108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
IMPACT Community Services Limited (IMPACT) is a high profile, community owned organisation supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. Since 1978, we have been supporting local people experiencing disadvantage, poverty and exclusion. Our vision is improving lives. IMPACT is also a Child Safe Organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
We believe our people are our greatest asset. To support you, we offer a wide range of benefits including:
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Case Manager to join our Intensive Family Support (IFS) Service.
This role focuses on early intervention and intensive support for vulnerable families with children and young people (up to 18) who are at risk of entering the statutory child protection system.
As a Case Manager, you will deliver intensive, family-centred support to improve child safety, strengthen parenting capacity, and create positive, sustainable change.
On a day-to-day basis, you will:
You are empathetic, resilient, and passionate about supporting families and improving outcomes for children.
You build strong, respectful relationships and can engage effectively with families experiencing complex challenges, including domestic and family violence.
You thrive in a fast-paced environment, are confident working both independently and as part of a team, and bring a practical, solution-focused approach to case management.
To find out more, view our position description and full list of benefits on our careers page.
Submit your application today and provide your:
IMPACT welcomes all applications, including from Indigenous Australians, people with a lived experience of mental health concerns and recovery, a disability, those who identify as LGBTIQ+ and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Apply now
We believe that diversity in our workplace makes us stronger and we provide equal opportunity to all. IMPACT is proud to be an INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER 2024-2025 with the Diversity Council Australia.
The successful applicant may need to obtain background checks prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check.
IMPACT Community Services Limited (IMPACT) is a high profile, community owned organisation supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. Since 1978, we have been supporting local people experiencing disadvantage, poverty and exclusion. Our vision is improving lives. IMPACT is also a Child Safe Organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
We are seeking a part-time Support Worker for our Intensive Family Support program. Our team supports vulnerable and at-risk families to build their capacity to safely care for and nurture their children. This program aims to strengthen the protective factors within the family to ensure vulnerable children and young people can safely live at home.
Supports the IFS Case Managers with the functions of:
You are a compassionate professional with a genuine drive to support the wellbeing of young people including:
To find out more, view our position description and full list of staff benefits on our website.
Submit your application today and provide a:
IMPACT welcomes all applications, including from Indigenous Australians, people with a lived experience of mental health concerns and recovery, a disability, those who identify as LGBTIQ+ and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
We believe that diversity in our workplace makes us stronger and we provide equal opportunity to all. IMPACT is proud to be an INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER 2024-2025 with the Diversity Council Australia.
The successful applicant may need to obtain background checks prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check.
IMPACT Community Services Limited (IMPACT) is a high profile, community owned organisation supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. Since 1978, we have been supporting local people experiencing disadvantage, poverty and exclusion. Our vision is improving lives. IMPACT is also a Child Safe Organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Case Manager to join our Intensive Family Support (IFS) Service.
This role focuses on early intervention and intensive support for vulnerable families with children and young people (up to 18) who are at risk of entering the statutory child protection system, all while working within a supportive, values-driven team environment.
As a Case Manager, you will deliver intensive, family-centred support to improve child safety, strengthen parenting capacity, and create positive, sustainable change.
You’ll work collaboratively with families using tailored, strengths-based approaches to address risks and build long-term stability.
On a day-to-day basis, you will:
You are empathetic, resilient, and passionate about supporting families and improving outcomes for children.
You build strong, respectful relationships and can engage effectively with families experiencing complex challenges, including domestic and family violence.
You thrive in a fast-paced environment, are confident working both independently and as part of a team, and bring a practical, solution-focused approach to case management.
To find out more, view our position description and full list of benefits on our website.
Submit your application today and provide your:
IIMPACT welcomes all applications, including from Indigenous Australians, people with a lived experience of mental health concerns and recovery, a disability, those who identify as LGBTIQ+ and from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
We believe that diversity in our workplace makes us stronger and we provide equal opportunity to all. IMPACT is proud to be an INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER 2024-2025 with the Diversity Council Australia. Selection for all vacancies is made on the basis of merit.
