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 are seeking a compassionate and motivated Support Worker to join our Family Mental Health Support Service. This role focuses on early intervention, supporting children and young people who are experiencing, or at risk of developing, mental health concerns, all while working from a beautiful office with sea views.
As a Support Worker, you will deliver flexible, non-clinical support to children, young people and their families. You’ll help build resilience, improve wellbeing, and support meaningful changes in everyday life through both individual and group-based approaches.
To find out more, view our position description and full list of benefits on our website.
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.
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 will be required 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.
This isn’t just a job. This is a space where your lived experience is valued, your voice matters, and your story can support real change in the lives of others.
We are seeking Lived Experience Peer Workers to join the team at IMPACT Community Services, supporting individuals across Bundaberg and surrounding rural communities. This is a Full-time Fixed term position till 30th June 2027.
If you’re passionate about connection, recovery, and walking alongside, this might be your moment.
This role includes outreach to rural communities where access to support can be limited, offering a meaningful opportunity to make an impact where it is needed most.
To thrive in this role, you will bring a combination of lived experience, insight, and a genuine commitment to walking alongside others. This includes:
To find out more, view our position description and full list of staff benefits at Join Our Team - at HomePage - Impact Community Services
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.
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 will be required to obtain background checks prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check.
Recognising the crucial role of lived experience in mental health work, IMPACT Community Services has welcomed Lived/Living Experience Lead Missy Sands to strengthen the organisation’s capabilities in this evolving space.
Missy has begun the important work of implementing IMPACT’s very own lived experience framework, which will guide staff practice across the organisation's extensive peer support network. The focus is on embedding a consistent, values-driven approach to peer work while building the confidence and capability of the workforce.
Step one is training, with IMPACT’s team of peer support workers recently starting a six-week training program Missy put together to teach them the fundamentals of lived experience group work.
“They’re learning how to facilitate groups with the different dynamics, personalities and people in front of them,” Missy said. “Role play is going to be huge because we learn by doing.”
“We're going to have conversations with people that can be intense. They could be crisis conversations.
“We’re exploring how you navigate that so they’re safe and you’re safe, and when to escalate matters.”
She says someone with lived experience can’t walk straight into lived experience work, with confidence and skills taking years to hone.
“I remember feeling like an imposter at first. I didn’t feel comfortable doing the work until a good couple of years into it,” Missy said.
Nine years down the track on her lived experience peer work journey, Missy is embracing the chance to show her team the ropes. She couldn’t be more qualified for the challenge, having played an integral role in getting psychosocial peer group sessions off the ground in Queensland.
“When I was at Queensland Health, the peer recovery group was my baby. I started that group.
“Now it is mandatory, so I’m going to embed that, teach the peers how to deliver that and give them the methodology behind it so they understand that whole process.”
In addition to understanding the unique cohorts in each area that IMPACT serves, including Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Kingaroy, Missy says she’s focused on reaching those in underserviced rural areas.
“In Gayndah, Mundubbera and Eidsvold, they're not getting that much service because there are only a few peers and they're not in that area.
“We're trying to navigate how we can get some support that way, whether it's online through Microsoft Teams or us as a team going out there once a week or once a month.”
Core to peer support work is a strong passion, and Missy brings that wholeheartedly to her role. She said she’s a big believer in the peer way and its ability to improve lives.
“I take nothing away from the clinical side. We're all here for different parts of that person, but we all come together for the same reason, and that’s to support them.
“As peer workers, we make a big impact on somebody who is sitting in front of us and doesn’t know where to go or how to live independently.
“Giving that hope, motivation and empowerment is quite magical.”
It’s a reminder for all of us to pause and consider the power of genuine human connection, and how much hope can grow when someone simply walks beside another with understanding and care.
For more on IMPACT’s Group-Based Peer Recovery Support Program, visit https://impact.org.au/support-and-wellbeing/mental-health/mental-health-services/group-based-peer-recovery-support-program/
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week, Tanya discusses giving to gain gender equality this International Women's Day.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
When we give, we gain. That’s the message this International Women’s Day, which was yesterday on Sunday 8 March. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our role in the global push to achieve gender equality, celebrate our victories and raise awareness of where we still have work to do. And ‘we’ means everyone, because gender equality is a human rights issue, not just a women’s issue.
