Gladstone Regional Council is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive community. Domestic and family violence is a serious issue that affects individuals, families and the broader community, and prevention requires a whole-of-community response.
Council’s role is to provide leadership, promote awareness, support prevention initiatives and connect people to appropriate services, working in partnership with specialist organisations and government agencies.
Council works alongside:
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Community organisations and service providers
- State and federal government partners
- Local leaders, volunteers and advocates
By working together, we can strengthen prevention, support those affected and build a safer, more connected community for everyone.
Our Commitment to Preventing Domestic and Family Violence
Gladstone Regional Council acknowledges that domestic and family violence is unacceptable and preventable.
Council demonstrates its commitment through leadership, advocacy and community engagement, recognising that meaningful prevention requires sustained effort over time.
Council’s commitment includes:
- Publicly acknowledging domestic and family violence as a key community safety issue
- Supporting regional and state prevention priorities and frameworks
- Participating in local DFV networks and partnerships
- Promoting respectful relationships, gender equality and non-violence
- Ensuring Council workplaces and public spaces are safe and inclusive
Council’s role is to lead, convene and support, while specialist organisations provide frontline and crisis services.
Image: Councillor Mellissa Holzheimer and Councillor Leanne Patrick signing the pledge
Finding help and support
Council does not provide crisis or frontline domestic and family violence services. However, we are committed to ensuring the community can easily access reliable information and support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, help is available.
This page provides:
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A directory of local and regional domestic and family violence support services
- Crisis support, counselling, housing, legal and advocacy services
Statewide and national helplines
Information for friends, family and bystanders seeking to support someone safely
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
- Get help and support
Statewide and local support services
Gladstone Women’s Health (Gladstone & Biloela)
DFV counselling, court support, children and young people’s services, men’s behaviour change programs
1800RESPECT
National 24/7 counselling service for people affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence
Children by Choice Association Inc
Trauma-informed statewide counselling and support around pregnancy options, prioritising women impacted by gender-based violence
DVConnect Men'sline
Confidential advice and counselling for men affected by DFV
Phone: 1800 600 636 (9am–midnight)
DVConnect Women’sline
24/7 crisis counselling and access to crisis accommodation for women and children
Kids Helpline
24/7 counselling for children and young people aged 5–25
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention
RSPCA Pets in Crisis
Emergency accommodation and veterinary support for pets of people experiencing DFV (via DVConnect referral)
Women’s Infolink
Confidential statewide information and referral service for women
Women’s Legal Service Queensland
Legal advice and assistance on DFV and family law matters
CatholicCare Central Queensland
DFV counselling, court support, children’s services and men’s behaviour change programs across the region
Gladstone Regional Council has supported a range of initiatives aimed at prevention, early intervention and community awareness.
Council initiatives focus on:
- Raising awareness of domestic and family violence
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Supporting cultural change and respectful relationships
Making prevention visible in public spaces
- Strengthening partnerships with community organisations
Initiatives contribute to long-term prevention by encouraging community conversations and help-seeking.
This page shares news, events and initiatives related to domestic and family violence prevention across the Gladstone region.
You’ll find:
- Upcoming awareness events and campaigns
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Community-led initiatives and partnerships
Training, forums and information sessions
- Key dates such as DFV Prevention Month and White Ribbon Day
Council uses its communication channels to keep domestic and family violence prevention visible and to support community-led action.
Image: Councillor Mellissa Holzheimer and Councillor Leanne Patrick revealing a new red bench located at the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct
Gladstone Regional Council has joined forces with Red Rose Foundation Australia by installing Red Benches across our region.
The Red Bench serves as a place-based approach to prevention, embedding awareness into everyday community spaces.
As proud members of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, Gladstone Regional Council pledges to stand against inequality and work toward a future where everyone is safe and free from violence. Together, we can create change.
Red Bench Locations