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The Palaszczuk Government is supporting central Queensland organisation, CentacareCQ with $7.1 million to partner with Helem Yumba to provide much needed support for women and families escaping violence.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Shannon Fentiman said the funding highlights the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to ending violence against women and children.

“Since the pandemic, our hardworking frontline domestic and family violence (DFV) services have seen demand for their support increase,” Minister Fentiman said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring women and families escaping violence can receive the wrap around support they need to rebuild their lives.

“We know that First Nations women experience higher rates of violence which is why it’s so important that we raise the capacity of our mainstream support services to provide culturally appropriate responses.

“This partnership with Centacare and Helem Yumba will provide counselling support for women and children, court-based support and as well as perpetrator intervention programs for men.”

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said CentacareCQ was successful in securing a 30-month contract that will see the organisation deliver domestic and family violence services in Rockhampton, Longreach and Emerald.

“Centacare is the longest running not-for-profit local social services organisation in Central Queensland, providing professional community services for almost 50 years,” Ms Lauga said.

“The organisation employs 340 staff across Queensland and is also supported by a band of dedicated volunteers who do fantastic work supporting our community every day.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said CentacareCQ has partnered with Helem Yumba in Rockhampton to ensure it delivers a culturally appropriate domestic and family violence service.

“The Helem Yumba Centre provides a range of therapeutic supports, including counselling, that are delivered in conjunction with cultural healing programs and activities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Rockhampton, Mount Morgan and Woorabinda,” Mr O’Rourke said.

CentacareCQ Director Robert Sims said CentacareCQ has a long history of delivering domestic and family violence services in Emerald and we are grateful for the opportunity to now deliver a streamlined, consistent service across the wider Central Queensland region as well.

“We are honoured to be delivering this quality integrated service alongside a strong first nations provider in Helem Yumba, who share the same ideals and philosophies about how we address the critical domestic and family violence issues that we face,” Mr Sims said

Helem Yumba CQ Healing Centre Chief Executive Officer Lynette Anderson said CentacareCQ and Helem Yumba Incorporated have developed this model of collaboration in a true spirit of partnership, based on the long-term respectful relationship between our organisations which recognises the strengths and expertise both parties bring.

“We believe our partnership will allow us to be best placed to respond to the needs and aspirations of our communities across Central Queensland,” Ms Anderson said.

Minister Fentiman said the recent coronial inquest into the death of Hannah Clarke and her children in Brisbane has highlighted the full horror of domestic violence and re-enforced how hard we must continue to work to overcome this complex scourge.

“Domestic and family violence has no place in Queensland,” she said.

“We know that violence against women is inextricably linked to gender inequality, and everyone has a role to play to end DFV.

“Our new Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022-27 makes a strong statement about the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to raising the status of women and working towards gender equality.

“Supporting hardworking frontline services like Centacare and Helem Yumba is key to ensuring women and girls are safe, valued and supported in our communities.”