSs.
1998 - Award-Winning Advocacy
arbias won the Victorian Fair-Trading Award for excellence in customer service. Our recreation programs expanded to Northern Metro Melbourne, and we began exploring how technology impacts people with cognitive impairment.
1999 - A Decade of Dedication
With 32 staff and over 750 referrals, arbias celebrated its 10-year milestone. Two new services were launched: intensive HACC support and outreach assessments in rural areas. The “Slow to Recover” ABI program became permanent under Southern Health.
2000 - Meeting Complex Needs
Despite soaring referrals and growing waitlists, arbias launched flexible brokerage and care packages, plus the HomeFirst initiative. The need for diverse housing options for people with ABI became increasingly urgent.
2001 - Bigger Team, Bigger Reach
With 47 staff and nearly 900 referrals, Arbias settled into new headquarters at 183 Gertrude Street. Neuropsychological services, recreation, and SRS support continued to expand.
2002 - 10 Years of Paxton & A Bigger Voice
We celebrated 10 years of Paxton House and became a go-to advisor on ABI policy. arbias remained the only agency actively advocating for individuals with alcohol-related brain injuries.
2003 - New Leadership, Growing Demand
CEO Sonia Berton took the reins as arbias reached 1,825 clients. Our partnerships with SRSs grew to include 28 locations across Victoria.
2004 - A New Era of Accountability
arbias transitioned from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, strengthening governance. Major initiatives included a revised screening tool and the “Hold It Together” program for emergency care coordination.
2005 - Strength in Governance and Strategy
A business plan review followed a DHS independent audit. New policies, a staff code of conduct, and an IT security audit helped modernise internal systems. A landmark project explored ABI prevalence in Victorian prisons.
2006 - International Presence & Local Impact
arbias spoke at an international ABI conference in Glasgow. We moved to new premises in Brunswick and honoured long-time board director Martin Jackson by naming our new training room after him.
2007 - Campaigns, Court Services & New Leadership
The “Hangover for Life” awareness campaign launched. arbias won the Courts Integrated Services Program (CISP) tender, offering support at key Magistrates Courts. A groundbreaking prison screening program began in partnership with La Trobe University.
2008 - Insights and Art
The second International Conference on alcohol and brain injury drew 270 attendees. “Head Case,” an art exhibition featuring works by people with ABI, brought human stories to the forefront.
2009 - New Models, New Councils
We introduced a new accommodation service model and launched the Service User Advisory Council, giving clients a voice in shaping arbias programs.
2010 - Going National
arbias opened its first NSW office, marking the start of national services. Our 20th anniversary was celebrated at St Vincent’s where it all began.
2011 - Partnership for Equity
arbias partnered with Aboriginal-led services and began providing neuropsych assessments in correctional facilities. The NSW team began delivering assessments and training, reaching more Aboriginal clients than ever before.
2012 - Quality Certified and Future Ready
arbias achieved disability sector Quality Certification. “Our Health, Our Way” was relaunched in collaboration with Aboriginal communities. We also began preparing for the NDIS world with new strategic planning.
2013 - Stronger Representation and Reconciliation
With a 41K surplus, a Reconciliation Action Plan was initiated. Key partnerships were formed with James Cook University to deliver Aboriginal-focused ABI training in far north Queensland.
2014 - National Response, Real Results
The National Intake & Response Program was launched, becoming the single point of contact for arbias services. Our financial strength allowed us to pay off our Melbourne office mortgage. Revenue approached $5M, with over 1,500 clients supported nationally.
2015 - Making 25 Years of Purpose
arbias celebrated 25 years of life-changing impact, having supported over 48,000 people with acquired brain injury and complex needs. New leadership roles were created, and mobile apps were introduced to support memory and planning. A new residential service opened in Glenroy through TAC funding, and our first Reconciliation Action Plan was submitted a firm step toward lasting cultural respect.
2016 - A Bold Restructure of a New Era
In a year of transition, arbias undertook a major restructure to prepare for the NDIS. New senior leaders joined the team, bringing fresh energy. Justice services expanded with the launch of On TRACC in NSW and a pilot at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre to support women in custody with complex needs. It was a year of building with courage and intention.
2017 - Navigating Change with Determination
arbias responded to NDIS-driven challenges by reshaping its workforce and structure while ensuring continuity of care. Three new board members strengthened governance. Our long-standing Clifton Hill residence was replaced with a modern home in North Melbourne. Justice programs across NSW expanded with new funding, helping reduce reoffending and reinforcing our commitment to reform.
2018 - Embedding the NDIS, Expanding our Reach
With NDIS services now fully integrated, arbias launched Support Coordination and Recovery Coaching across Victoria and NSW. We partnered with Corrective Services NSW to pilot ABI screening in post-release programs. Staff wellbeing remained a focus, with team-based initiatives and continued investment in internal growth.
2019 - Holding Steady, Reaching Wider
This year saw strong team stability and expansion of justice and disability services. New service-user engagement tools were introduced in NSW, and collaborations with Aboriginal-led organisations deepened.
2020 - Rising Through a Global Crisis
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, arbias quickly transitioned to remote support. We introduced telehealth assessments and digital planning, ensuring clients remained connected and safe. A new three-year strategic plan was launched, and trauma-informed care became central to our service philosophy.
2021 - Healing, Rebuilding & Looking Ahead
With the world slowly reopening, arbias focused on rebuilding internally. Leadership development, digital upgrades, and cultural reviews shaped the year. Justice and NDIS services remained strong, and planning for a refreshed Reconciliation Action Plan moved forward.
2022 - Modern Governance & Cultural Leadership
arbias revised its governance model, marking a modern shift. We achieved Disability Services registration in NSW and welcomed a new Director. The 2022–2025 Strategic Plan was launched, placing First Nations partnerships and cultural leadership at the heart of our work. A new Housing Strategy and digital intake system improved client access and experience.
2023 - Co-Design, Culture & Advocacy
This was a year of shared voices. Clients co-designed new service pathways, and our Aboriginal Cultural Framework was finalised. Justice programs like RESTART and On TRACC gained further recognition for their success in reducing recidivism. We advocated for stronger funding support for people with dual diagnosis and complex justice needs.
