An independent economic evaluation of Uniting’s Catalyst Hobart estimates the program generates more than $3 in social and economic value for every $1 invested.
Catalyst is a non-residential program that supports participants to change their relationship with alcohol and other drugs. The evaluation assessed the social and economic value generated by the program, drawing on program outcome data and cost-benefit analysis.
Key findings
The evaluation highlighted that:
- Catalyst Hobart supported 48 participants in 2025, and they demonstrated substantial improvements in psychological distress, self-efficacy, substance use, quality of life and wellbeing
- Catalyst Hobart is estimated to generate $1.43 million in total benefits across government, participants and employers over five years, based on its 2025 delivery
- The program is estimated to generate more than $3 in social and economic value for every $1 invested
- For every $1 invested in Catalyst Hobart, the evaluation estimates a return of $1.88 in avoided government expenditure.
These findings show that Catalyst is a high-value investment that reduces harm, strengthens participant wellbeing, alleviates pressure on governments, and contributes to safer, more stable communities.