The successful applicant may be required to obtain background checks prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check.
IMPACT Community Services and Child Focused Safety Services WA recently met with local students and elders to kickstart the consultation process for ‘Keeping Kids Safe in Bundaberg’, a protective behaviours book for children.
More than 80 students from Walkervale State School had their say on Bundaberg landmarks worth featuring in the story, ensuring the book’s words and illustrations resonate with youngsters across the region.
The beach, turtles and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks were among the big hits for the Year 3 and 4 students, who were eager to write and draw their ideas.
Intensive Family Support (IFS) Support Worker Jodie St Ledger, who’s part of the IMPACT team driving the initiative, said that many young people chose their own school.
“That really touched me,” Jodie said.
“They’re at school pretty much full-time, so it’s important that school is a safe place for them.”
IMPACT contacted a long list of local schools to gauge their interest in joining the consultations, and Walkervale State School Principal Ken Peacock put his hand up. He said his school is grateful to be involved.
“The opportunity for students to have first-hand involvement will stay with them well into the future,” Ken said.
“Who knows what this positive experience will spark in the future reading and writing habits of these young people.”
Author Andrea Musulin and illustrator Safy Tashkandy are producing the book in the same rhyme-based, hand-illustrated style they used in their previous publication, ‘Keeping Kids Safe in Carnarvon’.
To help the students understand the project and their role, Andrea read them her existing book alongside an interactive digital display, meaning children could follow along and immerse themselves in the magic of the illustrations.
Year 3 Teacher Kelly Bellingham, whose class was involved, said the experience was a wonderful privilege for their school community.
“We loved sharing our knowledge of Bundaberg and making them feel welcome at our school,” Kelly said.
“It was especially meaningful for the children to learn that Andrea was once a police officer who cared deeply about the safety and wellbeing of children.”
Andrea and Safy also met with six elders from the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation, who shared stories of wisdom and courage about their time growing up on country.
They helped the author-illustrator duo to understand cultural traditions, such as turtle shells having 13 sections, and locations of historical significance, such as Paddy Island in the Burnett River.
Following the consultations, IMPACT staff took Andrea and Safy on a tour of key locations, allowing them to get a feel for the community and capture photographs.
Aimed at 3 to 9 year olds, the book is expected to be published in October to coincide with Children's Week. Following the launch, IMPACT will reunite with the Walkervale students to show them what they helped to create and give each of them their very own copy.
The resource will go a long way to equipping Bundaberg children with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe, through a story shaped by their own community.
IMPACT Community Services is inviting young people across Bundaberg to join a new Youth Committee established under the Bundaberg Youth Sexual Violence and Abuse (YSVA) Prevention Community Action Plan. The committee will help shape a youth-led initiative backed by the community and funded by the Queensland Government.
The initiative aims to promote respectful relationships, strengthen personal and online safety, reduce the risks and prevalence of youth sexual violence and abuse, and build the capacity of local organisations to respond safely and effectively.
The Community Action Plan was and will continue to be shaped through extensive co-design with young people, including First Nations people, community members, parents, caregivers and local sector stakeholders. This consultation highlighted the need for practical prevention initiatives focused on healthy relationships, consent, emotional wellbeing, online safety and help-seeking, alongside stronger support for families and frontline workers.
The rollout will be guided by youth-led, community-driven and culturally inclusive design principles, with young people helping shape implementation from the outset.
“Young people are at the heart of this work,” Staci Rae, Manager, Intensive Family Support, Bundaberg, said. “Their voices will guide how this plan is rolled out across Bundaberg. They know what feels safe, what matters, and how to reach their peers.”
The Youth Committee will help shape key elements of the rollout, including:
Phase 2 is now underway and includes further co-design and delivery of an online information hub. Wide Bay Kids along with other community stakeholders will be co-designing a community awareness campaign, and training and development for sector stakeholders.
The initiative will also be supported by key partners who will lead co-design, digital development, cultural capability, counselling supports and capacity building.
