Stronger Together: Amplifying Voices of Resilience and Community Support

United for Change during the annual 16 Days of Activism in Bundaberg

• IMPACT Community Services • Season 2 • Episode 12

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The "Stronger Together" podcast by IMPACT Community Services addresses key social issues in Bundaberg and beyond. In this episode, Tanya O’Shea, IMPACT’s Managing Director, speaks with Jo Leveritt from the Zonta Club and Staci Rae from IMPACT’s Intensive Family Support Program about the upcoming "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence." Led by Zonta International and supported by organisations like IMPACT, this annual campaign from 25 November to 10 December advocates for change and support for those impacted by violence.

Bundaberg’s campaign includes events like the "Pageant of Lights" parade, where Zonta will feature a Flintstones-themed float with the message "Don’t Get Stuck in the Stone Age," reinforcing their anti-violence stance.

Another powerful component is the "Ringing of the Bells" ceremony, where bells toll for lives lost to domestic violence over the past year, a sombre reminder of the need for action. Additionally, the Clothesline Project showcases survivor-painted shirts symbolising different forms of violence, displayed at Hinkler Central, creating a visual representation of resilience and awareness.

Through partnerships with IMPACT and Zonta, Bundaberg is fostering a safe, supportive space to address violence, with this podcast episode underscoring the power of awareness, community, and support.

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Welcome to Stronger Together, a powerful podcast series hosted by IMPACT Community Services. I'm Tanya O'Shea, managing director of IMPACT and I have the pleasure of front lining this little passion project of ours. In this podcast series, we dig into some of the many social problems that people are facing within our communities and chat with guests willing to tackle the hard conversations. We aim to keep you informed and updated on the latest information. Please be aware that some of the topics addressed and stronger together contain sensitive issues that could be triggering or distressing for some listeners. If you find any of the content challenging, we strongly encourage you to pause the episode and seek immediate support. Information on where to seek help will be provided at the end of each episode, and also on IMPACT's website. IMPACT.org.au. Please prioritise your well-being while listening. Before we begin. Together, we move towards a future inclusive of all. This begins by acknowledging our presence on the lands of Aboriginal communities. IMPACT operates on the unceded lands of the Butchulla, Gureng Gureng, Wakka Wakka, Kabi Kabi, Wulli Wulli, Taribelang, Gurang and Byali people. IMPACT has served our community for more than 45 years, and we are humbled in the presence of First Nations peoples who share an ongoing connection to these lands, for over 65,000 years. We are truly grateful to share and learn from their collective experiences. We respectfully live upon these lands with good faith and a commitment to ongoing learning, sharing, caring and respecting these lands, the peoples and the environment together in humility. Hi, my name's Tanner O'Shea and welcome to this episode of Stronger Together. It's always nice when I guess you get someone back on your podcast who's been on before and you think, oh, it mustn't have been that bad of an experience for them. So I'm very excited. I have my very first repeat guest to our Stronger Together episode, and thank you for coming along Jo Leveritt. Welcome. Thank you. Tanya, it's my pleasure to be here again. So Jo wears two hats. So her hat today that we'd like to talk about is as part of Zonta And we'd like to elaborate a little bit more on the 16 days of activism. So we're going to talk about that specifically today. But, Jo, tell us a little bit more about your other hat that you wear in the community as a legal practitioner. So tell us a little bit more about that, because it's an exciting stuff that's happened since the last time that we spoke. Yes. So since we last spoke, Bundaberg Street Law has become an established, legal practice here in Bundaberg. So the same, traditional values and, mindset that we went in and delivering a unique service has now come to fruition. And what I mean by that is, it's a work in service. We don't take appointments, which suits the nature of the clientele that, we see, it's a holistic type of legal service, and it's very much targeted at a cohort in our community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, which unfortunately, is a growing cohort, particularly by nature, the definition of homelessness, which is now so broad. So that's, that's exciting news when I wear that hat. And we had our official launch in September and opening which was very exciting. And not only has that promotion brought more clients to come and see us, it's also attracted a few more volunteers who are lawyers and law students. So local people who are giving back and contributing to helping those in need in their very own community. Yeah. It's fabulous. So congratulations. Incredibly exciting. Couldn't