Our History

In 1998 during the heroin epidemic in Victoria, Richard Smith, David Stanley and Dr Jack Cygler founded Health Axis Pty Ltd. Following the tragic death of staff member Dr Raymond Hader, it was renamed the Raymond Hayder Clinic.

Dr Raymond Hader (1963-1998)

Dr Raymond Hader was a gifted medical practitioner who sadly died whilst involved in the development of this program. Having graduated with Honours from Monash University, Dr Hader undertook a successful career in medicine. He had a particular interest in anesthetics and held the career objective of being part of an intensive-care team in a major public teaching hospital. As well as an exemplary record of professional achievement he was a keen sportsman, representing Victoria in volleyball.

A charismatic and brilliant man, Raymond will be remembered with love for his care and commitment to his patients and friends. Dr Hader's specialist knowledge and experience gave him a full understanding of the complexities of drug abuse and the nature of addiction. At the time of his passing, he was wrestling these issues both professionally, and personally. This clinic offers its specialist treatment program and services in the spirit of excellence and humanitarianism which Dr Hader exemplified.

The Clinic provided the first comprehensive accelerated opiate withdrawal (AOD) rehab and recovery program in Victoria. In 2003, the Raymond Hayder Clinic expanded its residential services to include the therapeutic community at the Retreat, followed in 2007 by the rehab retreat program offered at the Byron Hideaway by founder Richard Smith.