Meet the Team: Jody Whyte, Program Director at The Sydney Retreat

Jody Whyte, Program Manager

After running her family business for twenty years, Jody joined The Sydney Retreat in November 2020 in the role of “finance and fitouts.”  With the support of generous donors, she was involved in transforming a Victorian manor in Stanmore into a twenty bed facility ready to receive its first guests in February 2021. 

“When we sold our family business, I didn’t know what would happen next, so when I was offered the job as Accounts Manager, I jumped at the opportunity. I really believe in the mission of The Sydney Retreat and was excited and thrilled to be part of bringing a program like this to Australia – it has been a remarkable, uplifting and inspiring transformation so far,” she says.  

In January 2023 Jody, who has been in recovery since 1996, was promoted to the position of Program Manager, responsible for overseeing the delivery of the program and management of staff and guests.

“A big part of my role is ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our community so that our guests are in the best possible space to learn everything we have to offer about recovery from our non-medical, non-clinical educational program,” she explains. 

Jody is responsible for our team of over 150 volunteers – ensuring our program is delivered successfully to all those who walk through our doors. She says the role is not without its challenges but is incredibly rewarding. 

“Seeing people who have had no exposure to twelve step facilitation come to realise what an exciting and effective solution it is and then watching the lights come on for people when they discover there is a way out is what makes it all worthwhile,” she says.