AMA Queensland Foundation has announced more than $150,000 in support for organisations working in the domestic and family violence sector.
AMA Queensland Foundation has distributed more than $154,000 in grants to nine domestic and family violence (DFV) support services in Queensland.
The charity arm of the state's peak body representing doctors says the funds are a response to the growing need to fill gaps in healthcare for vulnerable individuals experiencing DFV.
Chair Dr Dilip Dhupelia said the AMA Queensland Foundation identified a strong need to bolster existing DFV services.
"As doctors, we see the impacts of domestic and family violence every day, and we decided more could be done to support victim-survivors and ensure safety and wellbeing.
"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we hope more families across Queensland are now able to get the crucial help they need to break the cycle of domestic and family violence."
Dr Dhupelia said the Foundation worked closely with Brisbane South Primary Health Network (PHN), conducting a rigorous vetting process to ensure funds were allocated effectively, with the profile of each organisation carefully considered.
"The chosen organisations primarily work with vulnerable Queenslanders who may be facing geographical, cultural, social or language barriers to support," he said.
Meet the recipient organisations
The Mount of Olives Foundation - Hope on the Road Program
Grant funding will help The Mount of Olives Foundation take crucial DFV support services to communities in rural and remote Queensland, through their Hope on the Road program, purchasing and fitting out a signature vintage caravan 'Dorris.'
"Dorris will help us deliver essential support in the form of information, conversation and the development of resource kits for individuals affected by domestic and family violence," Mount of Olives Foundation Founder Matthew R. Vale said.
"By meeting people where they are - both geographically and emotionally, we aim to ensure no one faces crisis alone, and that support is accessible, compassionate, and culturally appropriate."
Multicultural Families Organisation - The SARA Program
Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO) offer support to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities on the Gold Coast who are experiencing domestic and family violence through The SARA Program.
"Women and children in CALD communities are at heightened risk of experiencing coercive control and other forms of DFV due to factors such as language difficulties, limited social networks, dependency on perpetrators for visas or financial stability, as well as a lack of understanding of the legal system and their legal rights," MFO Director Sebastian Chadwick said.
Grant funding will help MFO provide wraparound support and a dedicated case manager to help families navigate judicial systems.
Women's Centre FNQ - Safe & Together Training
Far North Queensland has some of the highest rates of domestic and family violence in the state, with women in regional and remote communities, particularly First Nations women, facing additional barriers to safety and support. Women's Centre FNQ offers a range of support services to assist women and children in the region experiencing or escaping domestic and family violence.
Women's Centre FNQ Manager Nicole Dye said the grant will help them access training for their fifteen staff across two sites, using the Safe & Together model, designed to help strengthen families by prioritising the safety and well-being of the non-offending parent and their children while holding perpetrators accountable.
"Equipping our staff with the necessary tools, knowledge and resources is crucial to addressing domestic violence effectively and improving family outcomes," Ms Dye said.
Sisters Inside - Digital Safety Awareness Program
An Indigenous-led community organisation, Sisters Inside advocates for the collective human rights of women and girls in prison and their families.
CEO of Sisters Inside, Debbie Kilroy OAM said the grant will support them to develop a digital safety awareness project.
"Criminalised women are often left out of conversations about digital safety, but they are navigating some of the highest risks. This app is about putting tools directly into their hands, in ways that are private, accessible, and grounded in their real lives," Ms Kilroy said.
Australian Women's Chinese Federation - Multilingual Education Programs
Based on the Gold Coast, The Australian National Chinese Women's Federation (ANCWF) is a not-for-profit organisation advocating for the rights of Chinese women. Funding will help to create a multi-lingual education program around domestic and family violence.
ANCWF President Lei (Wenbi) Hua said many Chinese Australian individuals and families in Queensland face language barriers, cultural stigmas and a lack of awareness about available support services when experiencing domestic violence.
"Victims may feel isolated or uncertain about their rights and options due to cultural expectations or immigration concerns. Through this Grant Program Activity, ANCWF can create a lasting impact, reduce barriers to seeking help, and empower communities with the tools needed to prevent and respond to domestic violence effectively," Wenbi said.
WillowTree 37 - Wrap around support for victim-survivors in Southern Downs
WillowTree 37 Women's Support Centre (WT37) assists vulnerable women in the Southern Downs region through the Home Sweet Home program, providing a safe space to connect with staff and access assistance for safety, housing, health and basic needs.
Committee Member Rosie Corney said grant funding will help WT37 strengthen their capability to better assist victim-survivors of DFV through wrap-around support that is tailored and client-centred in its approach.
"It is NOT a case of one approach fits all. We meet women where they are at and provide tailored and local opportunities to support victims in specific communities," Ms Corney said.
Yulu-Burri-Ba - The Shark Cage program
The grant will support Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health (Yulu-Burri-Ba) to deliver a program called The Shark Cage - a psychoeducational program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in South Brisbane and North Stradbroke Island experiencing DFV. It offers a practical framework for prevention and addressing re-victimisation for girls and women.
Queensland Positive People - Domestic and Family Violence Frontline Training
Queensland Positive People (QPP), a peer-led community-based organisation committed to improving the lives of Queenslanders living with HIV, have received the small grant to assist them in completing comprehensive in-person domestic and family violence training.
Divine Ministries - Thrive HER Pilot Program
Divine Ministries is a multicultural Christian church based in Richlands. The church provides a range of support programs for families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Funds from the grant will support the Thrive HER Pilot Program, which directly supports CALD women across a 12-week period through mentorship and training with the skills and resources needed to achieve economic empowerment and social reintegration.