The 2026 theme of ‘Give To Gain’ calls on all of us to contribute to women’s advancement. When we think about giving, our minds often turn to money, which in today’s world is something many of us can’t afford to give.
While donating to local, national or global causes is a worthy way to take part, giving doesn’t begin and end there. You can give knowledge, resources, training, advocacy, infrastructure. You can give respect, safety, credit, opportunities, voice. You can give perhaps your most precious asset: time.
You may feel that your contribution is too insignificant to matter, but as I explored in my recent column on the butterfly effect, impact doesn’t need to be immediate or obvious. No matter how small, your actions can have a ripple effect. When people see you giving, they’re more likely to follow in your footsteps.
In return, you have so much to gain. On a personal level, you may gain connection, motivation, confidence, fulfillment. More broadly, others may gain an example to follow, a shoulder to lean on, a safe space to share their story. And one day, through collective effort and small acts of giving, society may gain gender equality.
When women thrive, communities, workplaces, families, and economies thrive too. What will you give to gain gender quality this International Women’s Day?
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week, Tanya discusses how we can reframe our traditional idea of a 'real job' to be more inclusive and relevant in today's evolving world of work.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
I was recently watching a TED Talk featuring Atlassian co-founder and CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes. He shared that when he and his mate Scott Farquhar left university, their goal was simple: not to get a real job.
Considering Atlassian is now a publicly listed company worth more than $50 billion, it’s clear that humble beginning didn’t limit their ambition. But it also redefined success on their terms, not society’s. They weren’t avoiding responsibility; instead, they rejected this narrow definition of what work was supposed to look like.
That got me thinking. Somewhere along the way, many of us were sold a very limited idea of what a ‘real job’ is. You know the one. Clock in at 8. Clock out at 5. Turn up Monday to Friday. Sit at the same desk. Work the same hours as everyone else. Get paid for time, not impact.
But that definition is outdated, and frankly, unhelpful. A real job is not defined by a timesheet. It’s not about wearing the right uniform, sitting in the right building, or proving your worth by being seen at a desk for a set number of hours each day. Presence does not equal productivity, and hours worked do not automatically equal value created.
A real job is about contribution. If you solve problems, create value, serve customers, support a community, build something meaningful, or move an organisation forward, then you have a real job. It doesn’t matter if that work happens early in the morning, late at night, in short bursts, or across irregular days.
Some people work four long days. Some work around caring responsibilities. Some work seasonally, project to project, or when demand exists. Some do their best thinking in two focused hours rather than eight distracted ones. That doesn’t make the work less legitimate. Often, it makes it more effective.
We also need to let go of the idea that you must ‘turn up every day’ to prove commitment. Commitment is shown through outcomes, reliability and trust, not physical attendance. In many roles, what matters most is what gets done, not where or when it gets done.
The world of work has changed significantly. Technology has changed it. Life has changed it. People have changed it.
Clinging to 8 to 5 jobs as the gold standard excludes talent, limits innovation and ignores reality.
So maybe the better question isn’t, ‘Is this a real job?’
Maybe it’s, ‘Is this work meaningful, sustainable and useful?’
Because if the answer is yes, then perhaps it’s real enough.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week, Tanya discusses the rising pressure on GPs to manage mental health concerns and what this means locally in Bundaberg.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Mental health is the leading reason people are walking through GP doors across Australia. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Health of the Nation 2025 report shows that 71% of GPs cite mental health as a key driver of patient presentations.
This isn’t a sudden shift. Mental health concerns have sat at the top of the list since the survey began in 2017. What has changed is the scale: over the past eight years, there has been a 10% increase in GPs ranking mental health among their top three reasons for visits, underscoring the growing and sustained pressure on general practice.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright notes that GPs have increasingly become the frontline for those experiencing mental distress. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, with mental health–related appointments surging and remaining high ever since.
With 43% of Australians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, the demand for accessible mental health care continues to grow. That pressure is even greater in regional communities like Bundaberg, where support is often inconsistent and crisis‑driven. Instead, services should bridge these gaps by supporting people who fall outside traditional clinical boundaries (the ‘missing middle’) long before they reach breaking point.
