The new Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic & Family Violence, at CQU Mackay, will officially open on Tuesday, 15th of October at 1230PM.

The centre provides research and expertise to the region to meet the training and support needs of family violence prevention organizations and professionals who work in our communities.

“By further linking Central Queensland University with our neighbours, we can effectively address the problems we\'re facing together,\" said CQU Associate Professor of Sociology Helen Waite.

The Honourable Anna Bligh, MP, Minister for Education is scheduled to speak at the event. The opening is preceded by a statewide video-conferenced community forum entitled “Safer, Happier, Healthier: Researching for a Non-violent Future” hosted by coordinator Katrina Robertson.

When government funding for the Centre was announced in May, the Minister for Families Judy Spence said that people at CQU Mackay had ”the necessary expertise” that would allow for feedback into government policy, education programs and the delivery of prevention services.

“It\'s important that what we do, we do effectively and efficiently because we\'re talking about saving lives, saving families and creating safe environments for women and children,” said Minister Spence.

Staff members from the Centre have already travelled to Moranbah to discuss a new project with key stakeholders raising awareness of, and developing prevention strategies for family violence in the Bowen Basin through an arts-based approach. The Centre has also been approached to undertake a study reviewing the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Coppabella Coal Mine on the Nebo Shire. Historically, rates of reported family violence are higher in rural and remote areas than in metropolitan areas. The QCPDFV will collaborate with the CQU’s Centre for Social Science Research on this project.

While a Director of the Centre has not been announced, three Advisory Groups will soon be established in the key areas of research, education and evaluation to provide a pool of expertise and grass roots knowledge to inform the activities of the Centre. Expressions of interests to be on an advisory panel are sought by Monday 9 September.

CQU is also offering a number of scholarships for people to complete full-time research degrees, Masters or PhD, related to activities at the Centre. Arrangements will be made for part-time research students, too.

To receive more information and receive a copy of the Centre’s Newsletter, contact the Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic & Family Violence, at CQU Mackay, at 07 4940 7834 or email enquiries@noviolence.com.au or visit www.noviolence.com.au.