“We know Bundaberg’s young people are passionate, creative and ready to lead,” Staci said. “This is their opportunity to shape change, influence their community, and help build safer spaces for themselves and their peers.”
Young people aged 12–25 who would like to join the Youth Committee are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest. Meetings will be held in safe, supportive environments with trained staff available. To apply, visit www.impact.org.au/ysvaEoi
IMPACT Community Services is calling for community members and stakeholders to join the official opening of its new site at 381 Esplanade, Torquay on 24 February.
From 9.30 am to 11 am, attendees can connect with the staff members who are part of IMPACT’s Hervey Bay health and support programs, learn more about their valuable work and tour their spacious new building.
Since December, the beachside premises has been home to the Intensive Family Support; Youth Wellbeing Initiative (HERE); Family Mental Health Support Services; and Group Based Peer Recovery Support teams.
Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support and a driving force behind the site move, said the official opening is an exciting opportunity for staff, stakeholders and the community to connect.
“We want to showcase the premises, but the purpose is for the community to come along and engage with us, meet the team and understand the range of services we provide,” Ms Oosterhof said.
Ms Oosterhof says the space is a blank canvas and welcomes community members to have their say on aesthetic aspects like images and murals.
“I really want to support those conversations during the official opening, which will help us personalise the site and ensure that it feels welcoming,” she said.
“We're hoping to be informed by community around what they want to see and how they want to use the space.”
Sylvia Powell, IMPACT’s Hervey Bay Intensive Family Support Manager, has relished working at the new site for the last two months.
Ms Powell said she is keen to hear people’s feedback and see everyone’s collective vision for the space come to life.
“We want to create a universal space for our community to come and connect with our staff,” Ms Powell said.
“We’re hoping people will feel it’s open, welcoming, friendly and culturally appropriate for our First Nations peoples and our migrant community.”
Ms Powell said that IMPACT’s decision to relocate to a high-visibility branded location speaks volumes.
“The move highlights our invested interest in the area and the servicing of clients in an appropriate space that we can develop as we grow,” she said.
“It means broader recognition for IMPACT in the community and having a space that is specifically designed for the programs we operate here.”
IMPACT will welcome attendees on 24 February from 9.30 to 11 am, with light refreshments to be provided.
Those who plan to attend the event are asked to register online.
For more information on IMPACT’s health and support programs, visit our website.
IMPACT Community Services’ footprint in the Fraser Coast community is growing in response to community need, with two new sites opening in a matter of weeks.
In Hervey Bay and beyond, IMPACT is working with CoAct Connect to deliver the Australian Government’s new specialist disability employment program, Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).
Expansion is also taking shape for IMPACT’s health and support programs on the Fraser Coast, with Intensive Family Support; Hope, Empower, Resilience and Enable (HERE); Family Mental Health Support Services; and Group Based Peer Recovery Support moving to a new premises recently.
Jenna Morrish, IMPACT’s General Manager of Disability, Employment and Training, said that the IEA program’s Fraser Coast launch on 1 November marked a crucial expansion milestone for IMPACT.
“We haven’t been in the Fraser Coast in this industry yet,” she said.
“It’s incredibly exciting for us because we can have a footprint in employment services with wraparound support for people living with disabilities.
“It’s all about what we can do in community. We’re there to uplift people with disabilities and support them to achieve their goals.”
Ms Morrish congratulated and thanked the Fraser Coast team for going above and beyond expectations in the early weeks of the program.
“Our team in Fraser have placed four people living with disability already after only two and half weeks, so that’s a fantastic achievement,” she said.
“They’re already doing, for example, payments for bikes to get them to employment.”
The IEA program operates out of The Signature Building, 21 Torquay Rd, Pialba. The building also hosts WorkFit, which is IMPACT’s employability support program.
Meanwhile, IMPACT’s health and support programs are now housed at 3/381 Esplanade, Torquay.
Nancy Oosterhof, IMPACT’s General Manager of Health and Support, said establishing an accessible space that accommodates the team while serving community needs is essential.
“The move for us is really timely to be able to deliver supports and expand our service offering,” she said.