The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre’s 2023 report shows 12% of Bundaberg residents live with a long-term mental health condition, compared with 9.6% statewide. A 2025 Queensland Alliance for Mental Health report highlights widespread gaps in regional, rural and remote areas, including Bundaberg. Workforce shortages, fragmented systems and rigid eligibility criteria often mean people can’t access help until they’re in crisis, leaving local GPs to manage rising levels of unmet need and complexity.
There is, however, meaningful progress underway. In 2024, Bundaberg welcomed a new Medicare Mental Health Centre, offering free, walk-in support with no referral, Medicare card or appointment required.
It provides vital access to clinicians, peer workers, psychologists, nurses and social workers in a purpose-designed, trauma-informed environment. It’s no wonder that, less than a year after it launched, the centre had already delivered more than 500 occasions of service. It’s one of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres funded nationally to provide care closer to home.
Still, Bundaberg needs sustained, long‑term investment to address structural gaps and ensure early intervention, continuity of care and true collaboration between services.
Because behind the mental health numbers are real people: people who deserve stability, and the opportunity to access supports well before they reach crisis point.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses how completing 700 workouts became a personal milestone in consistency, self-leadership and wellbeing, after choosing to prioritise movement following an arthritis diagnosis.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
In July 2022, I made a decision to prioritise movement after being diagnosed with arthritis in both knees. After years of paying for a gym membership without achieving consistency, I started working with a personal trainer and picked up some basic equipment from Kmart to train at home.
Three days a week turned into four, then five. After 12 months, I invested in a full home gym setup, removing every barrier I had created that once prevented me from getting to the gym. Now, I simply roll out of bed in my PJ’s, throw on my shoes, and training begins.
Today marks 700 workouts.
But what does 700 sessions really look like?
It looks like getting out of bed at 4am, five days a week. It looks like relying on yourself, knowing only you can do the work. It looks like training in the dark, braving the cold during winter. It looks like doing the work no one else sees. It looks like holding yourself accountable, even when your mind says you’re tired or your body wants to rest. It looks like pushing past the voice that says, “You deserve a day off.”
It means logging every rep, set, kg and session. It means taking a week or two off and not beating yourself up about it. It means accepting that some days your heart is in it, and some days it isn’t. It means that on some days, you rely on autopilot to get through a session. It means recognising that movement is only one part of the equation when it comes to personal health and wellbeing. It leaves you appreciating your weekends, using the time to do other things you enjoy that support your rest and recovery.
700 workouts isn’t just a number to me. It is a personal celebration of my consistency, accountability and commitment. It’s about self-leadership, showing up for myself, day after day and building a foundation that now supports every aspect of my life.
Training is now a sacred part of my morning routine. If you’re on a journey of your own, keep going. The results aren’t immediate, but the long-term payoff is worth it.
Feeling lost or disconnected? You're not alone.
IMPACT Community Services (IMPACT) is working with the team at the Centacare Neighbourhood Centre to help people cultivate their emotional wellbeing as well as gardening skills.
Join us every Thursday to grow gardens and reconnect with nature. Enjoy BBQs and salads made with crops grown by the participants, alongside fun social activities. Food and drinks are provided.
IMPACT Peer Support Luke Arnold would love to see more people take part.
"Whether you're really keen on gardening or just like sitting back and having a chat, come join the fun," he said.
Luke, who is based in Kingaroy and serves the South Burnett region, says participants enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, good company, and shared meals.
He said that growing food and flowers provides a sense of achievement, reduces stress, and encourages mindfulness.
Our mental health programs offer a safe and inclusive space where people can connect, share experiences, and find the support they need.
If you are over the age of 16 and interested in joining in the group, reach out to Luke at IMPACT on 1800 179 233. Self-referrals are welcome.
A new wellbeing initiative is set to transform support across the Discovery Coast, thanks to funding from the Queensland Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants program.
The Discovery Coast Social Prescription Community Coach Initiative will embed a full-time Community Coach, someone with lived experience of mental ill-health, into Agnes Water’s IMPACT Community Health Service (ICHS) on Rafting Ground Road.
