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Hinchinbrook residents experiencing domestic and family violence can now access dedicated crisis assistance at any hour of the day or night through a new North Queensland support service.
The new 1800NQSAFE phoneline provides 24/7 assistance to victim-survivors across the Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, Townsville and Palm Island local government areas, connecting callers with support tailored to their circumstances.
The service is part of the new North Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Networked Hub, established through a $21 million Queensland Government commitment over two years.
For residents across Ingham and the wider Hinchinbrook Shire, the hub is designed to provide a more direct pathway between those seeking help and services including police, hospitals, housing providers and specialised domestic and family violence organisations.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the launch meant people across the region could access local support whenever they needed it.
“We said we’d deliver this service in North Queensland and from today victims from Ingham to Ayr will be able to pick up the phone and receive the local help they deserve,” Minister Camm said.
“Staff at UnitingCare, which is operating the 24/7 phoneline, know firsthand the complexity of domestic and family violence and understand that everyone who has the courage to make a phone call to seek help deserves to have that call answered.”
The service is operated by UnitingCare, with trained staff available around the clock to listen, discuss options, assist with safety planning and connect callers with appropriate services.
UnitingCare General Manager, Targeted Support, Family and Disability Services, Joanne Trentin said access to support outside standard business hours was vital.
“Domestic and family violence can escalate at any hour, and when someone is ready to reach out for help, it's critical that support is there,” Ms Trentin said.
“Having support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week means people can reach someone when they need to; someone who can listen, help them understand their options, support safety planning and connect them with the services they need.
“1800NQSAFE is about making that pathway to support simpler and more immediate, so people experiencing domestic and family violence don't have to navigate those moments alone.”
The initiative forms part of broader domestic and family violence reforms being rolled out across Queensland, including Police Protection Directions and GPS monitoring which courts can impose on high-risk perpetrators.
Hinchinbrook residents seeking assistance can contact 1800NQSAFE 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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