8 Empowered Wide Bay Queensland
A Welcome from the CEO of Trauma ASSIST
Life is a series of transitions,
each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. In this edition of Empowered, we delve into the theme of navigating life’s transitions, exploring how resilience and adaptability can guide us through various pivotal moments.
February brings Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the journeys of those affected by this disease. Early detection plays a crucial role in outcomes, and understanding the symptoms can make all the difference. Our feature article provides valuable insights into recognising these signs and offers guidance on supporting loved ones through their health transitions.
Transitioning into child care is a significant milestone for both parents and children. The accompanying separation anxiety can be challenging, but with the right strategies, families can navigate this phase smoothly. We offer practical advice to help ease this transition, fostering a sense of security and confidence in young minds.
In the realm of personal relationships, understanding complex conditions like Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is essential. Recognising the traits of NPD can aid in managing relationships and setting healthy boundaries. Our in-depth analysis sheds light on this disorder and provides resources for those seeking support.
The formation of blended families introduces unique dynamics that require patience and open communication. Building harmonious relationships in such settings is a journey of its own. We discuss effective strategies to create cohesive family units, emphasising the importance of empathy and mutual respect.
Taking the courageous step to leave an abusive relationship marks a profound personal transition toward safety and healing. We provide comprehensive resources and support for individuals embarking on this path, highlighting the importance of a solid safety plan and access to support networks.
In professional settings, addressing workplace bullying is vital for maintaining mental health and job satisfaction. Identifying and confronting such behaviour can lead to a more respectful and productive work environment. Our article explores the signs of workplace bullying and offers strategies to overcome it, promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.
As we navigate these various transition points in our lives, it’s important to recognise that each challenge also presents an opportunity for growth and empowerment. By embracing change and seeking support, we can emerge stronger and more connected. Together, let’s explore these journeys and find ways to thrive amidst life’s ever-evolving landscape.
Sandra Holebrook
FEBRUARY
IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Each year in Australia around 1,815 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
In most cases the cancer will be diagnosed at an advanced stage, where it is very difficult to treat.
PRIORITIES DURING OCAM:
Educate. Only 31% of Australians know that ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia. This devastating disease suffers from a lack of awareness and progress, we will continue to spread evidence based information every Australian should know about this disease.
Advocate on behalf of those impacted by ovarian cancer for more research funding, better laws and policies, greater access to affordable treatment options and ultimately better outcomes for all those affected.
Elevate the voices of women impacted by this disease by sharing their stories, their real life experiences and getting these stories in front of as many eyes and ears as possible.
Giving Day February 26th
PREPPING YOUR CHILD FOR CHILD CARE
Some children settle happily in their new child care centre within a few days or weeks. Others get upset and cry, even after the first few weeks. And some children settle at first and then get upset later, when the novelty of the new environment has worn off.
Help your child get used to being apart from you by leaving them in a room with someone else. For example, ‘I’m just going to the kitchen for a little bit. Nanna will look after you’. Start with very short separations and build up over time.
Avoid criticising or being negative about your child’s difficulty with separation. For example, avoid saying things like ‘She’s such a mummy’s girl’ or ‘Don’t be such a baby’.
Read books or make up stories with your child about separation fears. For example, ‘Once upon a time, there was a little bunny who didn’t want to leave his mummy. He was afraid of what he might find outside his burrow. This might help your child feel they’re not alone in being afraid of separating from their parents.
Make a conscious effort to foster your child’s self-esteem by giving them plenty of positive attention when they’re brave about being away from you.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Separation anxiety is a common part of child development. The difficulty is that it often starts about the same time that children start going to child care. It will pass in its own time, and your child’s educators will probably have plenty of ideas for supporting your child.
Settle your child in an enjoyable activity before you leave.
Start with short separations from your child. You can gradually increase the time apart as your child becomes comfortable with separation.
Say goodbye to your child briefly – don’t drag it out.
Tell your child when you’re leaving and when you’ll be back. This is helpful even with babies. Leaving without saying goodbye can make things worse. Your child might feel confused or upset when they realise you’re not around. They might be fearful and harder to settle the next time you leave them
Keep a relaxed and happy look on your face when you’re leaving. If you seem worried or sad, your child might think the place isn’t safe and can get upset too.
#knowyourmanfacts
We live in one of the world’s healthiest societies, yet men of all backgrounds are less likely than women to live healthy lives: we die younger, experience more disease and have less access to support services.
