Years after a new collaborative to improve services for domestic and family violence at Noosa Magistrates Court was set in motion, Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart is pleased to see it is almost at its final stages.
Cr Stewart said the idea for the new initiative, which provides legal support for the respondent and the aggrieved, came about after she met with former magistrate Brian Kilmartin, who presided over a special DV court in Beenleigh.
“At the invitation of Noosa Council, key stakeholders, Queensland Police Service, specialist domestic and family violence service, SunnyKids and advocacy group Zonta Club of Noosa met back in early 2021 and identified a crucial gap in legal information and appropriate support services being available at the Noosa Magistrates Court for individuals and families experiencing domestic and family violence.
“Noosa Council staff have done a great job in helping facilitate further discussions with key stakeholders to progress the initiative, which will provide legal support for the respondent and the aggrieved at Noosa Magistrates Court.”
SunnyKids, Queensland Police Service, Centacare, UnitingCare and the Zonta Club of Noosa will be actively working together to provide presenting clients with the vital resources and information required to gain a thorough understanding of the court processes.
“This will mean that both the aggrieved and respondent will leave court with an agreement outlining the terms of the protection order so they have a very clear understanding of their rights and the processes involved,” Cr Stewart said.
SunnyKids believes this new initiative identifies a significant gap in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said without appropriate and adequate resources to ensure vulnerable people remain safe in their community, we are another step behind achieving this mission, and another step behind ensuring women and children remain free from harm.
“Navigating the court system is not easy and a coordinated community and system response will go a very long way in reducing recidivism for individuals choosing violence,” she said.
“This initiative will strengthen our aim in breaking the cycle of violence through active engagement with critical support programs in our community.
“A collective and integrated approach to helping women during this extremely challenging period in their life, is the very least we can do.
“There is so much more work that needs to be done to ensure all women receive adequate information and resources to help guide them during this difficult phase and during the court process.”
Griffiths Parry Lawyers and Notary director Rebecca Wilson said they have gone above and beyond to ensure all the required legal and ethical requirements have been met so this initiative could come to fruition.
“We have been a part of the Sunshine Coast Community for 50 years and we know that the need for domestic and family violence support continues to increase every year,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our participation in this project reflects our commitment to the growing needs of our community. Alicia Lucas is a valuable team member and has been dedicated to this project since its inception. We would love to see this program released in more courts across the region, but it needs more local support.”
Zonta Club of Noosa have funded significant improvements to the waiting room, creating a more supportive environment for women and children, and improving consultation spaces for Centacare to provide support and linkages to wrap-around services.
Zonta Club of Noosa president Robyn O’Neill said they were proud to support the Courthouse project as part of their mission of building a better world for women and girls in our community.
Cr Stewart said after Covid-19, the Noosa Shire saw a significant increase in domestic violence.
“I have been championing prevention and awareness work for domestic family violence in the Noosa Shire through the Mingle with the Mayor Balls and was humbled to receive a special commendation award for the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) third annual Alison Woolla Memorial Award for Local Leadership in Preventing Domestic and Family Violence last year,” she said.
“This collaborative initiative is just another step towards the shire’s local domestic and family violence response and it is pleasing to see it almost in its final stages during my last few weeks as mayor because it has been years in the making.
“And I will continue to drive it forward.”
Sunny Kids are still seeking a second law firm to provide pro bono legal support one day per fortnight in the Noosa Magistrates Court for aggrieved parties. Anyone interested, please contact Kathleen Hope at SunnyKids. www.sunnykids.org.au/ /admin@sunnykids.org.au
