Standing together against domestic violence

Centacare, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council, has once again united the Sunshine Coast community in a moving stand against domestic and family violence. Marking the start of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, over 300 community members came together in Maroochydore on 7 May 2025 for the 12th annual march and candlelight vigil. This year’s theme, ‘Don’t stand by, stand up,’ called on the community to actively oppose domestic and family violence, emphasising the need for collective action and support.

In a powerful display of solidarity, two Sunshine Coast Lightning players, Tara Hinchliffe and Mahalia Cassidy, attended the vigil and addressed the crowd, reinforcing the call to stand together and stand up against domestic and family violence. They emphasised the influence of athletes in advocating for respectful relationships and expressed hope that men’s teams would also rally for greater awareness and community advocacy.

Centacare Sunshine Coast Area Manager, Adam Beck, highlighted the importance of the event for the local community, as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to domestic and family violence across Australia over the past year. “This is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to break the cycle of violence through education, advocacy and ultimately action,” he said.

This Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month also marks a significant milestone, with coercive control set to become a criminal offence in Queensland on 26 May 2025. Adam emphasised the importance of recognising coercive control as a form of abuse that can be just as damaging as physical violence. “Understanding the dynamics of coercive control helps people appreciate the complexities and challenges associated with trying to leave an abusive relationship as well as the severe, long-term impacts for victim survivors exposed to this form of abuse,” he said.

“Women and children deserve to feel safe and free from violence and coercive control in their own homes, especially from those who claim to love and care for them,” he added.

Community march led by Centacare's Adam Beck and piper

The Sunshine Coast community marches in support of ending domestic violence.

The winning t-shirt design, with entries submitted by local school students.

Ivy-Rose Lubcke, a talented young songwriter performs

Ivy-Rose Lubcke, a talented young songwriter and survivor of domestic violence, performed a piece reflecting her own experiences.

Sunshine Coast Lighting players on stage

Sunshine Coast Lightning players Tara Hinchliffe and Mahalia Cassidy reinforce the call to stand together as a community against domestic and family violence.

Tealight candles gently placed by members of the community in remembrance.

Tealight candles placed upon the shoes of women and children who lost their lives to domestic and family violence.

The piper stands alone after dusk in a moving tribute to the women and children who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.

The vigil commenced with a powerful video montage featuring representatives from partner organisations such as DV Safe Phone, The Salvation Army, Refocus and SunnyKids. Each spoke to the ways in which the community can stand together and stand up against domestic and family violence.

As the sun set over the Maroochy River, Ivy-Rose Lubcke, a talented young songwriter and survivor of domestic violence, performed a piece reflecting her own experiences. The moment was amplified with members of the community, wearing event t-shirts designed as part of an awareness initiative for young people in schools and youth centres — a powerful symbol of unity and resilience.

Throughout 2024, Centacare’s Sunshine Coast family and relationship care team provided more than 12,000 hours of domestic violence counselling support and received more than 5,000 referrals for assistance. They worked with almost 7,000 women who had experienced domestic or family violence to provide support services including risk assessment and safety planning, counselling, psychoeducation, group work, court support and early intervention.

Centacare is a proud participant in Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month each May and remains steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness, advocating for victims, and empowering the community to stand up against violence and controlling behaviour.

Resources and contacts

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing (or is at risk of experiencing) domestic and family violence, contact your local Centacare Service.

In an emergency, call the Ambulance or Police on 000.

If there is no immediate emergency, you can report domestic and family violence to the police by phoning Policelink on 131 444 or make a non-urgent report by submitting an online form.

You can also call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT for advice and support. This service is open 24 hours and provides confidential advice via phone or webchat.