“We were unable to deliver some group programs on-site and we’ve had to forego some other opportunities because of limited infrastructure.
“With the new premises, it enables us to create workstations for staff, provide spaces for group programs, and accommodate even more programs in future.”
The team is now operational at the new site. The premises features child-safe infrastructure, free on-street and off-street parking, and neighbouring parkland, with amenities and transport only a stone’s throw away.
Ms Oosterhof expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre for housing IMPACT’s Live programs over the past three years.
“We really appreciate the Neighbourhood Centre for supporting us for this time.
“It’s been fantastic being able to develop the programs alongside other community service offerings.”
For more information on these programs, visit our website.
IMPACT Community Services’ Intensive Family Support (IFS) program will deliver a new protective behaviours book called ‘Keeping Kids Safe in Bundaberg’ to help local children recognise and respond to early warning signs of harm.
The $68,000 project is made possible through a generous $26,000 contribution from the St John’s Grace Fund, with the remaining funding provided by IMPACT Community Services’ IFS program. The book will be developed in collaboration with Bundaberg children, traditional owners, CALD communities and local organisations.
Staci Rae, Manager of IMPACT Community Services’ IFS program in Bundaberg, said the idea of the book began after attending the National Child Protection Conference in Brisbane, where Staci connected with author Andrea Musulin from Child Focused Safety Services.
“As Andrea was going through her presentation, she said you could even be in Bundaberg. Out of all the towns, that’s the town she mentioned,” Ms Rae said.
The comment struck a chord with Ms Rae, highlighting the urgent need to address child safety challenges in Bundaberg.
“We have a serious child safety concern in Bundaberg with paedophilia, so it resonated with me that we need to help support our community, give our local children the voices that they need.”
The book will be written in rhyme and illustrated by Safy Tashkandy, who also illustrated Ms Musulin’s previous book, Keeping Kids Safe in Tom Price and Paraburdoo. This is the first time Ms Musulin and her team have worked on a project outside Western Australia.
Ms Rae said the creative team will visit Bundaberg to photograph local landmarks and consult with the community, with illustrations reflecting places children identify with.
“They’ll come, they’ll take photos of meaningful locations, and then they’ll go back and draw them so it actually looks like what local children would resonate with,” she said.
Ms Rae said the book will give children the language they need to stay safe and grow with confidence.
“It is important to teach children the words they need to use to protect themselves,” she said.
“This book will support our local children to have a voice to speak up and give them the tools to help them flourish into adulthood.”
Although designed for primary school-aged children, Ms Rae said the book’s messages are relevant to all age groups.
“We’re hoping that with the parents and school people engaging with the children, that they will be able to take something away for themselves and use that to empower them too,” she said.
Consultation will begin in late November, with community engagement sessions planned for early 2026.
IMPACT has funding to print 1,000 copies and is aiming for 3,000. Copies will be distributed to schools, libraries and organisations where children are present. A digital version will also be available on IMPACT’s website to boost accessibility.
Ms Rae said the official launch is planned for Child Protection Week in September 2026, with a community rollout at Rainbow Day.
“I’m hoping to launch into Rainbow Day with the book so everyone gets a copy at the event, and then our activities will be framed around the book,” she said.
For more information or to get involved in the project, contact Staci Rae at IMPACT Community Services via srae@impact.org.au or 0436 697 813.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the Clothesline Project, a powerful visual statement against domestic and family violence, highlighting the importance of raising awareness, community action and support for survivors.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Less than a week after bells tolled 101 times in Australia to honour lives lost to gender-based violence this year, two more tragic deaths highlighted the urgency of addressing domestic and family violence (DFV). Hoa Tek Chiem, 69, and his wife, Kim Heang Gau, 68, were killed in Sydney, allegedly by their own son.
This tragic incident serves as yet another heartbreaking reminder of the far-reaching devastation of DFV and the critical need for collective action to end this scourge on Australian society, through raising awareness, fostering understanding, and standing together as a community to say NO to violence.
