108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
Developed by psychologist Ursula Benstead, the Shark Cage program continues to support women healing from domestic violence and sexual abuse, with IMPACT Community Services’ Positive Start team recently facilitating the third round of the program for 10 local participants.
Through guided discussions and creative activities, Shark Cage supports women who have experienced childhood or adulthood abuse to rebuild their self-worth and develop emotional strength in a safe, supportive environment.
Facilitators Cat Pjevac and Kayla Wylie completed specialist training in the Shark Cage framework before commencing local facilitation of the program in July.
Cat said the program teaches women about healthy relationships, helping them recognise early signs of an abuser and break negative cycles.
“It's not only for their personal relationships with men,” Cat said.
“It’s also about family members and friendships and learning to understand what boundaries they need to put in place to keep themselves and their children safe.”
Over six weeks, participants created a mural filled with symbolic sea creatures and objects, using sharks to represent abusers, dolphins for friends, fish for themselves, treasure chests for self‑care, and seaweed for their rights and protections. They wrote on each symbol to express their feelings, identify ways to care for themselves, and define the rights that keep them safe.
Harmony, who finished the program earlier this month, has been on a journey of self-discovery since going through domestic violence with her children. The Shark Cage program has recharged her batteries and inspired her as she reinvents herself and creates a brighter future for her family.
Harmony stated, “I find it really empowering. All the issues bring you down, but being in an environment like this helps.
“Being around people who have gone through the same type of things makes you feel like you’re not alone and you’re not crazy,” she said.
Harmony’s no stranger to IMPACT, having been engaged on and off with the organisation since she was pregnant with her three year old. The team is currently helping Harmony regain her licence and boost her work-readiness, goals she hopes to fulfil before her youngest child starts school.
Tallara, who finished the program alongside Harmony, also has nothing but rave reviews of IMPACT and Shark Cage. While she was nervous before the program started, she’s come out the other side stronger.
Shark Cage has boosted her confidence, and she recommends the program to those in similar situations.
“I reckon this program is good for people that have experienced abuse and have no one to talk to or nowhere to go,” she said.
The entire group has come a long way, building friendships, healing from trauma and learning coping strategies that will support them into the future in all aspects of their life.
Cat said participants enjoyed Shark Cage so much that they didn’t want it to end, prompting facilitators to connect participants with PCYC’s Rise Up, Be Yourself (RUBY) physical fitness program as a way to maintain connection and wellbeing.
“They’re sort of sad that they finished the program because they’ve built some great friendships and they want to keep those going,” Cat said.
“We try to encourage them to go to the RUBY program so they can reconnect and have something else to look forward to.”
IMPACT Community Services facilitates Shark Cage locally twice a year, with the next round due to start on 14 July. To express your interest in joining, call 07 4153 4233 or complete the referral form on IMPACT’s website.
It’s an opportunity for women to let their guard down in a setting where their voices are heard, their experiences are understood and their feelings are validated.
IMPACT Community Services is proud to introduce The Shark Cage Program to the Bundaberg region – an empowering 8-week group course designed for women who have moved beyond crisis and are ready to strengthen their boundaries, rebuild confidence, and protect themselves and their families from future harm.
Developed by psychologist Ursula Benstead, The Shark Cage framework uses a powerful metaphor to help women understand their rights, recognise unhealthy relationship patterns, and develop tools for long-term safety and wellbeing.
“This program is for women who are no longer in crisis but are still healing. It’s about reclaiming your space, your voice and your future,” said Lesley Allen, Team Leader at IMPACT.
“At IMPACT, we are deeply committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence. The Shark Cage plays a vital role in prevention by equipping women with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their families moving forward,” she said.
This course will be facilitated by trained staff from IMPACT’s Positive Start Program, Kayla and Cat, and is open to a maximum of 10 participants.
Sessions will run weekly over eight weeks, offering a safe, supportive environment for personal growth and development. Participants must be committed to attending all eight sessions to ensure the full benefit of the program.
Location: IMPACT Community Services, 108 Bargara Road – Bundaberg East
Start Date: 8-week program starting 8 July 2025, concluding 26 August 2025
Day/Time: Every Tuesday from 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: Free of charge
For more information, please call 07 4153 4233.
To register your interest in IMPACT's future Shark Cage programs, please complete our referral form.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the vital importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing and overcoming the challenges of gender-based violence, as highlighted in our podcast episode 7 featuring Jo Leverett from the Zonta Club of Bundaberg.
By Tanya O'Shea, Managing Director, IMPACT Community Services
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, spanning from November 25 to December 10, brings global attention to an issue that’s often concealed in the shadows until it's tragically too late—gender-based violence.
Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on gender-based violence in Australia are alarming to say the least:
IMPACT Community Services is passionate about this movement, which aims to do more than just raise awareness about gender-based violence; it seeks to create a lasting and positive change that echoes throughout societies.
In our most recent STRONGER TOGETHER Podcast (Episode 7), I sat down with Jo Leverett, Zonta Club of Bundaberg board member and Zonta Advocacy Committee chair, to discuss the importance of community engagement and collaboration in preventing and eliminating gender-based violence.
Our conversation shone light on the indomitable spirit of those who have turned personal tragedy into powerful advocacy. The heart-wrenching stories of Hannah Clarke and Allison Baden-Clay, as shared by their families, emphasise the pressing need for societal change, inspiring legislative reforms such as the landmark legislation on coercive control in Queensland.
Over the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Bundaberg’s projects, such as ringing bells to honour the victims of gender-based violence or lighting up fig trees in orange, are powerful expressions of support and memory.
Yet, our responsibilities extend beyond symbolic gestures. We must continually challenge ourselves and our community to recognise and address all forms of violence, broadening our understanding and language to encompass the diverse experiences of individuals facing violence and oppression.
As we approach the Day of Community on December 8, we extend an invitation for everyone to gather in Buss Park. Wear orange, symbolising a brighter future, and make the pledge to a future free from all forms of violence.
Our strength lies in unity; together, we can be the change. Remember, if the discussions in this column resonate with you, support is available. Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit impact.org.au for additional resources.
