Relationships Australia (Qld)

Gambling remains a critical public health issue in Australia, with devastating harm inflicted on individuals and families. Although we welcome government action on gambling advertising reform, more is needed now to counter the proliferation of gambling harm in our communities. The wellbeing of those harmed by gambling must be at the centre of decision-making. Our first priority must always be minimising harm and creating safety. #gambling #gamblingharm

Last week, the Australian Government launched a new campaign to raise awareness of elder abuse. Sparking a conversation will no doubt help encourage those affected to seek support. But this only creates positive change if the increased demand is met by increased funding. Relationships Australia National put forward its position, both welcoming the campaign, but citing the urgent need for extra resourcing in this sector. You can read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/g4DYUZzf

Last week (22 – 28 July) was Gambling Harm Awareness Week (GHAW) in Queensland. On Tuesday, we successfully kicked it off with the GHAW Launch Event held at Kedron-Wavell in Chermside. The event had the biggest turnout of any GHAW launch in state history, with nearly 400 government, industry, and Gambling Help stakeholders. Here are just a few of the highlights: ⭐ Our Chair of the Board Bill Owens GAICD MCed the event and discussed the importance of working together with government and industry to tackle gambling harm. Bill said, “I’m proud of the work done by RAQ, as well as all of our partner organisations and industry providers. I’m excited to watch as these partnerships continue to deliver better results for Queenslanders affected by gambling harm.” ⭐ The Honourable Yvette D'ATH MP spoke and called attention to Queensland’s doubling of funding for gambling help services. The increased budget will change the lives of more individuals, families, youth, and communities. ⭐ Three experts representing government, industry, and Gambling Help services shared their expertise in a panel discussion. They explained their roles and experiences of loved ones impacted by gambling harm. When talking about the progress that can be made, Gambling Help counsellor Tracy Roser said, “When someone engages in counselling support, things can change dramatically.” ⭐ Three individuals bravely shared their stories of how gambling harm has affected them. Their stories served as a powerful, poignant reminder of why we do what we do and of the people whose lives are saved when we work together. Thank you to those who attended and everyone in Queensland who is making positive changes in the gambling help space.

Relationships Australia made its mark in the media this weekend, with both RAQ and Relationships Australia NSW featuring in the news. RAQ CEO Natasha Rae GAICD spoke with the Courier Mail to reaffirm the state’s need for added support for gambling help services, as Queensland heads into its next state budget. South of the border, RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw and Family and Safety Programs Manager Sian Ord featured in The Guardian and ABC News respectively, each pushing for further governmental support for men’s behaviour change programs. We’re proud of our national leaders’ unwavering advocacy for positive change. And we’re hoping these clear action items will be received and supported by their respective state governments. You can view RAQ’s mentions in the Courier Mail in the attached photos, or view RANSW’s mentions in The Guardian and ABC News via the links below. https://lnkd.in/gaPyCyp4 https://lnkd.in/g5D6aApV

"The (community services) sector, like all other households in Queensland, are struggling to pay our bills, and to manage some of the pressures on our service.” RAQ CEO Natasha Rae GAICD and QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh speak about their meeting with Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick, where they discussed the urgent need for extra support in community services. Just a week away from the state budget, we’re hoping to finally see talk and advocacy turned into real relief for Queenslanders. You can learn more about the Make Queensland Fair campaign and add your voice here: https://lnkd.in/gGfiA6YH

"Today is Mabo Day and marks the end of National Reconciliation Week. "Each year on 3 June, we commemorate Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his tireless dedication to successfully overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius or ‘land belonging to no one’. "As I reflect on this historic milestone, I also recognise the resilience and strength of First Nations Peoples who continue to seek peaceful resolution to address ongoing systemic racism and achieve life outcomes equal to all Australians. "Now more than ever, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and know the true history of this country we now call Australia, where sovereignty was never ceded. It's our responsibility to take meaningful action in real and tangible ways, supporting the efforts of First Nations Peoples. "As I commemorate Mabo Day as a hard-fought turning point for the recognition of First Nations Peoples’ rights, I too acknowledge the generosity of First Nations Peoples as they continue to build upon their resilience and resourcefulness and endeavor to develop and maintain respectful relationships with all other Australians on their Lands. "Now more than ever, we must stand together in solidarity and work towards a future of equality and justice. Now more than ever, the crucial work of reconciliation must continue." Natasha Rae GAICD, CEO #MaboDay #ReconciliationWeek

Men’s Behaviour Change Programs can help stop the use of violence within relationships and families. Unfortunately, men can be required to wait up to 30 weeks to begin a program. Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW, spoke to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about the risk to women and families if men using violence are stuck on those waitlists. *If this topic raises issues for you, or if you’re worried about a peer or loved one, please call 1800RESPECT Australia on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

"Stir our souls, set our hearts on fire, and equip our hands to work for reconciliation." - Aunty Rose McElu On Saturday May 25, RAQ representatives Aunty Debra Bennet, Regional Manager Helen Poynten, and Head of Marketing and Communications Lauren Fisher attended Reconciliation Queensland’s 2024 Gala Dinner. Aunty Debra Bennett described the night as “vibrant”, “moving”, and “powerful”. “We experienced a night of vibrant First Nations culture with Traditional Owner dance troupe Tribal Experience, the Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company, and singer and Butchulla Songman Fred Leone and his children as they treated us to traditional language, dance, song, and storytelling. "Elder and senior Torres Strait representative Aunty Rose McRose Elu opened the evening in a moving and soul stirring prayer for reconciliation. Accomplished Elder Aunty Denise Proud and artist Colin Pelles’ visual art was auctioned as a fundraiser for Reconciliation Queensland. “Throughout the dinner we were witness to powerful truth-telling as Traditional Owner and MC Cameron Costello engaged a panel of prominent First Nations leaders in reflections of the past year, the lead up to and impact of the Referendum, the momentous state, national, and global achievements for First Nations - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their united vision of action and hope for our future on this continent.” - Aunty Debra Bennett, Lead Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement and Cultural Advisor.

Sunday 26 May is National Sorry Day. "On National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the pain inflicted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who were forcibly removed under Stolen Generation practices. "Sorry Day changes how we talk about the actions that left a legacy of hurt and loss for First Nations Peoples. We must unite with and elevate the voices of Stolen Generation Survivors to accurately assess the past and write a new future. "Stolen Generation Survivors harbour pain and anger unfairly caused by past government practices. Survivors have a humbling sense of hope and humour despite their trauma and its impact still felt today. "Subsequent generations are still facing ongoing implications of Stolen Generation practices, including remarkably high-risk factors for removal, institutionalisation, incarceration, mental health problems, addiction, and self-harm. "Through our work with First Nations Peoples and communities, we are committed to respecting the bravery of those who continue to work through the inflicted trauma and pain. We acknowledge the systemic racism still present in our society, and honour that truth as we walk with First Nations Peoples on the journey towards a more healing future." Aunty Debra Bennet

Relationships Australia has put forward its proposal to the Australian Law Reform Commission in response to ‘Issues Paper 49, Justice Responses to Sexual Violence’. In it, we’ve identified 27 recommendations to amend our executive and judicial practices, to better protect the rights and equity of victim survivors of sexual violence.   The criminal justice system is a complex environment. But that shouldn’t ever stand in the way of a victim survivor reaching support or justice.   We’ve had the conversations about needing change. We’ve built recommendations off our research and advocacy.   It’s time to act.   You can view the submission yourself, along with our proposed recommendations, in the document below. ⬇