The men doing rehab alongside troubled TV host Andrew O’Keefe

Troubled game show host Andrew O’Keefe’s journey is only one of many recovery stories at the Global Connect rehab centre. Many others are intent on turning their lives around. Read their stories.

It was not looking good for alleged Comanchero bikie Matty Douet after he was arrested and charged with cocaine supply offences after the encrypted AN0M app “sting of the century” in September 2021.

He was also in breach of an intensive correction order imposed for two affrays that occurred in 2019.

But he had already recognised he had addiction issues and sought psychological intervention four months before his arrest, a court was told.

Douet is one of the men at Connect Global rehab centre with troubled game show host Andrew O’Keefe.

This week Douet revealed how after three months on bail at the rehab centre, he had connected with his four children under 12.

Alleged Comanchero bikie Matty Douet says his four children have seen the positive change in him since being in rehab. Picture: David Swift

“As soon as they got out of the car they ran up to me and they gave me a cuddle and a kiss,” Douet, 32, said.

“I am there for my kids now. I mean, I used to be there for them but I wasn’t really present, one-on-one. They said I was a lot better. I feel I have grown up lately.”

Douet paid the $14,000 upfront for a 12-month treatment program and was granted bail in the NSW Supreme Court in June to stay at the rehab camp where like everyone else, he is up and out running at 5.30am every day and attends an 8am group meeting.

He cannot comment on the charges.

Issa Mohammad, 27, training in the gym which is part of the daily routine at the Connect Global rehab centre at Swan Bay. Picture: David Swift

Issa Mohammad says he doesn’t have anxiety and doesn’t need drugs any more.

Issa Mohammad, 27, has also spent the last few months beating his addictions ahead of being sentenced for possessing cocaine and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He said everything had changed in his life.

“The way I think, the way I react to things, the way I speak to people. I don’t have anxiety and I don’t need to go on drugs.”

BUILDING A NEW LIFE AFTER DRUG ARREST

Anne Serretta admits she was in shock for six months after her oldest son Mike was arrested and charged over one of the biggest magic mushroom drug labs in NSW history.

“I think the word to describe it was heartbreaking,” Ms Serretta told The Daily Telegraph this week.

Michael Serretta, with his mum Anne and dad Dave, said Connect Global has helped him build a new life for himself. Picture: David Swift

Mike, 27, who was also caught with cocaine as well as $700,000 worth of magic mushrooms, spent seven months in Kempsey jail with little prospect of bail until his family heard about Connect Global and its rehab centre.

He was bailed to stay at the camp and on Wednesday, after 11 months there – where he worked as gardener – was one of the 11 men who graduated drug free.

“We are out in the middle of nowhere and we have to adapt and change,” Mike said.

“It is all about building a new life for yourself.”

He has to return to court to be sentenced but with the 11 months of rehab to rely on.

Bushy Goldman is now off drugs, married to Jessica and working as a volunteer at Connect Global. Picture: David Swift

Ex-convict Bushy Goldman said the centre was a “circuit breaker” which stopped him from returning to jail after a couple of stints behind bars, including for a tomahawk revenge attack.

He got off drugs, met and married his wife, Jessica, reunited with his two children from an earlier relationship and now works as a volunteer at the camp where he spent 10 months battling his addiction.

“The beautiful thing is how many don’t go back to jail.

“This stops the cycle, the old behaviour stops,” Connect Global founder and manager Ross Pene said.