Mackay domestic violence prevention champions honoured

A Mackay partnership has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brisbane today for its efforts to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt announced that Mackay District Police and the Mackay Domestic Violence Resource Service had won the coveted Partnership Award at the 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards.

The award recognised the development of the Mackay District Police Domestic Violence Training Package, which was developed as part of a partnership between the Mackay District Police and the Mackay Domestic Violence Resource Service.

“The awards are presented to individuals, groups, schools and organisations that have developed successful initiatives that help prevent domestic and family violence,” Mr Pitt said.

“It is important that those who speak out about domestic and family violence, who support victims and who promote the right to be safe in your own home, are applauded and recognised.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the partnership in Mackay proved that great things could be achieved when people and organisations came together for a common goal.

He said the collaborative effort had produced a benchmark training resource that aimed to train police to a high standard.

“It will give police the tools to ensure a quality and consistent response when attending domestic violence incidents which, in turn, will help prevent violence recurring,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Delivered to 104 police officers, the training package addresses legislation, procedures, child protection issues, Family Law Court issues and the dynamics of domestic and family violence. Legal Aid also provided advice and training.

“Now registered as a recognised training package by the Queensland Police Service Education and Training Program in Brisbane, the training has already attracted interest from other police districts.”

The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards ceremony is one of the key events held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which runs from 1–31 May.

Today’s awards ceremony recognised six winners and five highly commended certificate recipients in six award categories: Individual, Partnership, Community Organisation, School-based Prevention Project, Government and Indigenous.

Mr Pitt said the award winners and other nominees were leading by example.

“They are excellent role models for the community,” he said.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, and indeed to everyone who was nominated for an award. Their actions challenge all us to take a stand against domestic and family violence.”

Editors: Photos of winners available on request from the Minister’s Office

Media contacts:
Peter Nibbs, Minister’s Office 3235 4280
Sgt Noela Dickinson, Mackay District Police 4968 3425