go past, just calling that out because the last time we were talking that hadn't happened. You were working towards that, but that hadn't happened. So congratulations. That's a an incredible step for our community. You talked about the rising, homelessness within our community. The other thing that we know is, is continuing to rise is violence within communities. We're seeing it in our local community here. And I guess with things like, the 16 days of activism coming up, it's incredibly important the work that Zonta do, because this isn't just about our community. This is an international 16 days. So it starts off on the 25th of November, goes through until the 10th of December. So let's talk a little bit more about, what this campaign is about. And really from Zonta's perspective, why it's so important. What is it that you guys are hoping to do within, within that period? Well you’re quite right Tanya, it's, it's an international, campaign. Led by an international organisation, Zonta International. The dates that you mentioned, the 25th of October through to the 10th of December, the same dates every single year. Which are the 16 days for the campaign? So at an international level, like I said, the dates, the day dates are decided not to change. And the significance of each of the 16 days and what each one is about doesn't change. So it's uniform all across the world. Wow. Okay. So tell us more about that. So everyone throughout the world is doing exactly the same within their community. So it's the same focus within the community. But they're just tailoring it to to the community and the and the people within the community. Yeah it's it's super cool. So tell us more about them. Well, it is very much even though it is regimented in terms of the like I said, the dates and the topics of every of of each of my 16 days, the tweaking amongst communities is important because it needs to be relatable, so that the objective of raising awareness is actually achieved. So a good example of that is we're quite lucky in Bundaberg, because the pageant of lights, which the community just loves, falls within 16 days. Fantastic. The big street parade we're talking. So this is a big thing in Bundaberg. Big street parade, lots of floats, right? Lots of floats, so what an absolute great opportunity for Zonta to have a float. And, a really good way of showcasing the issues and what Zonta is about. So we've entered a float fantastic and it's going to be, quite novel. We're doing a Flintstones theme, and you might remember, the Barney Rubble and his in his orange. Yeah, yeah. And we're going to have some costumes on that line because orange is the colour of Zonta. And the theme is don't get stuck in the Stone age. Nice. That's super cool. That's super cool. Yeah. But I think it's, it's novel. It's catchy. Absolutely. You will stand out with that bright orange because what our listeners can't see is your beautiful orange earrings that you have your beautiful orange on your shirt that you're wearing so Zonta says no, to violence against women. And we've got another beautiful, piece of inspiration, a lovely orange lady who is sitting here. She's, been decorated with beautiful recycled materials all in orange. So she's standing out. So she's our inspiration is we're talking today and we will have a photo that we will share. So you're not going to miss out on that bit of inspiration either. So we will share it when we when we upload the podcast. But but orange is so you certainly are going to stand out the Zontians do stand out and has lots of other activities where you are certainly going to stand out within the community within the 16 days. So what are what are the things you're going to be doing? Jo? It's a jam packed program. And look, I'm going to share with you, I have known nothing different because I joined the Zonta club of Bundaberg about four years ago. And it's always been very active in this space. So I didn't know any different. But when I have, when I've looked at what other clubs do, there's a whole spectrum, there's some clubs that just do some social media stuff maybe, a walk, and then there's other clubs that go, you know, all out and our local club here goes all out every day. Every day. And it is all out. It is jam packed. So and there's very little risk for these options because you guys are going from one thing. It can finish late at night and you're up ready to go the very next morning and and going again. It is a jam packed schedule. And I know here at IMPACT we, absolutely committed. We run a whole heap of programs. And one of the programs that we do run is the Intensive Family Support program. And we're lucky enough to have another guest with us today, Stacey Ray, who is the manager of our Bundaberg Intensive Family Support program. So welcome, Stace. Thanks for having me along. Thank you for coming. So tell us why this is important with the work that we do here at IMPACT, and particularly with your program, why do we connect and align so beautifully to the amazing program that we have around the 16 days of activism? Yeah. So the Intensive Family Support Program is a program that supports families who are at risk of entering the child protection system. We know violence is on the rise, within our communities, not