The recently established Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence in Mackay has committed action against indigenous family violence, the effects of domestic violence on children and domestic violence in rural and remote areas.

The State Minister for Families Judy Spence this week told State Parliament about the success of the Centre and Central Queensland University for their work with research and education in domestic violence.

Ms Spence said the new $1.3 million Centre officially opened at CQU Mackay in October last year and is providing leadership in research, education and evaluation, establishing a strong evidence base for effective practices within the sector.

Director for the Queensland Centre for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Heather Nancarrow said work had commenced at the Centre on the development of an interactive website for children. The website will incorporate games aimed at developing values that reject violence and abuse.

Children will also be the audience of a program being developed by the Woorabinda Aboriginal community in collaboration with the Centre. The educational program, geared for pre-school to year seven children, will be delivered, in part, by elders within the community through ‘dreamtime’ stories and songs.

The Centre’s current research programs also include: the well-being of women and children in mining communities; domestic violence among refugees and access to support services; analysis of data collected through the CQU omnibus survey, regarding attitudes to violence, parenting, children and sport; and social capital and violence prevention with young people.

“The proposed study on the wellbeing of women and children in mining communities would investigate the experiences of independent female partners (and children) of male employees in the coal mining industry and provide important information with respect to family functioning, including issues of domestic violence and stability,” Mrs Nancarrow said.

“The study would contribute to regional social and economic well-being and security through informing the development of best practice strategies to address and prevent family conflict and violence in specific geographical, socio-economic and cultural contests.

“The outcomes of the study and associated interventions would necessarily contribute towards the creation and maintenance of functional and resilient families and communities.

Photo: Minister for Families Judy Spence.