As part of Zonta Club of Bundaberg’s 16 Days of Activism, IMPACT Community Services hosted a Clothesline Project at Hinkler Central Shopping Centre, from 25-29 November, creating a powerful, visual statement against DFV.
The display featured t-shirts designed by participants from IMPACT’s programs, each telling a unique story of resilience, healing, and hope.
The colours of the shirts carry profound meaning:
In the weeks leading up to the event, participants came together to decorate their shirts during a morning tea hosted by IMPACT. Queensland Police attended to show their support, and the session concluded with a yoga class to promote calm and reflection.
One particularly moving story from the event involved a woman and her son who worked together on a shirt featuring a ship and anchor. For them, the ship symbolised moving forward, while the anchor represented strength and stability. Their creation was a powerful testament to their resilience and their determination to navigate life’s challenges together.
The therapeutic nature of the activity is undeniable. Creating art helps release emotions and offers a sense of control and purpose. Each shirt, whether covered in intricate designs or powerful words, represents its creator’s journey toward healing.
The display invited the community to engage with these deeply personal stories. It fostered awareness and understanding of DFV’s far-reaching impacts while emphasising the strength of those who have endured it.
Members of IMPACT’s Intensive Family Support team were on hand throughout the display to connect with the community and raise awareness through meaningful conversations and the provision of information and resources on this devastating issue.
While the Clothesline Project has concluded, its message remains: we must stand united as a community against DFV, honour those we’ve lost, and support survivors in their healing. Keep these conversations going and let’s work toward ending all kinds of violence for good.
Last week, IMPACT Community Services’ Managing Director Tanya O’Shea spoke at the launch of Zonta’s 16 Day of Activism to end Gender Based Violence. During and after the event, there were many questions around what people should and should not do as bystanders to domestic violence, and how to approach someone if you are concerned they may be living in a domestic violence situation.
IMPACT Community Services supports domestic violence victims and families living with domestic and family violence through our Intensive Family Support program. This article will offer practical guidance on what we can do as bystanders, as well as what not to do if you witness or suspect domestic violence.
We have all been touched by family and domestic violence in some way. Some of us have experienced and survived it ourselves. Many of us have known someone who is in a domestic violence situation, and we’ve all seen the news reports calling for changes after the death of yet another person at the hands of their partner or spouse.
It’s a sensitive topic, and if you know or suspect that someone is experiencing domestic violence, it can be hard to know what to do, what to say and how to best support them.
Tanya reminds us that as bystanders we have a choice.
“The choice is not to judge, condemn or question. The choice is not to think that social issues such as domestic violence don’t affect me, choosing not to watch stories on the news or listen to the radio or on your social media feed,” she said.
“Turning your heads, reading your phone, remaining in the comfort of your home telling yourself you shouldn’t get involved when you hear the screams next door. Falsely telling yourself those things only happen to other people.”
It’s important to preface the rest of this article by stating that at all times you must keep your own personal safety at the forefront of your actions.
The truth is, there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to domestic violence, because every situation is different. Allowing yourself to be guided by the person who is surviving the abuse (if possible) will allow you – and them – to lower the level of risk.
Remember, domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse. It also includes emotional, financial, sexual, social, verbal, spiritual, elder and child abuse. For more information on the different types of abuse that fall into domestic and family violence, we suggest reading this article from Mission Australia, which offers definitions of each: https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/stories/safe-homes/types-of-domestic-violence-abuse
IMPACT Community Services Bystander Program Coordinator Sasha Sloat said it’s vital to remember that your job is to empower and support. “It’s important not to take it personally if they are dismissive, rude or reject your offer to talk or help as they’re just trying to keep themselves safe,” she said. “Above all, offer to talk, but don’t judge – as soon as you judge them, whether it be for not leaving or something else, you are no longer a safe space.”
Help is available if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence. It’s important to bear in mind that some services will require evidence in order to provide financial assistance. This could be a DVO or a support letter from a service such as IMPACT Community Services or Edon Place, or a letter from Children’s Services.