just locally but worldwide. And we, we work every day with families who have, suffered at the hands of violence. So that could be physical. It could be financial coercive control. Every element is present in the day that we in the work that we do every day. So, for IFS it's something that is very close to our hearts, we see the IMPACTs on children every single day. We're supporting women to, flee everyday from violence, that they are suffering at the hands of, the intimate partner. So, For IFS it is something that we do, we do love and, we, any opportunity we can, we will happily promote, you know, ending violence in our community. There is one day within this program, there's a couple of days, actually, that really stand out for me. But there is one. The ringing of the bells, which is so powerful. Can you talk us through? And, Stace, you've been there. I've sat in that church when the bells have been tolling. And for me, it was highly emotional. I haven't lost anyone as a result of violence, but just sitting there in that moment and listening to those bells Jo, tell us more about what that is. So the ringing of the bells what is the significance of that for communities? You're 100% right, Tanya, and it's extremely impactful. The bells that you of course, referring to, are the peace bells, at the Anglican Church on the corner of Maryborough and, Woongarra St. here in Bundaberg. And the first day of the campaign and the last day, the 16th day feature the ringing of those peace bells. The first day the bells will toll for the number of lives women and girls lives that have been lost to a domestic family violence event over the last year, and that's across Australia. So the what makes it impactful? There's many things that make it impactful, one of which is the number of times that the bells toll. There's a silence that that occurs within the attendees in, in Bus Park that are there to listen and be mindful and to think about every time that bell tolls that that relates to an individual person and the impact, The, the impact that that has had on that individual's family, the ripple effect of, of DV etc.. And then of course, on the very last day, the bells will toll again. And for every year that I've been involved in this campaign, unfortunately there are more, bell tolls on the 16th day than on the first day. Which is very sad. Absolutely. Yeah, it's it's unnerving in a way, isn't it, to think that the loss of life that occurs within the just 16 days alone and Tanya you you've been involved in our Zonta club of Bundaberg 16 days of the last few years. So you’ve experienced yourself. What that, what that feels like standing in Bus Park and listening to the bells? Absolutely, absolutely. And for you, Stace, you know, being part of that, I think just when you're sitting there listening and the bells, they don't stop. They just keep chiming away. You know, you hear your 5, your 10 bells. And then, you know, sometimes it could be over 50. So, it is it is tough when you hear that, like, you hear those bells they’re not stopping and you think really like. When is this going to end? When are we going to end violence? so it is it's a very, unsettling to hear, but, Very powerful being at the park, I, I really do enjoy and I always encourage my team to go along and, attend, that, particularly that event, I think it reminds us of how powerful our work is, and how important it is. So. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that's important that we don't lose sight of our purpose. You know, being a community based organisation, being at the grassroots and working with people, you know, side by side, working with people. So, Stace, what you're seeing, where is the change? Where's the opportunity for change? Where do you see change occurring within individuals? I think, Tanya, really it's important just to keep doing the little things every single day. Talking to people, advocating where you can, running events like this. This is where community awareness comes in. And to challenge some of those, you know, like, you talk about the Stone age Jo like,some of those perceptions that have been intergenerational, for many, many years? It's about, stopping those, those thoughts I suppose, through those generations. And it's challenging the thinking, isn't it? You know, because I'm imagining there would be a place where sometimes there's got to be, you know, in a really safe space, though, challenging some of those thoughts, those beliefs, those values that people have. So yeah. Yeah, yeah. There's been we've got to remember, like when we work with, you know, men who choose to use violence, we are dealing with sometimes generations, they don't know what, a male figure is in their life. They haven't had a, you know someone that has been positive, maybe their grandfather, their father themselves. So we're trying to, reframe that into thinking what is, what is a positive father figure in their life? And, for their and for their children as well. So it can be, a little bit hard and a bit of work with that trauma as well. Because a lot of these men have significant trauma themselves. So it's really a two pronged approach, really working with them on the individual. But then trying to challenge their, belief system that