WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
GRAEME ALFORD, DipCS&AOD, LLB
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
Graeme is a lawyer by background who holds a Diploma of Community Services Alcohol Other Drugs & Mental Health. He is also a recovering alcoholic who has not touched alcohol for over 40 years.
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His addiction to alcohol saw him destroy his marriage, career and finish up in jail three times- the last for armed robbery.
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In 1982, Graeme was sitting in his prison cell, when he had the thought...
"I can either give up and settle for this being my lot in life, or I can pull myself up."
He decided he did not want to die having never unwrapped whatever unhidden skills or talents he may have, and made the decision to get up and change his life.
In his bestselling book “Never Give Up,” Graeme describes how he built his Mental Toughness Program, which saw him rise from a prison cell in 1982, to sitting in a hotel room in 2000 having a cup of tea with Nelson Mandela, who he brought to Australia.
The ABC’s Australian Story gave Graeme the title of “The Comeback King”.
Wanting to know more about substance abuse and addiction Graeme went back to school in 2015 and completed his Diploma in Alcohol, Other Drugs & Mental Health. As part of his studies, he completed 100 hours of practical placement at a traditional Rehab in Melbourne. As he observed their program it became obvious it was a one size fits all model and while it worked for some it did not work for others.
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This sparked an interest in finding out more about the recovery industry. Graeme had been coaching and working with people who had substance abuse issues for 15 years and what he had learned from these clients cemented in his thinking there had to be a better way.
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For the next 12 months he embarked on a rigorous and detailed research of “Rehabs” in the United States where there are in excess of 13,000, the vast majority of these facilities employ the “Therapeutic Community Model” using variations of the “The 12 Step Facilitation Program.”
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Graeme’s research revealed a number of issues with this model but in particular he found it did not cater for the person who had substance abuse issues, did not need a medical detox and either did not need or did not have the time to complete a residential stay of 30 plus days.
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With over 25 years experience in writing and delivering training programs, plus 15 years of working with and coaching people with substance abuse and addiction issues, Graeme set about designing a program for this segment of the market.
And so 'Reset My Future' was born.
MEET THE REST OF THE TEAM
RAY PASCOE
DIRECTOR, FAMILY SERVICES
Ray is a seasoned businessman with over three decades of experience leading ventures in various sectors, including manufacturing and retail. His professional achievements, however, tell only part of his story.
Alongside his wife, Linda, Ray has navigated the deeply personal challenge of supporting an adult child through the throes of active addiction.
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Their journey, characterised by the initial shock, denial, anger, and bewilderment, mirrors the emotional rollercoaster that many families find themselves on. Yet, it's their transition from turmoil to triumph—celebrating their child's ongoing recovery now well into its seventh year—that truly defines their story. This profound experience has endowed Ray with an unparalleled depth of understanding and empathy, qualities that he brings to his role at Reset My Future.
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It's this education, one that money can't buy, that enriches Ray's approach to helping others. Through Reset My Future, he offers support and guidance with genuine compassion, grounded in the belief in the healing power of recovery and the strength of family unity.
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GABE DEANE-JOHNS,
CERTIFICATE IV IN ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS
PROGRAM FACILITATOR
As the Alcohol and Other Drugs Program Facilitator at Reset My Future, Gabe offers more than just his professional credentials from the Hader Institute; he brings a heartfelt understanding born from personal victory over addiction. With an adolescence shadowed by the challenges of an alcoholic father and personal athletic aspirations that once placed him within reach of AFL glory, Gabe’s later descent into alcohol and drug addiction could have been his downfall. Instead, it became the catalyst for his rebirth.
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Surviving a near-fatal health scare with only a slim chance of recovery, Gabe found renewed purpose. Embracing the principles of AA and the transformative “Reset my Future” program, he turned his life around, dedicating himself to the values of kindness, accountability, and continuous self-improvement.
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Now, eight years into recovery, Gabe’s life is unrecognisable. He skillfully manages a major business and a dedicated team, bringing qualities of reliability and trustworthiness to everything he does. He's a testament to the potential within us all, living a life of hope, discipline, and positivity as a loving husband and father. At Reset My Future, Gabe uses his journey to inspire and guide others, living proof that change is always within reach.
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PETER CRANAGE,
PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Peter brings nearly four decades of dedicated service to individuals battling substance abuse, with a specialised focus on supporting youth and families. His comprehensive experience spans community services, hospitals, and the private sector, highlighting his versatility and deep commitment to social welfare.
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Peter’s expertise extends to anger management and behavioral change, where he excels as a facilitator guiding clients through transformative processes. His notable roles include leading the Drug and Alcohol Services Team at Uniting Care in Ballarat and managing Tabor House, a youth residential withdrawal service, underlining his leadership in substance abuse recovery programs.
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In recent years, Peter has shifted towards private counselling, offering tailored support in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Anger Management, and Family Violence. His work as a facilitator for Men’s Behavior Change groups and involvement in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) showcase his talent in fostering meaningful change.
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At Reset My Future, Peter's wealth of experience and compassionate approach make him a pivotal asset, guiding individuals and families through their journeys with understanding and expertise.
DANIELLE SLATER
BA (HONS) ACIM
HEAD OF MARKETING & DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Danielle brings a wealth of expertise from her 20-year marketing career, having navigated the complexities of both multinational corporations and dynamic start-ups. Today, she leads Bite Marketing, focusing on authentic brand narratives for companies with a conscience. Beyond her professional success, Danielle's personal journey through recovery has been transformative, marking her as a fervent advocate for innovative approaches to substance abuse recovery.
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Embracing a life of fulfillment in Indonesia, Danielle's mornings are spent riding the waves, a testament to the positive changes recovery can usher in. Her experience has not only enriched her life with new passions, including surfing, boxing and learning new languages, but also with running two successful businesses and building a supportive community.
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At Reset My Future, Danielle's role goes beyond marketing; she connects deeply with our audience, understanding the intricacies of addiction from her own journey. Her commitment to genuine, heartfelt communication aligns perfectly with our mission, aiming to guide those in need towards a path of recovery and rediscovery. Her story and expertise make her an invaluable part of our team, as we strive to offer hope and practical solutions to those looking for a way forward.