Phoenix House

11/04/2026

Inspiration Sunday 🌿
The idea that we deserve good things in life can feel simple…
but for many people, it’s not.

If you’ve experienced hurt, loss, or trauma, kindness can feel unfamiliar.
Rest can feel uncomfortable.
Good things can even feel undeserved.

If that’s you — you’re not alone.

You don’t have to force yourself to believe anything today.
But maybe you can gently stay open to this possibility:

That moments of safety, care, and kindness might be allowed in your life — in your own time, in ways that feel right for you.

Even the smallest moments count. 🌱

What’s one small moment of comfort or ease you’ve noticed lately?

10/04/2026

At Phoenix House, our work is all about people — and that includes the incredible team who show up each day to support our community. We thought you might like to get to know them a little better.
Meet Hollie :)
☕️ What is your role at Phoenix House?
I am a Registered Social Worker, and I get to work with both adult and child survivors, as well as provide parent support.
☕ How long have I worked at Phoenix House?
About a year and a half.
☕️ What drew you to work in this field?
As a social worker there are many spaces we work where you miss getting to see the people you support arrive at true and empowered recovery before your role in their life ends. Working in therapeutic counselling, you get the privilege of being able to walk side by side with someone on their healing and recovery journey.
☕️ What do you love about working at Phoenix House? Or what motivates me to show up each day?
I love how different each day can look. For each person, the safe space we build and the goals we set are unique every time. Some days my counselling room is adventurous and playful and coloured by the imagination of children. Other days I am immersed in rich and reflective re-storying with a person with more runs on the board in life than me and a quiet strength that astounds me.
I am motivated by the idea of spreading hope and empowerment for people. I’m motivated by the hope that the work Phoenix House is doing helps children and families to be safer and more able to break cycles of violence.
☕️ What makes me smile the most outside of work?
Time spent with friends and family – the laughter, the comfort and the sound of my nephew when he sees Aunty who brought Hot Wheels over.
☕️ Do you have a hidden talent or hobby?
I can turn any chit chat into a deep and meaningful conversation way in 1 minute or less. (Less that it is hidden, more that it is a sneak attack!)
☕️ If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be?
I wish I could teleport. No more being late because I always think I can do “one more thing!”. Travel the world. Endless pranking potential.

10/04/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
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SAAM began in the United States in 2001, building on a long history of activism, advocacy, and survivor-led voices calling for change. Now, in its 25th year, it is recognised globally as a time to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention. It is symbolised by the teal ribbon, representing healing, awareness, and solidarity.
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At Phoenix House, we use this month to listen, learn, and stand alongside those impacted by sexual violence.
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We also recognise that awareness is only one part of the work—creating safety, respect, and support in our communities is something we do every day.
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If you need support, or are unsure where to start, you are not alone.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month is also observed in October in Queensland where campaigns will hit bigger and broader.

09/04/2026

At Phoenix House, our work is all about people — and that includes the incredible team who show up each day to support our community. We thought you might like to get to know them a little better.
Meet Courtney, she is pretty new to the team, and you'll find her on reception as our new Administration Officer.
🍀 How long have you worked at Phoenix House?
Just over a week now
🍀 What drew you to work in this field?
I love people and I’ve always been told I'm a good listener, so a job where I can help people feel seen, heard and supported was a big yes from me.
🍀 What do you love most about working at Phoenix House? Or What motivates you to show up each day?
Definitely not the instant coffee 😄 But seriously, as a counselling student this is the perfect place for me to work while I'm studying! The people are kind, the work feels important, and I get to learn a lot about the counselling space.
🍀 Outside of work - what makes you smile most?
My dog... he's the sweetest! And books! I always have multiple books on the go at once... I like variety!
🍀 If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be?
Afternoon naps? I think we'd all be better people if that was a socially acceptable part of the day!

Be sure to introduce yourself when you are next in the centre :)

08/04/2026

- Understanding Terminology - Talking about Therapeutic approaches
What is “Internal Family Systems (IFS)”?
Internal Family Systems is a therapeutic approach that understands the mind as made up of different “parts”, for example, parts that protect us, parts that feel hurt, and parts that help us cope.
Rather than seeing these parts as problems, IFS views them as having important roles, often shaped by life experiences.
The goal of IFS is to:
👁️‍🗨️ Build awareness of these different parts
👁️‍🗨️ Understand their roles and where they come from
👁️‍🗨️ Support healing by helping parts feel safe and heard
At the centre is the idea that everyone has a calm, compassionate core, often called the “Self”, that can lead the healing process.
IFS helps us:
🩵 Listen to them with curiosity
🩵 Understand what they need
🩵 Respond with compassion, not judgement
At its heart, IFS believes there is a steady, caring part of you that can support healing.
There’s nothing “wrong” with you, just that there are parts of you that may need care and understanding.
If you need support please reach out, you are not alone.