they've had for so long as well. Yeah. And so with families, and the breakdown of that family, ecosystem, I guess, if you like, sometimes we're seeing young boys come through and they don't have that positive male role model in their lives. So for some learnings, I guess, as we go through is that as young boys are going through from childhood into adulthood, having that positive role model. So it mightn't be even a family member, it might be a teacher. So tell us a little bit more about some of the things that you guys have done to work in that space to create those positive role models. Yeah, I think that's really good. Tanya like highlighting, it doesn't have to be a father figure or, you know, someone in their family unit. It can be a teacher, it could be a counsellor that they see. So I think it's really important for us to not just focus on the family unit, because we tend to just sort of, oh, what? Can we find an uncle that might be able to help out? So, I think it's. Yeah, it is really important for us to focus on the, who else can support that family. So some of the things we've done in the past. So just earlier this year we hosted Boiling Point which was a, we put it on the local Moncrieff theatre. And that was just highlighting, you know, around patterns of violence. And, and we had a really awesome, panel of people. So we had, someone from Small Steps for Hannah. We had child safety, police, and, another person as well. And we just spoke a bit about, you know, ways that we can challenge, breaking, breaking the cycle of violence, and how we can support, these young boys moving forward. And I think the other important thing to always remember is it's not just males who are perpetrators. That's right. It's really important that there is, women who do choose to use violence as well. So it's about trying to stop violence as a whole in the community. Is it’s really important. you know, we need to get this out in the community. And for me, I was like, you know what? Let's put this on to in the wonderful work that they do. And from there, it just blew into to like, a whole different, realm, we ended up I was like, alright, well, how are we going to make impact? So, we thought why don't we go down to the at like a shopping centre. So and let's paint these shirts and get them out in the community. So we thought, okay, well Christmas time down at Hinkler Central let's put these shirts out. So busiest time of the year, at the shopping centre. And we're going to make a bit of a stand up, and just sort of connect with the community and just in highlighting, and raising awareness around violence. Yeah. So let's so let's talk about it a bit more. Let's tease this apart because it's, it's, it's very impactful. So it's not just any shirt that's probably the first thing. So there's certain colours. So tell us about the different colours of the shirts and the significance of the colours. Each shirt is symbolises a different type of violence. So, white is for someone who has died because of violence. Yellow, is a survivor of physical, assault or domestic violence. Red, pink and orange. Is a survivor of rape or sexual abuse. Blue or green is a survivor of incest or childhood sexual abuse. Purple. Someone attacked because of their sexual orientation. Brown or grey is survivors of emotional, spiritual, verbal, and coercive control. And black is someone who's disabled and they have suffered, an attack, an attack, a physical attack, or they've been physically attacked because of their disability. So, yeah. Well, and in just hearing that, I don't know for you, Jo, what that sort of brings up for you, but sometimes I think we can go down a rabbit hole with a particular type of violence. So we might. We talk a lot about domestic and family violence here, at IMPACT. But there's so many other forms of violence. I don't know what it brings up for you, Jo, because you're probably dealing with a lot of this stuff in the daily work that you do as a lawyer. Can you tell us more about what you were seeing? What comes to mind immediately is the difference between sexual violence and domestic and family violence. And I've spoken with a number of people within the advocacy space to do with sexual violence who feel that they're often either looked, because it is their experience. It's treated by the law very different way. Okay. But violence is violence. I completely resonate with what you've been talking about Staci and I think some of the language will evolve. I remember saying this last time we spoke, we did this podcast, and I said that I think that the emphasis on gender will eventually be replaced. It's more inclusive, more diverse. That hasn't happened yet. 12 months on, but I think that it, I think that it will because as, as we know, individuals no longer, necessarily identify of a binary, male or female, there's that's sort of the evolution of, of the way that type of language is now, discussed in a number of, in a number of sectors. And the same also with violence. Violence is violence, and it always stems from a lack of respect. So I think, although the language that we regularly see is about DFV, and then sexual violence differently and the, gender based violence, perspective that's put on the campaign, that's, that's what