Working in close partnership with local GPs, the coach will support individuals by developing personalised wellbeing plans, linking them with local groups, and helping them access vital support networks.
“As a GP, I see people every day who would benefit from this kind of support,” said ICHS General Practitioner, Dr Dani Buchanan.
The initiative responds to a growing need for community-based support in regional areas, where access to services is limited and social isolation is more common.
“The Community Coach will work one-on-one with individuals to support their journey toward improved mental health and wellbeing,” said IMPACT’s Mental Health Manager, Jannene Thorn.
“This is about meeting people where they are and helping them build the tools and connections they need to thrive.”
The program aims to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing literacy, and empower people to take control of their health and their lives.
Beyond individual support, the initiative is designed to strengthen the broader community by fostering connection, resilience, and early intervention.
IMPACT’s Discovery Coast Social Prescription Community Coach program is an initiative of the Queensland Government funded through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants program.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the profound impact of diverse lived experiences in mental health and the importance of recognising and valuing these perspectives to foster a compassionate and understanding community.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Mental health affects everyone in unique ways, but the power of lived experience is what truly brings us together. Whether you are directly affected or supporting someone through their journey, your perspective matters.
It’s important to recognise that lived experience is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Experiences vary dramatically depending on individual circumstances, and appreciating this diversity is essential to building a more compassionate and understanding community.
Take, for example, a mother caring for a child diagnosed with a mental illness. Her lived experience is rooted in love, concern, and the daily effort to advocate for her child’s needs. From the outside, it may seem like a routine of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and careful monitoring, but her journey runs much deeper. She has to balance her child's emotional ups and downs while learning the triggers that lead to meltdowns or depressive episodes. There are sleepless nights, relentless advocacy for school accommodations, and the constant challenge of feeling the need to justify her child’s behaviour to others. Most days, she ‘armours up’, putting on a brave face, yet inside she carries the burden of the unknown. Uncertain of each new day while unequivocally hopeful for her child’s future.
Now, contrast that with the lived experience of someone personally diagnosed with a mental illness. Their journey may include coping with the internal struggles of anxiety or depression, managing medications, and balancing life amidst the weight of stigma. This person might spend their days combating thoughts that are difficult to articulate, feeling disconnected from friends or family, and dealing with the isolating effects of their condition. They might wrestle with the uncertainty of whether they will ever feel "normal" or wonder if others see them as a burden. But despite these challenges, their lived experience fosters resilience, self-awareness, and, often, a deeper understanding of their own needs and strengths.
Then there’s the experience of a husband supporting his wife through her mental health journey. His lived experience is about emotional strength and patience as he navigates the highs and lows associated with her symptoms. He might wake up to find that his wife is struggling to get out of bed or battling overwhelming feelings of despair. In those moments, his role is to provide support, a safe space, and encouragement without judgment. He learns to identify potential triggers and supports her to develop coping strategies, all while shouldering his own emotional toll. He, too, grows in resilience and empathy, even though his experience is different from that of his wife.
Each of these perspectives is distinct, yet all are united by a common thread: the profound impact of mental health on individuals and their loved ones. While some are not living through the illness themselves, their lived experience is no less valuable. As a community, it is imperative that we recognise and honour this.
The collective wisdom derived from these varied lived experiences can drive meaningful change. Recognising and integrating these diverse perspectives allows us to foster a community where empathy and understanding prevail, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Only then can we unlock the full potential of our community and achieve truly amazing things together.
Queensland’s peak body for the community managed mental health sector launched a campaign this week in the lead up to the state election.
The Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) has stressed a need for an additional $150 million recurrent funding to ensure all Queenslanders can access the care that they need within their own communities.
“Community based mental health services provide practical supports for people to manage the impacts of illness, and they provide opportunities to re-establish skills lost, such as employment, education, leisure, social relationships and connection with community,” CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health Jennifer Black said.
“We are currently waiting for the release of a national report which will quantify the gap in these types of supports across Australia. We know that compared to other Australian States and Territories, Queensland’s investment in these crucial services is alarmingly low.”
