FNQ domestic violence prevention champions honoured

Three far north Queensland initiatives have been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brisbane today for their efforts to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt presented the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service with the School-based Prevention Project Award at the 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards.

He gave the Indigenous Award to Thursday Island’s Lena Passi Women’s Shelter, while the Coen Safe Haven Initiative was highly commended for its Local Community Project Group.

Mr Pitt said the awards had been presented to individuals, groups, schools and organisations that had developed successful initiatives to help prevent domestic and family violence.

“This is one way of honouring these dedicated people and the difference they are making in the lives of those affected by this form of abuse,” 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.”

Mr Pitt said the School-based Prevention Project Award recognised the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service’s Healthy Relationships Program, a one-year educational program for students developed in partnership with Wangetti College and the WuChopperen Health Service.

“I applaud the service for taking these key messages to teenagers to give them the knowledge and skills needed to conduct their relationships in a safe and healthy way,” he said.

“The service’s Healthy Relationships Program also helps develop positive attitudes towards gender and family relationships in ways that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the Lena Passi Women’s Shelter played a vital role in the Torres Strait, providing services to women and children who were affected by domestic and family violence as well as supporting the homeless.

“Lena Passi provides culturally appropriate support, ensuring all situations within Torres Strait families are considered,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It also looks to the future, helping to educate school children on the island about family violence and its prevention.”

Mr O’Brien said the Coen Safe Haven Initiative was honoured for its efforts in Indigenous communities, receiving a highly commended certificate in the Indigenous Award category.

“Coen Safe Haven’s Local Community Project Group consists of Elders, traditional owners, clan and language groups, community members, organisations and service providers,” he said.

“The group works to develop solutions to local domestic and family violence problems. These solutions include healing the community and breaking the intergenerational effects of violence.”

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.

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

Media contacts:
Peter Nibbs, Minister’s Office 3235 4280
Amanda Lee-Ross, Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service 4040 6100
Gavin Bassani, Coen Safe Haven Initiative 4060 1192