Victims of crime in the Cairns region and throughout Queensland now have access to professional counselling and support services through Relationships Australia, Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors Warren Pitt said today.

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Communities & Disability Services, Warren Pitt
comm...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
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09/09/04

Mr Pitt officially launched the service at Relationships Australia's Cairns branch today.

"The Cairns branch of Relationships Australia, Victims Counselling and Support Service commenced operations in June 2004 and has already provided over 120 counselling sessions," Mr Pitt said.

"The organisation's trauma counsellors provide individual case management, counselling, referral and support related to court appearances. The service also provides regular outreach support to Tully and Port Douglas, providing access to the surrounding communities, including indigenous victims of crime."

Mr Pitt said another significant development in Cairns was the recruitment of an Indigenous Project worker.

"We are currently recruiting the worker who will develop culturally appropriate resources and work in collaboration with Indigenous communities and services including healing centres and community justice groups," Mr Pitt said.

"The Cairns service has also developed links with a wide range of other organisations which can provide additional client support including Police, Public Prosecutions, and a number of community and neighbourhood support centres and specialised counselling services.

"This funding to Relationships Australia to provide this service delivers on the Beattie Labor Government's commitment to victims of crime by ensuring they have access to professional counselling and support services, wherever they live in Queensland.

"These new arrangements have a strong regional focus, with services based in Cairns on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane (servicing Ipswich, Logan and Caboolture). Relationships Australia can also arrange to make counselling and support services available to victims of crime in Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Mackay, Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Bowen and Hervey Bay through linked services.

"A 1300 telephone service is currently operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"This is a comprehensive, broad ranging service for Queenslanders experiencing a time of real need."

Mr Pitt said Relationships Australia (Queensland) has been providing a range of counselling, mediation and education programs throughout Queensland for more than 55 years.

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