it is at the moment. But I do think that it will it will change ultimately as we get more contemporary and we understand a little bit more about the language that we use to describe this. That's important, isn't it? So, so the shirts, because it's not just about the shirts and picking a colour is it. no no. so what we've actually done is, last Thursday we had a group of, women from local programs here at IMPACT, and they've actually so we actually started off with just a blank canvas. Just white shirts, however, they have decorated, these shirts with all forms of violence that they have experienced because we know that, it's not just one type, We know that they have actually experienced many. So these shirts have been, beautifully decorated with, many different colours, like a rainbow of colours, with some of them, where they can it can signify that type of abuse. So, we had a bit was a bit of a morning tea, bit of a, you know, a therapeutic sort of, catch up. We had Queensland Police come along as well to sort of to show their know, interested in the cause as well, which is just fantastic. And so, yeah, we had a bit of yoga session at the end of the day as well. it has been a good little morning. So, yeah, that we're going to take our shifts now and, set up our display. that we will have at Hinkler Central, so. Yeah, well, it's quite I don't know, it just brings a little bit of sense of calm to me that we've got these amazing women who can lean into such a project and be so vulnerable with their experience. Because I heard you say, you know, they've made these into beautiful pieces of artwork. So to be able to transform that trauma in another way that, as you say, it's therapeutic, but it's also a way of them just, I don't know, a release, but I don't know. It kind of is. It feels like this really yin and yang to think that there's been this trauma then something beautiful has come from. That’s right Yeah. And some of the artwork is just like the time and the effort has actually gone into, thinking, what are we going to put on the shirts, it's, it's really powerful, for them to be able to do that. you know release it a little bit, I suppose. So, one woman, she worked with her son on it. So because I think I experienced, violence at the hands of his father as well. So together they created this, shirt with the design on it, and, and I believe it was, something around, like a ship. So, you know, sailing forward and, and the anchor, you know, holding them firm, so it was quite a powerful piece and I look forward to, putting that one up on display at Hinkler Central so that they're all just wonderful Tanya absolutely amazing, Yeah. That's beautiful. So what was the feedback from the people who participated? Like what? What was it like for them to go through that process? Definitely a release for them. So it was just a different way of, looking at their the trauma that they have experienced. So it's just a way of them, you know, getting out of their bodies instead of holding it there constantly. It's just a way for them to release it, into it, into a beautiful piece of artwork. So and that's that is something that they can treasure. So we'll give it back to them at the end, and they can then do like a little card to go with it. So they can hold that. You know, add bits and pieces as their life goes on or as they remember different things. So, it's just a way that they've all found that they can a way moving forward for themselves. so the artwork will be displayed yep on clotheslines actually so we’re going to get some little clotheslines and, Yeah. set it up. So with, little with little colours as well. So everyone can, you know, just see what each colour means. And yeah, a beautiful and if I wanted to do this myself. So I'm listening to this and I'm thinking, I think I wouldn't mind, you know, releasing some of this stuff, so might already be going through some other sorts of support, but they might like to do this. So needing some paints, like what are the sorts of things you would recommend. so we just used a white shirt. And then we just use some, some moccasins we found. That was pretty you the pain didn’t run. we just use some, markers to put on the shirts, and that was literally it. And then get, get creating. then yeah come down, you know, on that way, come down, and you know happily display your shirt if you know you want to put it out there for everyone to see. And so, you know, raise the awareness around, ending violence. So it's not too late. People could still be part of this. Definitely. Yeah. the more the merrier yeah. And people who are coming along because it will be a beautiful, you know, art piece. So are you hoping to inspire some conversation, will there be people around that If people would like to share some of their own experience that will have people available that they can talk to. So, we'll have IMPACT staff. Particularly, yeah, our IFS staff. I'll be down there, from Monday to Friday, 9 to 3. So you come along and, you know, have a chat with your DFV specialist there as well.who will be able to support you, support you with anything as well. So, but just come along and have a chat, you know, share your shirt and, Yeah. Raising awareness Awesome, awesome. Thank you for that, Stace. So