A New Era For Mackay Women’s Services

Mackay Women’s Services is here to support women, children, and families across the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions. With a passion for making a difference, the organisation empowers women to reclaim their lives, offering strength, guidance, and the confidence to move forward.

In 2024, Mackay Women’s Services delivered nearly 3,000 episodes of care, providing over 18,000 hours of counselling and case management. This service has been instrumental in reaching not only women but also children and adolescents, with 224 young people under the age of 17 receiving critical support.

To further its reach and effectiveness, Mackay Women’s Services has doubled its practice team since 2024. The team now includes 21 qualified counsellors and case managers, alongside a specialised high-risk team dedicated to handling urgent and complex cases. This expansion comes in response to the increasing demand for support, as the nation continues to grapple with the rise, and prevalence, of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) and Sexual Violence (SV).

Recently appointed CEO, Belinda Berg, is guided by a passion for community service and a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society.

“We're excited about the incredible talent within our team, and together, we're building a strong positive culture” she said.

“This, in turn, is providing greater access to our services and ensuring that those in need in the community are aware of the support we can provide”

Mackay Women’s Services is the lead, accredited DFV agency in the region, offering a comprehensive range of services. These services include Women’s DFV & SV counselling and case management, Child and Adolescent Counselling supports, Wellbeing and Recovery programs, Court Related support and advocacy, Men’s Behaviour Change programs and home safety and security devices or repairs.

The organisation is the lead agency for the Mackay High-Risk Team offering a coordinated integrated response to urgent cases of DFV.

Additionally, Mackay Women’s Services is focused on the long-term wellbeing and recovery of those impacted by gender-based violence. With programs aimed at improving the wellbeing of victim-survivors, building skills to recognise unhealthy behaviours in relationships, and resilience, Mackay Women’s Services supports victim-survivors to sustain long-term change and rebuild their lives.

Belinda is excited about the future of Mackay Women’s Services, emphasising that the organisation is in a position to grow even further.

“We’re looking to double our services over the next couple of years,” Belinda shared.

"I’m really excited to lead Mackay Women’s Services into this new era."

Mackay Women’s Services is a lifeline for many, offering professional guidance and compassionate care to those who need it most. The organisation's ability to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery makes it a cornerstone of support for the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions.

For anyone in need of support, Mackay Women’s Services is a trusted partner, ready to help navigate the challenges of Domestic and Family Violence with professionalism and compassion.

To contact Mackay Women’s Services, visit their office at 418A Shakespeare Street or call 4953 1788. Donations to support their work can be made via www.givenow.com.au/dvrsmackay

mackaywomensservices.org.au

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