IMPACT Community Services supports victims and families living with domestic violence through their Intensive Family Support program. Ph 4153 4233
Edon Place provides specialist domestic and family violence support services in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions, including counselling, perpetrator intervention, temporary crisis accommodation and a range of other support services. Ph 4153 6820
The Department of Housing can provide funding for those escaping domestic violence to start over with furniture and whitegoods or cover the cost of moving their items interstate.
Uniting Care offers Escaping Violence Payments of up to $5000 within 12 weeks of leaving a domestic violence situation. You will need to provide evidence to access this payment.
Energy providers are able to clear debt if you can provide evidence of domestic violence.
Bundaberg Police have a dedicated Vulnerable Persons Unit which supports families living with domestic violence where there has been continued Police intervention.
Keeping Women Safe in their Homes (KWSITH) helps women and their children who have experienced family and domestic violence to remain in their homes or a home of their choosing, when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Keeping Women Safe in their Homes | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au)
Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot provides financial assistance to people on temporary visas who may be experiencing family and domestic violence and financial hardship. Family and domestic violence financial assistance | Australian Red Cross Emergency Relief to provide one-off assistance to individuals with no or low income or those experiencing other life-changing events. This can include food, transport, clothing, budgeting assistance and utility assistance. Emergency Relief | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au)
National Debt Helpline provides over the phone Financial Counselling. The 1800 007 007 telephone service provides a single contact point for people to access financial counselling, either immediately on the phone, or via a referral to your closest Financial Counselling service. Welcome Page - National Debt Helpline (ndh.org.au)
Good Shepherd Australia and NZ provides loans up to $2000 for essential goods and services with no fees and no interest.
Victim Assist – provides financial assistance to victims of violence that happened in Queensland - 1300 546 587
NDIS – for people with a disability who are actively receiving support through NDIS, may be able to access a crisis payment, this should be discussed with the client’s support worker
Legal Aid Queensland - 1300 65 11 88
Women’s Legal Service – 1800 957 957, provides free legal and social work help with domestic violence, complex family law and sexual assault notes counselling privilege matters to women and people who live and identify as women in Queensland.
DVConnect Womensline – 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline – 1800 811 811
DVConnect Mensline – 9am until Midnight – 1800 600 636
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Emergencies – Police/Ambulance/Fire – 000
While reducing Domestic and Family Violence is not a simple nor easy feat in the Bundaberg community, there are numerous organisations and professionals working to do just that.
And now, there is a Bundaberg-specific framework which professionals can use to streamline language, principles, tools, and strengthen their network of organisations by Working Together.
IMPACT is proud to have collaborated with Family Law Pathways and the Family Relationship Centre to create the Working Together Commitment.
Having launched the framework during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month at IMPACT, Intensive Family Support manager Staci Rae said this tool outlines the way our community aims to cooperate with each other, stay focused and communicate more effectively.
She said there were about 25-30 people from various professional background – social work, health, council, and childcare – who attended the launch.
“Collaboration is key to combating DFV in Bundaberg,” she said.
She said this commitment would work alongside the charter for children and young people’s wellbeing.
With high domestic violence rates in the community, Ms Rae said this framework is designed to support anyone who works with people in the community sector.
The recent launch provided an encouraging sign of dedication and hopefully reassurance for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced DFV, that they are not alone and there are people who can help.
For more information about the Working Together framework and how it could be integrated into your workplace, contact the Family Relationship Centre.
If you need help you can contact IMPACT’s IFS team on 4153 4233 between 8am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-4.30pm on Fridays.
Or phone one of the hotlines below if you need help now:
DV Connect: 1800 811 811
Edon Place: 4153 6820
Men’s Line: 1300 78 99 78
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT).
For all other domestic violence related matters, phone Policelink on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week .
Child Safety Central Queensland Regional Intake Service (business hours): 1300 703 762
Child Safety (after hours): 1800 177 135
Family and Child Connect (FACC) 13 32 64 to share your concerns for families in your community.
Parentline: 1300 30 1300
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month – and at IMPACT Community Services support and prevention is something our Intensive Family Support team is dedicated to daily.
The IFS team provides support to families with children at risk of entering the Child Services system, families dealing with mental health and wellbeing matters, disability, child development, and issues with housing.