Tanya O’Shea, Managing Director at IMPACT Community Services in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay said, “Despite our proven ability to deliver effective preventative and community-based mental health services, we are constrained by inadequate funding. This can delay critical help for those in need. Our programs, led by peer support workers (many with lived experience), provide immediate, empathetic care. While clinical care is often prioritised, our services are equally vital. We call for long-term funding to ensure no one misses out on the support they need, when they need it.”
QAMH’s latest state budget analysis found that an additional $150 million in state funding is needed to bridge the gap in state-funded community based mental health supports for people with severe and complex mental illness.
The time for action is now: QAMH calls on all parties to invest in community based mental health services in this election and save lives.
Tell your MP to save lives by properly funding community mental health by visiting https://fundcommunitymentalhealth.com.au.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the pressing issues facing our young people, from the rising tide of mental health challenges to the troubling phenomenon of school avoidance.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
The balancing act of ensuring our children's academic success while nurturing their mental wellbeing is a struggle many parents can relate to. If you've ever found yourself in this complex predicament, rest assured, you're not alone.
In our recent episode of the STRONGER TOGETHER podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Vicki Ross, a dedicated guidance officer serving in both primary and secondary schools across the Bundaberg region. Together, we delved into the pressing issues facing our young people, from the rising tide of mental health challenges to the troubling phenomenon of school avoidance. Our conversation highlighted the gravity of these issues, prompting an in-depth discussion on the collaborative efforts needed to support the wellbeing of our youth.
The statistics are sobering. With conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD on the rise, alongside an alarming increase in rates of ‘school refusal,’ it's abundantly clear that youth mental health is a matter of urgent national concern. Shockingly, about 1 in 7 children and adolescents in Australia have recently grappled with a mental health disorder, underscoring the pressing need for early identification and intervention.
Mrs. Ross stressed the importance of spotting early signs of mental health issues, highlighting that a staggering 75% of mental health illnesses manifest before the age of 25. This stark reality emphasises the pivotal role that early intervention plays in shaping the lifelong trajectory of our young ones.
Equally troubling are the rates of non-attendance and ‘school refusal’ in Queensland, with overall school attendance rates witnessing a concerning decline in recent years. This phenomenon, exacerbated by a myriad of societal challenges, underscores the imperative of addressing the root causes contributing to school avoidance.
It is a challenging situation. For some families, it's really hard to get their child on the bus or in the car to get them to school and they go, ‘I can't do that today. I just can't have that argument again today. I'll let it go today.’ And then it's the next day, and the next. And before you know it, it's quite an extended absence.
School avoidance is complex and requires a tailored approach that acknowledges the unique needs and circumstances of each individual child and their family. Mrs Ross advocates for a "soft launch" entry back into school, starting with small steps based on each student's needs and interests. This might involve setting weekly goals, identifying supportive individuals ("champion people") within the school community, and gradually increasing involvement in school activities.
Yet, despite our best efforts, an individualised approach may not always yield the desired results. In such cases, exploring alternative education opportunities, such as homeschooling or specialised schools, may be worth considering to prioritise both the child's and the family's wellbeing.
Ultimately, finding an educational setting that fosters growth while supporting mental health is paramount. It's a journey that requires patience, empathy, and unwavering support from all stakeholders involved – parents, educators, and the broader community. Our young people are indeed our future, and they are unequivocally worth every ounce of effort we invest in their wellbeing.
Listen to Episode 9 of IMPACT's STRONGER TOGETHER podcast series "Brighter Minds & Enhancing Mental Wellbeing in the Classroom" here.
Season 2, episode 9, "Brighter minds & enhancing mental wellbeing in the classroom" features an insightful conversation hosted by Tanya O'Shea with guest Vicki Ross, focusing on the mental health of young people in educational settings, primarily in Bundaberg. This episode delves into the crucial role of schools and community collaboration in identifying and addressing mental health issues among youth. Vicki Ross, a guidance officer who works across both primary and high schools, shares her extensive experience and observations regarding the various mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents. The discussion highlights the importance of early intervention, the prevalence of conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and the impact of bullying on students' mental wellbeing.
