During May, communities across Queensland unite for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. The month is a time to reflect, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with those impacted by domestic and family violence. This year’s theme, “Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland,” reminded us that small actions, taken together, can spark real change.
Our teams across the region went above and beyond to ensure the message was heard: domestic and family violence has no place in our homes, our communities, or our future.
We began the month by illuminating Rockhampton’s Quay Street in a sea of purple, the colour symbolic of domestic violence awareness. Supported by Rockhampton Regional Council, the initiative lit up the streetscape from May 1 to 15, serving as a quiet but striking show of support.
Behind the scenes, leaders from our Domestic and Family Violence team met with Aimee McVeigh, CEO of the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), during her statewide visit to frontline service providers. Together, they discussed the unique challenges of delivering services in regional communities, including travelling long distances, workforce shortages, and the complexity of supporting victim-survivors in tight-knit communities.
May also marked the launch of our Domestic and Family Violence Awareness shirt, featuring a bold print, designed in-house, with the message “Say No to DV.” Created to spark conversation, the shirts can be worn by our team year-round as a symbol of our ongoing commitment to ending domestic and family violence.
Lighting the Night
Throughout May, we were proud to lead and support candlelight vigils, each event offering space for reflection, remembrance, and hope.
In Emerald, more than 40 community members gathered for a vigil hosted by CatholicCare, with support from the Central Highlands Regional Council, Queensland Government, and Queensland Police Service (QPS). Georgina, CatholicCare’s Domestic and Family Violence Services Manager, led a moving moment of silence in honour of those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence. She also spoke of the additional barriers victim-survivors face in rural areas, highlighting the challenges posed by isolation, reduced access to services, and bush culture.
In Blackwater, more than 30 people, including families and children, gathered for a vigil led by Helem Yumba. The atmosphere was one of reflection and quiet strength, proof that even in small communities, collective support speaks volumes.
On the Capricorn Coast, the community came together for Yeppoon’s first-ever candlelight vigil, held at the beachfront amphitheatre. More than 70 people, including members of our team, gathered in a united display of support, demonstrating a shared commitment to creating safer, more respectful communities.
Every Step Counts
Marches across the region brought communities together in powerful, public displays of support.
In Emerald, CatholicCare’s annual March Against Violence, supported by the Central Highlands Regional Council, Queensland Government, and QPS, brought together locals and community services in a meaningful show of solidarity. The march made its way through town to Town Hall, concluding with speeches from Mayor Janice Moriarty, and leaders of our Domestic and Family Violence team, followed by morning tea.
CatholicCare DFV Practitioner Alice walked with community members through Longreach to Edkins Park, alongside representatives from QPS, CQID and RESQ+. The march reflected the strength and resolve of a smaller community standing up for safety and change.
In Rockhampton, QPS led a city-centre march, the first of its kind in the region. What started as a modest plan for 30 attendees quickly grew into a crowd of hundreds, with participants walking from the Rockhampton Library to the QPS Headquarters. Members of our Rockhampton Domestic and Family Violence team marched alongside Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire Department, Rockhampton Regional Council, and family members of those impacted by domestic violence. Their presence was a moving reminder of the lives behind the statistics and the importance of marching together for change.
Together in the Gardens
Our Rockhampton-based Domestic and Family Violence team hosted an inaugural community awareness event at Kershaw Gardens, held in partnership with Helem Yumba.
The event aimed to raise awareness of domestic and family violence within the community, and created a safe and inclusive space for reflection, connection, and conversation. Attendees participated in a symbolic walk to the Kershaw Gardens waterfall, forming a visible line of solidarity along the footpath and busy roadside. Along the way, attendees wrote messages of encouragement and remembrance in chalk along the path.
Speeches were delivered by CatholicCare CEO Robert Sims, Member for Rockhampton, Donna Kirkland, and representatives from QPS, each speaking to the ongoing impact of domestic and family violence and the importance of taking collective action.
Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Support
CatholicCare supported education and advocacy throughout the month.
In Rockhampton, Court Support Team Leader Jen, was invited to present at the Women’s Health Information and Referral Service’s DFV Prevention Month Information session. Jen’s insights shone a light on coercive control, empowering both professionals and community members with practical knowledge and understanding.
Stronger, Together
To bring the month to a close, we hosted a special luncheon in Rockhampton, bringing together many of the dedicated individuals and organisations who lead frontline Domestic and Family Violence services within the region.
CatholicCare Chief Operating Officer, Anna Morris, emceed the event, which featured guest speakers Bishop Michael McCarthy, Lyn Anderson, Helem Yumba CEO, Sergeant Hannah Buckenham, Domestic and Family Violence Coordinator of the Capricornia District Vulnerable Persons Unit, Tania Quinn, DFV Integrated Service Responses Integration Manager (Central Queensland Capricornia District), and Georgina Sutton, Domestic and Family Violence Services Manager at CatholicCare Central Queensland.
The event recognised the ongoing, collective efforts of those working tirelessly to support victim-survivors, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to a collaborative, whole-of-community approach to ending domestic and family violence.
A Month of Action, A Year-round Commitment
Throughout May, we were proud to walk alongside our communities from Yeppoon to Longreach, marching, remembering, and advocating for a safer, more respectful future.
We’re especially proud of our teams who showed up with heart, humility, and hope. Whether they were organising events, walking in marches, supporting clients, or sharing their expertise, their efforts made, and continue to make, a difference.
While Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month has come to a close, our work continues. We know that meaningful change doesn’t happen in a single month—it takes year-round dedication, everyday conversations, and a united, whole-of-community approach.
When we take positive action together, however big or small, we move closer to a future free from violence. One life lost is too many.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence, there is help available:
In an emergency, dial 000
DVConnect: 1800 811 811
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
MensLine: 1300 789 978
13 Yarn: 13 92 76
CatholicCare DFV Response team: 07 4977 4107