The majority of IFS clients have endured some form of Domestic and Family Violence, and someone who is on the frontline supporting the community is Family & Domestic Violence Specialist, case manager Sasha.
Sasha works with survivors, parents, children, perpetrators, police, and offers emotional support for people going through the court.
With experience working in this space in the United Kingdom, Sasha joined the IFS team in Bundaberg at the start of the year, bringing with her a wealth of expertise.
She said there were a lot of issues in the region and hopes more education about healthy relationships and boundaries could mean greater DFV prevention in the future.
Sasha said people need to be taught that hitting or abusing someone is not an appropriate way to get their point across.
She said people should also be aware of what stalking behaviour is.
As technology and social media creates a culture of sharing and accessibility, she said it can be difficult for some people to realise what stalking and controlling behaviour looks like.
When people are constantly sharing where they are, who they are with and what they are doing on social media, it may not be seen as controlling behaviour when a partner demands to know all this information; but it is.
Sasha said bullying and consent were two other major areas where education needed to be bolstered: understanding ‘no’, what is appropriate behaviour in a healthy relationship and personal boundaries are crucial to DFV prevention.
She said she would like to see the Love Bites educational program introduced in schools.
For anyone experiencing DFV, the IFS team wants to hear from you. They offer numerous support options to help anyone who may be experiencing or has experienced DFV.
One of the means of support is a survivor’s group which IMPACT runs with Churches of Christ, which focuses on psychoeducation, the effects of DFV, how to move forward, and safety planning.
Sasha also holds one-on-one education sessions for individuals who may be parents with learning disabilities and children who are dealing with the fall out.
The IFS team’s support has been likened to helping you ride a bike. They put the training wheels on and teach you how to ride; they take the wheels off and stand alongside you, supporting you until you’re ready to go off on your own – and they will be there should you ever need to come back.
To get in contact with IMPACT Community Services’ IFS team phone 4153 4233.
If you need help now – here are some useful hotlines:
Domestic Violence Services
DV Connect: 1800 811 811
Edon Place: 4153 6820
Men’s Line: 1300 78 99 78
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT).
How to report a DFV incident Visit Police Website, CLICK HERE or for all other domestic violence related matters, phone Policelink on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week .
Family and child safety
Child Safety Central Queensland Regional Intake Service (business hours): 1300 703 762
Child Safety (after hours): 1800 177 135
Family and Child Connect (FACC) 13 32 64 to share your concerns for families in your community.
Parenting/mental health support
Parentline: 1300 30 1300
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Teamwork makes the dream work; it would be a tiresome phrase if it wasn’t so effective.
And IMPACT Community Services’ vision of Improving Lives is certainly more effective when collaborating with organisations like Hearts of Purple to help domestic and family violence survivors in the community.
Hearts of Purple have recently donated numerous items to IMPACT’s Intensive Family Support team to give to those in need.
The generous donation included 27 bags of women's essential items, a box of cleaning wipes, 32 packs of various size nappies and more than 500 bottles of assorted sizes of hand sanitizers.
Hearts of Purple CEO Michelle Beattie said when you’re on the run and you have nothing, receiving an emergency bag was “like Christmas”.
Knowing someone cares that you have basic items can make a world of difference and when you’re on the run every cent counts.
When organisations collaborate, more work can be done, more people can be helped, and they can work to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
IMPACT Family Intensive Support Manager Staci said the donations had been spread throughout all of the family programs at IMPACT, this includes Positive Start Parenting and Family Mental Health Support Services.
She said this donation has gone on to support women and children within the community in a time of need.
For more information about Hearts of Purple visit their website.
Further details about IMPACT’s support services are available here.
Domestic Violence Services
DV Connect: 1800 811 811
Edon Place: 4153 6820
Men’s Line: 1300 78 99 78
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT).
Family and child safety
Child Safety Central Queensland Regional Intake Service (business hours): 1300 703 762
Child Safety (after hours): 1800 177 135
Family and Child Connect (FACC) 13 32 64 to share your concerns for families in your community.
