Our Story
The Junction Clubhouse Cairns is built on the philosophy of the Clubhouse Model, which began in New York in 1948. Today, there are over 370 Clubhouses in 33 countries, supporting thousands of adults living with mental health challenges. The Junction is proud to be part of this global movement through its affiliation with Clubhouse International, which provides training, accreditation, and technical support to Clubhouses worldwide.
Established in 2014, The Junction Clubhouse is located in Cairns, Far North Queensland. It was created to offer a safe, inclusive, and recovery-focused environment for people with lived experience of mental health challenges. The Clubhouse operates on a work-ordered day, where members and staff work side-by-side to run daily operations fostering purpose, connection, and community.
The Junction has grown to support over 260 members and offers a range of daily activities that promote wellbeing and personal growth. Our building was generously donated by the Mangano family, and today, The Junction Clubhouse continues to be a beacon of hope and recovery in the Cairns region.
Former Federal Member Warren Entsch, Justice Jim Henry, Bob Norman, Gail Seymour
Our Board
The Board of The Junction Clubhouse Cairns provides strategic leadership and governance to ensure the long-term sustainability and integrity of the organisation. Board members bring diverse expertise and lived experience, guiding the Clubhouse in alignment with its mission, values, and the principles of the Clubhouse Model.
Their responsibilities include overseeing organisational performance, ensuring compliance with legal and financial obligations, and supporting the development of policies that promote member wellbeing and operational excellence. The Board also plays a key role in advocacy, community engagement, and strengthening partnerships that enhance the reach and impact of The Junction.
Through thoughtful stewardship and collaboration with management, the Board helps ensure The Junction remains a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all members.
Management Team
At The Junction Clubhouse, our management team plays a vital role in guiding the organisation’s direction and ensuring our mission is reflected in everyday practice. They oversee financial planning, including budgets and expenditures, and work closely with staff to support fundraising efforts and resource development. The team also leads the creation and review of policies that strengthen our operations and uphold the values of the Clubhouse Model. Their leadership ensures that our environment remains inclusive, purposeful, and focused on recovery.
The Clubhouse Model
Membership in a Clubhouse is open to anyone with a mental illness, is voluntary, confidential, and never expires. In contrast to traditional day-treatment and other day program models, Clubhouse participants are called “members” (not patients or clients), and restorative activities focus on the member’s strengths, interests and abilities, not their illness.
There are over 370 Clubhouses across 33 countries, which means upon membership you automatically become part of this worldwide community. No matter how often a member visits the Clubhouse, they are always welcome. Membership is for life so you can always enjoy Clubhouse activities and services.
Clubs are community-based and strive to help members join and remain part of society with educational, prevocational, health and mental health support. Members and staff work together to run programs which follow the structure of a work day. These programs are based on individual strengths & interests that can be built on.
Meaningful relationships and work are essential to program success, and members always have the right to choose the kind of work or activities they participate in.
Contact us for a membership application today!
Become A Member
Find out how to join the Clubhouse and become a member of a community of people working together to create and support opportunities for mental health recovery. ‘Whilst ever there is the Junction Clubhouse, there will always be a safe place in the Cairns community for people with lived experience of mental illness to connect, belong and grow’