A new home for a range of family and community services for regional Queensland has been unveiled with the official opening of our Hervey Bay hub in Pialba.
Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Tim Norton opened and blessed the location on 5 December, which will collocate the administration of services in aged care, disability care, homelessness support services and family and relationship services on one integrated site, bolstering much needed services for the Fraser Coast community.
Disability care, including social and life skills services, will be delivered onsite, with other services on the Fraser Coast delivered from locations in Maryborough, in the community and in clients’ own homes. In addition, homelessness support services will extend into the Bundaberg/North Burnett region.
Bishop Tim said the hub was a valuable addition for the Fraser Coast community, which had experienced its share of social challenges, including those emerging from the pandemic and flooding impacts, housing availability and an increased incidence and severity of domestic and family violence.
Member for Hervey Bay, Adrian Tantari attended the opening and said it was vital that residents had access to the services they needed, where and when they needed them.
Centacare Executive Director Peter Selwood praised the hard work of the local team, who welcomed about 60 guests to the opening. Shannon, who participates in cooking, art and community-based activities through the hub, joined her support worker Leanne and Bishop Tim to cut the cake.
Butchulla Elder Aunty Karen Hall provided an inspiring Welcome to Country to open proceedings.
Centacare has strong working relationships with key stakeholders in the region including Queensland Police Vulnerable Persons Unit. The teams work together on a daily basis to ensure the safest outcomes for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing (or is at risk of experiencing) domestic and family violence, contact your local Centacare domestic and family violence service.
In an emergency, call 000.