Michael Sgro
Program Coordinator
CHC43215 | Associate Diploma in Marketing
With over 35 years of experience in the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) field, Michael has dedicated his life and career to guiding individuals through their recovery journeys. He was a founding Board member of SHARC (Self Help Addiction Resource Centre), where he served as Chairman for ten years and CEO for several years. Under his leadership, SHARC successfully established and managed a range of vital programs, including the Supported Accommodation Program, Family Program, Advocacy Service, and a statewide initiative in Victorian prisons.
As a co-founder of Crossroad Customs, a charity focused on supporting people exiting prisons, making better life choices and accessing apprenticeship opportunities. This Program is at its infancy, under development and heavily supported. In the past, Michael served on the Board of Rotary International South Melbourne, and managed Outpatient Programs across multiple AOD centres.
Alex Bavage
Director
Inspired by his own lived experience, Alex, as a director of Southbay Private, has devoted his life to helping others rebuild and achieve lasting freedom from addiction. Alongside his team, he developed a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that ensures individuals receive the care and support needed for sustained recovery.
Beyond his work at the rehab centre, Alex is passionately involved in providing family support, leading interventions, and advocating for accessible community resources and support systems. His mission is to create a robust network of support that empowers individuals to overcome addiction and lead fulfilling lives.
Through his unwavering commitment and expertise, Alex has become a respected figure in the field, making a profound and positive impact on countless lives.
Heath Richardson
Counsellor
BA Counselling, Diploma of Community Services and Counselling, Cert IV in Drug and Alcohol.
Heath Richardson is a counsellor, clinical supervisor, and group process facilitator deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Drawing from his own experience with addiction, Heath understands the challenges of healing and brings both empathy and professional expertise to his work.
With over ten years in addiction and mental health services across both public and private settings, he is known for creating a compassionate, safe space where clients feel truly seen and supported. Heath finds purpose in witnessing clients’ growth and resilience, and he is dedicated to guiding them toward healthier, more empowered lives.
Diana Dalheimer
Group Facilitator and Family Therapist
Post Graduate Diploma Counselling, Masters of Clinical Family Therapy, Trained Systemic Constellation Family Practitioner Qualified EMDR therapist
Diana Dalheimer is a dedicated Group Facilitator and Family Therapist with extensive experience in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling from Latrobe University and a Master’s in Family Therapy from the Bouverie Centre at Latrobe University. Diana is also a trained Systemic Constellation Family Practitioner and a qualified EMDR therapist.
Over the past 15 years, Diana has contributed her expertise to renowned rehabilitation centres and hospitals across Victoria, including the Melbourne Drug Court. She has a rich history of working with war veterans, managing PTSD and addiction through a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach. Diana’s commitment to building trust, safety, and consistency within the community is evident in her work.
Diana’s qualifications include EMDR Level 1 and Level 2, and she has facilitated group EMDR therapy for clients with PTSD at Delmont for 12 months. Her approach features psychoeducation groups on PTSD, addiction, polyvagal theory, mood management, CBT, ACT, and relationship repair in recovery. She also offers trauma processing, mindfulness and somatic regulation groups, skills-based groups, family support groups, and peer support groups.
Dr Peter Lewis
MBBS, FAARM, Dip. Sports Med
Dr Peter Lewis has been an Australian registered medical practitioner since 1983, being a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery graduate from Monash University. In 1988, he completed a post-graduate diploma in Sports Medicine.
Dr Lewis is an expert in the field of sports medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a regenerative medicine treatment. This can be used for many sport injuries such as tendon tears, as well as medical conditions such as osteoarthritis. He was one of the first clinicians in Australia to offer PRP treatment and is now widely considered the most experienced.
In his role as a general practitioner, he is involved in the clinical training of medical and nursing students. He is the current chairman of the Australian Ringside Medical Association and the presiding doctor for most boxing and kickboxing fights in Victoria.
Dr Lewis is the CEO of Central Melbourne Institute, a forerunner institute providing health sciences and management courses. He also has a wealth of experience working, lecturing and educating on the topics of PRP and stem cell therapies in Australia and other countries worldwide.
