HomeSafe to help break the domestic violence cycle: Minister

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today opened a new domestic violence support service to provide easier access and help for families at risk of experiencing domestic violence in the Inala, Carole Park, Richlands and Goodna areas.

The Bligh Government is contributing more than $520,000 over three years for the HomeSafe Inala Service.

“Domestic violence is a serious issue which requires a whole-of-community response, including prevention and early intervention services to help families in need,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The three-year funding will be used to employ a full-time worker, a temporary part-time Indigenous worker, and a part-time administration worker who will provide targeted services for families, as well as help local organisations build their capacity to provide the right framework to help women, children and families experiencing domestic violence.”

The project complements existing services provided by the Ipswich Women's Centre Against Domestic Violence Service which employs an outreach worker who works one day a week in Inala.

“HomeSafe Inala has established an office which is open five days a week to provide group and individual support to women and children, while creating a space where they can feel safe at all times,” said the Minister.

Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said domestic violence groups from Ipswich, Brisbane and the Inala region have been working to develop this new service for the area.

“I congratulate all organisations involved for their tenacity and hard work,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“HomeSafe Inala is an important partnership between the Bligh Government, with the Department of Communities’ Referral for Active Intervention initiative working with the Department of Housing’s Community Renewal program, and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Inc Brisbane.”

Community Renewal is a Queensland Government initiative coordinated by the Department of Housing. Renewal activities in Inala are delivered in partnership with local residents, the Brisbane City Council and other government and non-government agencies.

Since 1998, State Government’ s Community Renewal program has invested over $112.3 million in renewal communities around Queensland, including over $15.4 million in the Brisbane South and South West areas.

Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3235 4280