08/04/2026

When a child or young person discloses sexual abuse or when sexual abuse is discovered, the world can feel like it has turned on its axis.
Read more from Bravehearts ...

When a child or young person discloses sexual abuse or when sexual abuse is discovered, the world can feel like it has turned on its axis.

At Bravehearts, we see every day that while this journey is deeply challenging, families are not alone, and healing is possible.

Our latest article is a gentle guide for parents and non-offending family members navigating the aftermath of sexual abuse: https://bravehearts.org.au/navigating-the-journey-after-child-sexual-abuse-support-for-families/

07/04/2026

You are not alone ...
Seeking counselling after an experience of sexual assault will always be a big step, we will walk beside you each step of the way.
If you, or someone you know, needs support please reach out. Anyone can refer via our website or please call 4153 4299.

07/04/2026

Understanding Emotional Regulation ... read more 👇👇

Emotional regulation is one of the most misunderstood parts of child development.

It’s often mistaken for “being calm”, “behaving well”, or “keeping it together”… but that’s not what it really is.

Emotional regulation is a skill that develops slowly, through connection, safety, and repeated experiences of being supported. It’s not something a child can switch on in the moment—especially when they feel overwhelmed.

When a child is dysregulated, their brain and body are in a stress response. They are not choosing to struggle… they are needing support to come back to a place of calm.

And this is where we come in.

Through co-regulation, patience, and understanding, we help children learn what to do with their feelings—not how to hide them.

Because emotional regulation isn’t about stopping emotions…
It’s about learning how to move through them safely.

If you’ve ever wondered why consequences alone don’t “teach” emotional control—this is why.

To SAVE, click on the image, tap the three dots, and choose Save.

04/04/2026

🌺🌼🌟🦋 A little Sunday Inspiration for YOU🌺🌼🌟🦋
Be Kind

03/04/2026

We are so looking forward to a fantastic evening of great music and fundraising. We hope you can make it too. Thank you Bundy Gig Guide 👏👏

Thank you Bundaberg Today for the support. Phoenix House. Thank you to all the local businesses who have already supported us. industrial tools World Gym Bundaberg Candice Ashley Photography
RS.Detailing The Metro Hotel Bundaberg and so many more as well as all the local singers

02/04/2026

Phoenix House will be closed for Easter from Thursday April 2nd 4.30pm.
We wish our community a safe, peaceful, and joyful holiday.
Our team will be back on board on Tuesday 7th April 8.30am when we reopen ready to continue supporting you.
Outside of our office hours please contact the below services
🔷In an Emergency Call 000
🔶DV Connect Sexual Assault Line - 1800 010 120
🔷National DV 24-hour line 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
🔶Kids Helpline for children and young people - 1800 551 800
🔷Bundaberg Accident & Emergency Department - 4303 8100
🔶Bundaberg Police Service Contact Number - 4153 9111
If you need to refer for our services please head to the website https://phoenixhouse.com.au/make-a-referral/

02/04/2026

- Unpacking Terminology -
What is “systems abuse”?
Sometimes, the systems meant to help can feel overwhelming or even harmful.
Systems abuse happens when policies, processes, or institutions are used in ways that cause harm, create barriers, or continue someone’s experience of abuse.
Systems abuse can happen when processes or services:
👉 Don’t listen or respond in a helpful way
👉 Make it hard to access support
👉 Leave people feeling dismissed, confused, or retraumatised
This can include:
📋Misuse of legal or court processes to control or intimidate
📋Not being believed or taken seriously when seeking help
📋Having to repeat traumatic experiences multiple times
📋Delays, gaps, or barriers that make it hard to access support
📋Systems that unintentionally disadvantage or exclude certain people
Systems abuse is not always intentional — but its impact can be very real.
If you’ve ever felt let down by a system, your experience matters.
You deserve to be heard, supported, and treated with care and respect.