Phoenix House

20/11/2025

This World Children’s Day marks 36 years since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – where governments around the world, including Australia, agreed on 54 different rights that every child should have to live a safe, healthy and happy life.

The day serves as a global occasion to advocate for children's rights, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and celebrate progress made in improving their lives. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively to society.

20/11/2025

Every child deserves to feel safe and loved.

On the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, we’re reminded that prevention starts with simple, everyday actions:

👂 Listening when children share their thoughts and feelings

💬 Talking openly with children about safety and boundaries in age-appropriate ways

👀 Being alert to changes in behaviour in a child that might signal something’s wrong

💜 Creating environments where kids know they will always be believed and supported

Every child deserves a safe and loving home. Learn more about protecting children from child sexual abuse by downloading our free parent guide today: https://bravehearts.org.au/about-child-sexual-abuse/resources/

18/11/2025

The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 is set to come into effect early December, which means that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and others will be required to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent accounts for under-16s. Learn what this means:

Find information in this hub to help you understand and prepare for the social media age restrictions.

14/11/2025

If you experienced abuse, neglect or violence the Blue Knot Foundation educational webinars and workshops are for you.

Informed by current research they provide information about abuse and other traumas and how traumatic experiences can affect people, at the time of the trauma, and afterwards. The focus is on survivors’ strengths and resilience, the role of coping strategies, how the brain responds to stress, and, most importantly, highlights research which shows that recovery is possible.

Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page on their website to find answers to some of the common questions asked about these sessions.

https://blueknot.org.au/survivors/survivor-workshops/

14/11/2025

This week is Transgender Awareness Week. It is a time to celebrate, educate, and create allyship with the transgender community.

Transgender people’s experience of domestic, family and sexual violence is compounded by experiences of transphobia, stigma, discrimination and gender stereotypes.

14/11/2025

We are joining in the Bridging Relationships Walk on Tuesday to launch the 16 Days of Activism ... will you join in too?

Tuesday the 25th of November marks the beginning of our annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign and this year we are kicking off with the Bridging Relationships Walk.

The Zonta Club of Bundaberg in conjunction with Rotary and the DFV Free Matters to Me working group are uniting to walk in remembrance of those lives lost this year to Domestic and Family Violence.

If you would like to take a stand against DFV we encourage you to join us and walk together, honouring those we have lost and showing our commitment to ending Domestic and Family Violence.

11/11/2025

As part of the QPS Sexual Violence Response Strategy 2023-2025, the Sexual Violence Response Team undertook a project to update the public-facing QPS website pages relating to sexual violence.

New sexual violence webpages are now live, and feature:
• New ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page
• Updated information on affirmative consent and stealthing
• Improved navigation and streamlined quick-links, making it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for
• Extra information regarding support services
• Quick exit buttons at the top of each page
• An overall refresh of content to ensure current legislation and attitudes towards sexual violence

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting/sexual-assault-aro-launch

10/11/2025

In partnership with the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse, the University of the Sunshine Coast research team are undertaking a study to explore accessibility of child sexual abuse prevention services across Australia.
You too can contribute to this research.
You are invited to complete an anonymous online survey, which would take approximately 10 minutes. The survey is designed for service providers, professionals, community members and families, and young people over 16 years.
Participants can also enter the draw to win one of three $150 gift cards. For more detailed information and to access the survey, https://uniofsunshinecoast.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5tGOjde05WFncXQ

06/11/2025

Meet Cristel; for her better mental health she heads outside with the animals.

"It's anywhere with nature, outside among the trees, bare feet on the ground, and spending time with our menagerie of animals, which includes horses, chickens and the dogs. I feel if we all take a leaf out of a dog's book life would be simpler. They love unconditionally, sleep a lot and just have fun :)

Do you have pets? Share a pic below so we can all adore them 🐴🐶🐯🐦🐍🦎🐓🐐

06/11/2025

Are you a compassionate clinical leader with a passion for trauma-informed care?
We are recruiting a Clinical Lead to oversee and support the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe services for individuals impacted by sexual violence.

The position will be full-time in Bundaberg, QLD
Please apply via Seek
https://www.seek.com.au/job/88352216?ref=direct-share-hirer-jobs-list

We look forward to meeting with you soon :)

05/11/2025

Leigh is our Program Coordinator and she turns to Arts and Crafts when she needs time to reset.

"Journalling, scrapbooking and anything crafty is my happy place. I love to create."

Have you tried keeping a journal?

04/11/2025

Phoenix House is proud to announce the appointment of Tara Perkins as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter for the organisation. Tara brings a wealth of experience in trauma-informed counselling and senior leadership within the Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence sector. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to expanding Phoenix House’s impact and its connection with the Bundaberg and surrounding communities.
With a strong background in clinical leadership, Tara is known for her compassionate, evidence-based approach and her ability to lead with clarity and purpose. She is a specialist in trauma-informed support and has dedicated her career to advocating for vulnerable individuals and families.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead Phoenix House into its next chapter; building on strong foundations to expand impact, deepen community connections, and champion lasting change,” said Ms Perkins.
The announcement was made at the organisation’s recent Annual General Meeting, where Phoenix House also appointed their Management Committee. The newly-formed committee includes a blend of experienced and new members, all united by a shared passion for community service and advocacy.
Anne McWhirter was elected President. Anne holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has held numerous leadership roles in not-for-profit organisations supporting children and families across Bundaberg and Central Queensland.
Danny Carswell will serve as Secretary. With a Bachelor of Business (Management) and extensive experience in finance and administration. Gaye Steemsonrogers continues in her role as Treasurer. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Gaye holds a Bachelor of Business and offers deep financial expertise.
Hayley Turner remains on the committee, joined by Amy Reinhardt, who begins her first term. Both are practicing solicitors at Payne Butler and Lang, contributing valuable legal knowledge and a strong commitment to community advocacy.
President Anne McWhirter shared, “It is a privilege to support an organisation that plays such a vital role in our community, providing specialist services to children and individuals impacted by sexual assault. Our committee is proud to work alongside Tara, and all Phoenix House staff, as we continue to strengthen our purpose to support the community.”
“Small not-for-profit organisations rely on the dedication of skilled volunteers, and it is an honour to contribute to such an essential service for our community. All members are passionate about supporting the valuable work of Phoenix House.”
Phoenix House continues to provide safe, supportive, and trusted counselling services across the Bundaberg Region, including Gin Gin and Childers, with a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and community impact.