Vicki emphasises the significance of individualised support strategies, the need for creativity and innovation in intervention approaches, and the role of family and community support systems in aiding young people. The conversation also touches on the broader societal issues contributing to mental health problems, such as financial stress and the effects of social media on loneliness and isolation. The podcast aims to shed light on the complex landscape of youth mental health and the collaborative efforts required to support the wellbeing of young individuals in the community.
Discover how individual stories weave into a larger narrative of hope, resilience, and collective action. It's time to embrace our roles in fostering an environment where every child can flourish. Let's learn, support, and grow together.
➡️ IMPACT Community Services: 07 4153 4233 or 1800 179 233
This service is available to residents of Bundaberg, South Burnett, North Burnett and the discovery Coast visit HERE to read more
➡️Reach Out
➡️Lifeline - 13 11 14
➡️13YARN – 13 92 76
➡️Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
➡️DV Connect - 1800 811 811
➡️Parent Line - 1300 301 300
➡️MensLine - 1300 99 78 78
➡️1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
Please note: This podcast may contain references to, or feature images, videos, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.
In episode 8, "Bridging loneliness through the power of nature and community: Sharon's Story," we invite listeners on a profound exploration of healing and connection through the lens of Sharon's life. As an Indigenous woman who has navigated the challenging waters of loneliness and trauma, Sharon's experiences illuminate the powerful roles that both nature and a compassionate community play in the journey towards emotional and psychological well-being.
This episode is not just a story of personal triumph; it's a deeper dive into how reconnecting with the earth and finding solace in a supportive community can offer a pathway out of isolation. We explore the intrinsic bond humans share with nature—a relationship that transcends cultures and has been a source of comfort and recovery for countless individuals across generations. Sharon's narrative is a testament to the ancient wisdom that recognises nature as a healer and a teacher.
Furthermore, we delve into the essence of community—not just as a group of people living in proximity, but as a network of support, understanding, and shared experience. Sharon's story sheds light on the importance of being part of a community that truly understands and accepts one another, highlighting how such connections can serve as a powerful antidote to loneliness.
Listeners will be inspired by Sharon's resilience and moved by her journey from a place of pain to one of peace and connection. This episode aims to spark a conversation about the importance of nurturing our relationships with the natural world and each other, encouraging everyone to take steps towards bridging the gaps of loneliness in their own lives and in their communities.
Join us in episode 8 for an enriching experience that not only tells Sharon's story but also invites us all to reflect on the importance of bridging loneliness with the healing power of nature and the warmth of community.
Support services:
➡️ IMPACT Community Services: 07 4153 4233 or 1800 179 233
This service is available to residents of Bundaberg, South Burnett, North Burnett and the discovery Coast visit HERE to read more
➡️13YARN – 13 92 76
Free confidential service available 24/7 run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters.
Other support services:
➡️Lifeline - 13 11 14
➡️Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
➡️DV Connect - 1800 811 811
➡️Parent Line - 1300 301 300
➡️MensLine - 1300 99 78 78
➡️1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
It’s a big period of change for IMPACT Community Services’ Amy Griffiths.
As the new Team Leader of IMPACT’s Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) in Hervey Bay, Amy is also looking forward to becoming an Australian citizen and using her skills and experience to help children and families in the region.
The FMHSS aims to improve mental health outcomes for children and young people, and their families, by providing early intervention support, short-term assistance, and community outreach and education.
IMPACT, which has successfully operated FMHSS in Bundaberg for 15 years, has recently taken over the contract to provide this vital service to the Hervey Bay and Fraser Coast region.
Last financial year, IMPACT’s FMHHS supported 110 short term and 39 long term clients, as well as an additional 342 people through group and community forum sessions.
Amy, who moved to Australia from New Zealand and fell in love with the Fraser Coast, is passionate about working with the youth and helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
She will be based at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, where she and the FMHSS team will work closely with other community organisations and stakeholders to deliver the FMHSS program.
"I'm so excited. It's where my heart is, working with the youth...it's where my passion is," Amy said.
The FMHSS welcomes referrals from families, schools, health professionals, and other agencies and can be contacted by calling 0473 533 491, or visiting the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, 22 Charles Street, Pialba.