Parenting/mental health support
Parentline: 1300 30 1300
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
When working with vulnerable people time truly is of the essence.
And one of the latest methods to ensure help arrives, fittingly, incorporates a watch.
IMPACT Community Services is collaborating with Hearts of Purple to deliver technology designed to support vulnerable people in the form of duress safety watches.
Staff working in IMPACT’s Intensive Family Support program will be kitted out with the watches for when they go into potentially dangerous environments to support families experiencing high-risk domestic family violence.
Unfortunately, DFV matters are not uncommon in the region.
More than 75% of IMPACT IFS families are being supported for current DFV or the impacts of DFV, and the rates of multiple and complex support needs for parents and children in the Bundaberg area have increased.
With local support service system under pressure, there are waitlists, delays, no housing options and DFV refuges are full.
The watches are also an option for clients who have been assessed as living in high-risk situations.
There are a range of features, such as monitoring and alarms connected to support services, which seek to improve safety.
Key collaboration
IMPACT’s IFS Manager Melissa Clarke said, “from a team perspective it’s about collaboration with Hearts of Purple around promoting women’s safety”.
“It's not only for the team but it’s increasing people’s safety and that direct access to the best technology,” Ms Clarke said.
“Sometimes we’re travelling four hours from Bundaberg and unless we’re in range, that’s the biggest thing, we could be walking into anything and everything in any single moment.”
The IFS team members have been exposed a number of times to not only violent situations, but those involving drugs, alcohol and other abusive situations.
Ms Clarke said they will order additional watches as needed.
While the watch is a great tool to get help, people still need to be hypervigilant and follow other security measures as the device itself is not necessarily going to save your life should violence occur.
For more information about IMPACT Community Service’s IFS program visit Home - Impact Community Services or call us on 4153 4233.
By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
Supporting positive family dynamics and educating parents about healthy relationships are two of the most important services we offer at IMPACT.
Domestic and family violence (DFV) is still heavily prevalent within our Bundaberg region, and without a whole of community approach the reality is we simply won’t see the changes we so desperately need.
On Wednesday and Thursday next week, July 28 and 29, IMPACT will collaborate with Family Law Pathways Network, Uniting Community Care and The Family Relationship Centre to host the Working Together community conversation.
The aim of these two days is to hold a collaborative conversation and have as many people present to establish a practice commitment for working together to prevent domestic and family violence in Bundaberg.
The complexities involved in this space requires involvement on multiple levels.
People working with families and children, managers, board members, policy makers, community members, community leaders and people wanting to make a difference are encouraged to participate in the conversation.
Data that tracked Domestic Violence Order applications made to the Bundaberg Magistrates Court in 2019-20 showed an increase by over 27% from the previous year.
This increase was the highest in the state, followed by Rockhampton with 14.6% and Beenleigh with 14.4%.
Evidence also shows that violence creates ongoing cycles of intergenerational trauma leading to unstable mental health, neglected children, government dependence and learned poverty.
The only way I can think to describe this is unacceptable.
We need more action, more accountability, and more people willing to not only stand up and say no to domestic and family violence, but to act on it when it is seen or heard.
There are multiple service providers in this space that are under significant pressure; the need far outweighs the supports available.
The only way to move forward is to come together and work at this issue across varied government agencies, community organisations and members of society.
Together, we can create new, innovative approaches to effectively respond to the escalating incidents of DFV, as many of our services are not equipped to accommodate for the constant change and additional layers of complexity involved.
Children are the silent sufferers in these situations, until they are not.
There are significant ongoing implications for children exposed to violent relationship dynamics ranging from learned violence in the family unit to links to crime and deviant behaviour.
The Working Together community conversation aims to strengthen our relationships and collaborative practice through networking, conversations and, as mentioned, the development of a collective commitment to working together for Bundaberg families.
It’s up to us as residents of the Bundaberg region to create a light at the end of the tunnel, and work towards it together through measurable actions and achievable outcomes.
We are always stronger when we work together; creating the change that is needed starts with us.
