Mackay Women’s Services (MWS) can now offer more counselling for victims of family and domestic violence, thanks to a second location which was officially opened last week at Caneland Central.
Simon De Barro, Caneland Central Centre Manager said the space has been gifted to MWS with no lease cost as part of Lendlease’s commitment to delivering social value to the community.
“Lendlease has a goal to create $250 million in social value by 2025 which is a significant target. This initiative between Caneland Central and Mackay Women’s Services will generate almost $250,000 in social value for the local community,” Mr De Barro said.
Late last year, a vacant Caneland Central tenancy was transformed into a dedicated facility with three fit-for-purpose spaces for MWS. To meet the additional demand, the counselling service has seen a 50 per cent increase compared to the twelve months prior to help alleviate increasing waitlists faced by those who need support.
MWS have been in operation at the Centre since January 2022 and over 800 sessions have been delivered on site to date, with three counsellors based at the Centre on a full-time basis.
“As a central community hub, we see a real need to support this service in the community,” Mr De Barro added.
“The dedicated space offers additional support and greater accessibility to community members and is well serviced by public transport. The location also benefits from having security and Police Beat onsite, providing a safe and secure environment.”
Linda-Ann Northey, Mackay Women’s Services Chief Executive Officer said it’s wonderful to have this much-needed extra counselling space for children and their mums who have experienced trauma and to help meet the demand for our services.
“The location offers an alternative approach to counselling, in particular for young men and boys who may be more comfortable at this location rather than attending sessions at our main facility,” Ms Northey said.
Caneland Central has been a member of the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce since 2017 and continues to partner with like-minded organisations to work towards making the Mackay community a safer place for all.
Linda-Ann Northey Mackay Women’s Services Chief Executive Officer, Mayor Greg Williamson and Simon De Barro Caneland Central Centre Manager officially opened the Mackay Women’s Services counselling facility at Caneland Central
Mackay Women’s Services staff joined Chief Executive Officer Linda-Ann Northey at the official launch at Caneland Central last week. Photo Credit: Amanda Wright
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
