108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
Episode 17
Is it possible to be hopeful about the future while staring down confronting statistics about violence in our community? According to the latest episode of Stronger Together, the answer is yes, we just need to be "Possimistic", yes you read it right, Possimistic!
Host Tanya O'Shea sat down with Chief Inspector Grant Marcus from the Queensland Police Service and Jo Leverett from the Zonta Club of Bundaberg to discuss the changing face of violence, the role of technology, and why the next generation holds the key to the solution.
Chief Inspector Marcus shared a sobering look at what police are facing on the front lines. There is a noted increase in the level of violence, particularly involving weapons and knives. The prevalence of drugs, specifically methamphetamines (ice), has also changed the game, making individuals harder to reason with and escalating situations rapidly.
However, violence isn't just physical. Jo Leverett highlighted how technology allows perpetrators to mask their identity and abuse victims from anywhere in the world. This digital anonymity has led to phenomena like "ghosting," where conflict is avoided rather than resolved, leaving young people without the skills to handle relationship breakdowns in a healthy way.
A recurring theme in the discussion was the "generational gap." Policies and educational programs are often designed by older generations who didn't grow up with the internet, trying to police a generation that lives online.
"Youth need to be educating youth," Jo Leverett argued. The most effective influence comes from peers walking the walk and talking the talk. Chief Inspector Marcus agreed, citing a successful program in Toowoomba where Year 12 boys took a stand to change the culture of respect toward women in their school.
Despite the heavy topics, the group landed on a new term: Possimistic. Defined by Chief Inspector Marcus, it acknowledges the pessimistic reality of rising domestic violence and school expulsions, but remains positive that community awareness is growing. Schools are implementing respectful relationship programs, and the police are seeing successes where early intervention changes a young offender's path.
“This episode also served as a prelude to the 16 Days of Activism (Nov 25 – Dec 10). This year featured a major collaborative event: the inaugural walk to raise awareness, which saw the local traffic bridge closed to mark the occasion.”
For a transcript, please view our YouTube chanel
The campaign concludes with the "Ringing of the Bells," a sobering tradition where bells toll for every life lost to violence that year.
To learn more about home safety tips, conflict resolution, and how you can participate in the 16 Days of Activism, listen to the full episode of Stronger Together.
If this conversation raises issues for you, Lifeline is available 24/7 at 13 11 14.
Report suspicious behaviour to Police Link (131 444) or Crime Stoppers
