25 July 2023
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 24 July 2023, Council recognised a trio of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) advocacy stalwarts through the Southern Downs Regional Council Volunteer Recognition Program for their tireless commitment to lobbying for more support services for our community.
In presenting the awards to the Women’s Action and Advocacy Team (WAAT), comprising of Sue Hamlet, Kathy Payne and Judy Hefferan, Southern Downs Councillor Jo McNally commended the unassuming group of three professional women for being passionate changemakers for the Southern Downs.
“Sue, Kathy and Judy are contributing their professional expertise to the Southern Downs community in the DFV space,” Councillor McNally said.
“Established in March 2021 from concern for the safety and support available to women and children, WAAT has actively lobbied at State and Federal levels for the Southern Downs region to have more support services, and Sue, Kathy and Judy were instrumental in founding Protea Place Warwick.
“While they initially connected over national concerns, their attention quickly turned to the unmet needs here in our region, and through their networks and tireless efforts, the group has been the key founders and supporters in the establishment of Protea Place Warwick, which will officially open on 31 July 2023.
“As professionals in human services and education, these three ladies saw yawning gaps in services that were appropriate, locally available, visible, timely and effective in helping women and children to stay safe and supported.
“In establishing WAAT, Sue, Kathy and Judy determined that they would focus on action and advocacy to bring about necessary change, and the DFV needs of the Southern Downs community are much more visible on a national scale as a result of their contribution.”
In receiving the award, the women said they were humbled and thanked Council for getting behind causes that highlight the needs of vulnerable women in the Southern Downs.
With the addition of today’s trio, Council’s Volunteer Recognition Program has now honoured eleven community members this year, providing well-deserved recognition to the volunteer community and their deep dedication to making the Southern Downs a great place to live, work, play and stay.
QUICK FACTS
Kathy Payne is a Mental Health Social Worker who has been in private practice in Warwick for more than fifteen years. Kathy sees individual clients and also supports those on the frontline with professional support. Her client base includes Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Police Service & Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Kathy also works extensively in the disability sector and balances being wife, mother, nana and active volunteer in the community space with her passion for WAAT.
Sue Hamlet is a Counsellor, Suicide Intervention Trainer and Arts Facilitator with additional qualifications in Community Welfare & Development. She has worked in the mental health space for more than ten years, firstly with Lifeline Darling Downs & SWQ and more recently in her own private practice. She has been an active volunteer for many years, fostering connection, inclusivity and opportunities across a range of interest groups. Sue has lived experience of DFV and has worked in community recovery.
Judy Hefferan is an academic who lectures at UniSQ while completing a PHD in English Literature. Judy was an apology in receiving the certificate because she was delivering a paper to fellow Shakespeare devotees at Liverpool University, England. Judy taught at Warwick State High School for many years and also brings lived experience of DFV along with an articulate and impassioned sense of social justice to the WAAT team.
WAAT’s action and advocacy successes over the past two years have included:
• Enlisting the support of the Office of Women and Violence Prevention to co-lead an Integrated Service Response to DFV in the Southern Downs, which is now an essential resource for the region
• Opening channels of communication around what is available including onboarding frontline agencies and organisations in the Southern Downs to share knowledge, tackle gaps and increase clarity and effectiveness
• Linking with animal refuge organisations to act as a “Pets In Crisis” for people leaving DFV situations
• Hosting DFV training in Warwick and Stanthorpe
• Clarifying pathways for those in distress by creating collateral that is now regularly used by the local Queensland Police Service
• Producing and regularly updating a bi-monthly directory of DFV related services
• Lobbying and advocating for Southern Downs services to be correctly represented on the State DFV website
• Regularly engaging with Domestic Violence Action Centre, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health, Cornerstone, St Vincent de Paul and other key organisations.
Last edited date 25 Jul 2023