for you, Jo, what does that mean? You know, for you hearing about the Clothesline Project being a part of the 16 days. What does it mean for Zonta? You know how do you feel about it? Well, I suppose, firstly, we're always delighted to be partnering with activities that are done through IMPACT. Your organisation is so reputable. has, a large presence here in the community and the values of your organisation and of course, Zonta are just completely, you know, well aligned. That's the first thing. And I think secondly, any novel contemporary way of presenting the issues that we've been talking about is a good thing. I think the way to get the message across about respect, is to use as many different varieties and diversity of, of medium and media. So that the message has the greater chance of getting through to somebody who needs to hear that message. Yes. I think for, for a long time in this, in this industry, let's call it, there's been that, well, there's always that real risk that you're preaching to the converted. Your message is only getting to the people that either work in the sector, or have had some exposure to it and have an interest. And we need to take a much more broader, approach to getting the message out so that it hits the target, so to speak. And that's that's exactly what it's about. Jo is using, something different. It's not just, you know, a flier or you know, just having a conversation. It's actually getting out in the community. People would be interested in seeing more people have clotheslines, out in the middle of the shopping centre with some clothes And hopefully that will entice people in to have some conversations. And, you know, they might not they might not have conversation. They might just, you know, take, take note of it. And then I have a bit of a think, but that's, that's the importance of this project. It's just sparking off a little, a little thought process for people. I love that it's such a good point, because we can talk about things and talk about things and talk about things. And it's always good if we can come up with novel ways of doing things like dressing up like The Flintstones for an end of year festival, float festival, Pageant of Lights. We’re actually all quite excited about it. But I have to correct myself, I think when we were talking about it just before I said Barney Rumble, but I actually, I think I mean, Fred Flintstone and I think, I think Barney might have been the blue. I'm thinking back and some of our listeners are going, wait, I don't even know what you're talking about, but I think you might be right. I think it's Fred, yes. But the the orange and the and the black markings will be so recognisable to many in the, in the. Oh, so much fun, so much fun. So what about other people listening, Jo? And they're not here in Bundaberg, but they would like to find out more so because as you said, this is actually the same dates across the world. Anyone can get involved in this. What should they do if they'd like to find out what might be happening within their community, what might be happening somewhere close to them? What should they do to find out more about what's happening in the 16 days? I think the first thing is to look at this on international website. Go directly to the source. The whole framework behind it is a human rights framework. So the United Nations also promote, the 16 days campaign and the 10th of December, which is the, final day, the 16 days is the International Day, for human rights. So there's very much a linkage between human rights internationally and the actual campaign. So to answer your question, I think people would want to know more. Have a look at the, and what's publicly available at some of those reputable, websites. And locally, of course, the Zonta Club of Bundaberg, which by the way, is a very well established community organisation here. It's I think this is a 37th year. Wow. That's that's where that's a, that's an inspiring group of women turning up and doing a lot of hard work in our community. 37 years worth. Congratulations for being part of that. Well, we have we have some members who have been in the club since it started Wow really amazing. And we've got such a cross-section to of schools and diversity within the club and that's, that's important for so many reasons. But it's also important when it comes to the work that's required to put a campaign like this together. And when you can spread that work out amongst a team that are so passionate about it, it it really doesn't feel like work. It, it's something to look forward to every year. And everybody who's involved in the club, brings whatever skillset they have to contribute. But then the best part is that if there is a particular skill during this campaign that a member would like to have exposure to, they get that opportunity in a supportive framework. So let's say the media, for example. I used to be riddled with anxiety. I wouldn't be able to speak in front of a camera. I don't believe from my much. I look at you now, I don't believe it. It's actually, Zonta that's, assisted me to be able to gain self-confidence and, part immediate past president, Leanne Allen said to me, come on, you're going to get a radio with me, and we're going to promote the