A Western Australian health and addiction retreat near Margaret River is now under investigation by two state government agencies, after more former clients came forward with serious concerns about the facility — including one woman who paid $62,000 upfront for a three-week stay that ended in a hospital emergency department.
Six Seasons Recovery: What Former Clients Are Saying
A woman identified only as Michelle is among the growing number of former residents speaking out about their experiences at Six Seasons Recovery, run by failed builder Danny Coyne. Michelle's family paid the $62,000 fee in advance in the hope of getting her well, a financial burden that left her with profound guilt long after she departed the facility.
Her stay came to an abrupt end after she fell in her room and was unable to attract the attention of staff for two hours. With no other option, she resorted to banging a small steel bin on the floor to raise the alarm.
"There was a little steel bin beside the bed so I grabbed that and just started smacking it on the floor," she said.
Following her departure from Six Seasons, Michelle's situation deteriorated sharply. "I ended up at emergency department followed by an actual mental health treatment facility for a couple of weeks," she said.
Investigators have now spoken with more than three former residents willing to tell their stories publicly, as well as former staff members of the retreat, painting a broader picture of alleged failings at the facility.
Government Agencies Launch Investigations
The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office and Consumer Protection — the latter expected to scrutinise the retreat's reported high-pressure sales tactics and no-refund policy — have both opened investigations into Six Seasons Recovery.
WA Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat described the allegations surrounding the facility as "extremely concerning", pledging that an appropriate independent body would investigate the services provided.
"We will make sure that that appropriate independent body undertakes an investigation into those services," the Minister said.
The Australian Medical Association WA also weighed in, expressing serious concerns about the calibre of clinical and professional staff handling what it described as vulnerable patients. AMA WA president Dr Kyle Hoath urged people seeking help for addiction or mental health issues to pursue conventional medical pathways rather than unverified private facilities.
"I'd be sticking to my GP and getting pointed in the right direction rather than grasping for straws on the internet and finding these facilities that may or may not have any kind of accreditation or clinical backing behind what they deliver," Dr Hoath said.
Facility Operator Responds — and Remains Overseas
Danny Coyne, who operates Six Seasons Recovery, is currently overseas and has indicated he will not return for several weeks. He did not respond to questions when approached most recently, though in earlier statements he denied the allegations, describing the claims made against his facility as false and factually incorrect. He has maintained that all staff hold relevant qualifications with their respective governing bodies.
The combination of a steep upfront fee, allegations of inadequate staffing, and a reported no-refund policy has drawn sharp scrutiny from both regulators and the medical community, raising broader questions about the oversight of private health and wellness retreats operating in Australia.
What Vulnerable Australians Should Know
Medical authorities are urging anyone seeking help for addiction or mental health issues to consult a GP before committing to any private facility. Dr Hoath's advice reflects a wider concern that costly, unaccredited retreats may be targeting people at their most vulnerable — a point underscored by the experiences being reported at Six Seasons Recovery.
As both government investigations proceed, further accounts from former clients and staff may yet emerge. For those facing a mental health crisis, Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14, and beyondblue is available on 1300 224 636.
