Celebrating 80 years of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Australia. Reflections from TOP attendees

The AA National Convention – ‘From Pioneers to 80 Years’ was held in Sydney on 18-21 April 2025, at the Hilton Hotel and Sydney Town Hall. This huge landmark huge event invited AA participants globally, to attend Sydney AA National Convention, with the inclusion of Al-Anon & Alateen groups.

The jam-packed, inspirational program encompassed numerous group meetings including Steps workshops, special interest meetings, guest speakers, and a showcase dinner event, whilst embracing and acknowledging the rich and diverse history of AA in Australia since 1945.

In 1945, right in the heart of Sydney, the AA journey began; one alcoholic reached out to another, making Australia ‘the pioneers’ as the first country outside of North America to host AA Meetings. Fast forward to 2025, and AA in Australia has evolved into an incredibly vibrant, diverse and active national fellowship.

“The Convention weekend was awesome; it was my first time attending.  I knew I was in the right place, hearing from people I could relate to, who understand the disease and the recovery path. So inspiring”. TOP client.

“This Convention was a fantastic opportunity for connection. I was so happy to catch up with so many TOP clients and see them soaking up the atmosphere and supporting each other at such a large social event. I was reminded that around 18 years ago, just in recovery as a rehab client, I attended the 2007 AA Convention in Sydney. So much has happened since then, as my life has evolved in so many wonderful ways in recovery, one day at a time. I also bumped into a few clients from years ago, who are still sober. Miracles everywhere...! Add to this some old faces I hadn’t seen for a while and the sheer scale of the event, it was soul affirming” TOP staff member.

“Al–Anon delegates were also welcomed to specific meetings in the Hilton Hotel as well as the large, combined meetings held in Town Hall. It was inspiring to hear the history of addiction recovery in Australia and to participate in the Al-Anon meetings where healthy recovery was shared from a wide cross section of local and interstate participants. All in all, it was a very inspiring time” TOP Supporter.

As an organisation, TOP was proud to have so much representation, creating new memories as a community, within a community, one day at time.

For more information and updates on meetings and conventions, visit AA Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Home | Al-Anon Family Groups (Australia) Pty Ltd

The Overcomers Place is a non-residential addiction service with centres in Gladesville and Bronte. Our services are available both in-person and online. All our counsellors are qualified addiction specialists who have their owned lived experience of overcoming addiction.

We offer a free of charge structured group therapy day program, include AA groups, using evidence-based programs for anyone struggling to overcome any addiction.