campaign and I love that. No choice. You're doing it. And I thought, I felt I'll get out of my comfort zone. And, Leanne and I and one of the other members, we did the ABC thing, Wide Bay, telecast, and now I can go in and do radio. Yeah. Without having to it be pre-recorded. So, Zonta it’s a group of amazing women, right from, you know, age 18, all the way through to members in their 80’s, I, like I said, with a cross-section of skills, but the opportunity to also gain additional skills if they want to. I think I'm just thinking, as you're talking about volunteerism throughout Australia, probably throughout the world is really starting to drop off very quickly. So the fact that you're maintaining and probably increasing membership. Yeah. How many members? I think we've got about 40. Yeah. So you know, to be able to do that growing membership community based and you're you're able to find volunteers, they're probably seeking you guys out. Is is unusual. You know, there's lots of clubs who are really struggling to get to get members. So congratulations. Whatever you guys are doing, it sounds like a recipe for success and doing amazing things within the community. So thank you. I really appreciate, you coming and giving us up an update on this year's event. I'm incredibly excited about the Clothesline Project and seeing that in our local shopping centre. Thank you so much Jo for coming in again and being my guest for a second time. Thank you I really appreciate that and great job on the amazing work that Zonta is doing again this year in our community. So I will certainly look forward to being a part of the 16 days particularly. It's a busy time of year for I know for our services, and I'm sure it's going to be a busy time of year for your services as well. I know a lot of us think that coming towards the end of the year, it's exciting and it's lots of happiness. However, for some families that's just not the case. Yeah. What do you start to see at this time of year Stace? At this time of the year. I think this year more than ever actually, we're noticing that the pressures are starting to come on families. So we have a lot of people struggling financially already at the moment. So we're seeing quite a demand for, accessing financial counselling and, and some supports there as well. So, not everyone has a happy family or can have a happy time at Christmas. Sometimes it's a lot of angst and anxiety and, and, so we, we try and make those, those times a little bit extra special for families, through the work that we do and, yeah, it's, it's going to be a bit of a tough year, I think, this year, but, the team. But we're ready and we're ready to combat it and, and see where see where we all head So and if you walk into the room for the intensive family support team, they've got all this stuff this year. They have just got, you know, floor to ceiling stuff Tell us about what the stuff is, Stace. What have you guys got some little surprise. Can you share can you share what you've got planned oh the clutter just dives me bonkas. We are very excited by pulling together, just some little changes for our families this year just to give them that little bit of, you know, extra happiness. So, you know, Christmas tablecloth and, some, cups and plates just to make their tables feel a little bit more Christmassy and a few little extra, extra bits and pieces for them. And some little bit of art supplies for the kids as well to, you know, get in and enjoy the spirit with their families. So yes, we're looking forward to having, a bit of, hamper, putting together sessions so that the Christmas music on and put our little Christmas hats on and have a bit of fun. Yeah. Beautiful. Jeez we’ve got some good people who work here. Good job guys. So thank you for that, Stace. And thanks for being a guest today. Really appreciate all of the work that you and your team do. So in the back of that conversation around support, we understand that this is a really challenging time of year for some people. We're going to put a list of support services that you can reach out to with this podcast. So please go and check them out. Local places like Phoenix House and Edon Place. But also, Lifeline, Beyondblue, DV connect, Parent Line, Men's Line and Kids Helpline. There's lots of places that you can make a phone call and reach out for support. Or if you're local here in Bundaberg, please just call in and we will make sure that you get the support that you need. So thank you again for listening to this episode of Stronger Together. I look forward to talking to you again soon. We understand that some topics in this podcast may have been sensitive or triggering. If today's conversation has affected you. Please consider reaching out. Lifeline offers 24/7 support at 13 1114 or via online chat. For those in the wide Bay Burnett Region, Impact Community Services is here to help. Visit impact.org. au and click the Make a Referral button to Self-Refer. Again, thank you for tuning in. If you found this episode informative, please subscribe to stay updated on current issues and resources that matter to you. Remember, we're stronger together.

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Tanya O'Shea

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