Research shows that the best way to improve men’s health is to tackle the underlying social factors that shape our health like boys’ education, our experiences of fatherhood, our working lives, our social connections and our access to male-friendly services.
50 Men in Australia die each day from preventable causes.
That's around 18,000 men a year. One thing we can do to reduce the number of men dying too young is to increase the number of men getting health checks But what health checks should they get, and when?
The Men's Health Checks toolkit is designed to help men understand their options, and to encourage them to take action.
ACCESS THE MEN'S HEALTH CHECKS TOOLKIT
5 FACTS about men’s health:
. Men die 6 years younger than women.
. 4 in 5 Heart disease deaths under 65 are men.
. 1 in 4 men die of cancer.
. 3 in 4 suicides are men.
5 facts you know NOT to do:
. Don’t smoke - 3 in 5 smokes are smoked by blokes
. Don’t drink too much - 3 x more men are risky drinkers
. Don’t eat crap - men get more sausage-related disease
. Don’t sit around too muchchairs are a health hazard.
. Don’t be overweight - 7 in 10 men are ‘big-boned’.
5
THINGS YOU REALLY WANT TO DO:
. Really do relax - stress kills, take a bit of ‘man time’.
. Really do have a social lifebeing lonely is as unhealthy as smoking.
. Really do help others - doing good is good for your health.
. Really do get active - you could gain 3 years in 30 minutes.
. Really do what you love - to enjoy a happy healthy life.
WHAT IS NPD?
What is the difference between narcissism, narcissistic personality type and narcissistic personality disorder?
The main difference is that narcissism and narcissistic personality type are within the range of normal human behaviour, whereas narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person's everyday life.
Everyone can show narcissism from time to time. Traits can include:
Feeling self-important
Not showing empathy
Wanting attention or to be admired by other people
Being selfish, aggressive, insensitive
There is another type of NPD known as vulnerable narcissism, or covert narcissism. It is a disorder that includes traits that are the opposite of someone believing they are better than everyone else.
People with vulnerable narcissism can:
Be overly sensitive to others' opinions
Be introverted or have low self-esteem
Feel insecure
Feel a deep need for attention
People with NPD may have trouble handling criticism, feel hurt easily or have low self-esteem. They may also have problems with relationships and work.
HOW IS NPD DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis can be hard as the symptoms of NPD can overlap with other disorders. A mental health professional can diagnose NPD based on your symptoms and how you interact with others.
HOW IS NPD TREATED?
Psychotherapy, or talking to a therapist, is the most useful treatment approach for people with NPD. The aim of treatment is to develop a more realistic self-image and enable you to relate to others more positively. Therapy is a longterm process and its success depends on your ability to see your struggles and commit to changing your behaviours.
TEENSYOU GOT THE JOB!
What Now? Starting a new job could require some lifestyle changes
Some challenges or changes you might face include:
Change in routine – working set hours and days each week
Learning a new set of rules, expectations and work etiquette
Having less structure but more responsibility and accountability
Fitting other aspects of your life around your work schedule
Finding balance between your work, study and social life
BEFORE YOUR FIRST DAY
Here are some things to find out before your first day:
.Where is your job located?
It might be different to where your interview was. Work out transport and timing before your first day
Do you need tools or equipment?
Find out what is provided or what you might need to bring along Get what you need before your first day so you’re prepared.
Focus on your positives and strengths; you were hired as they thought you were the best person for the job.
BE CONFIDENT SET GOALS
What do you want to achieve in this new job? Where would you like to be in 1 year? How will you get there?
CREATE A SUPPORT TEAM
Surround yourself with people who will support you through this new transition.
LEARN
HOW TO MANAGE
STRESS
Look after yourself, find some strategies that work for you.
What should you wear?
Is there a uniform or dress code? Dress appropriately – first impressions can count!
Who do you need to report
to?
Find out who to report to when you arrive on your first day.
WORKPLACE BULLYING
It ruins lives and destroys workplaces, and it’s up to you and your employer to put a stop to it.
Workplace bullying is defined as repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers, that creates a risk to health and safety.
Examples:
. Language or comments that are: abusive, insulting or offensive
. Unjustified criticism or complaints
. Deliberately excluding someone from workplace activities
. Not sharing important information that a person needs to work effectively
. Setting unreasonable timelines or constantly changing deadlines
. Setting tasks that are unreasonably below or beyond a person's skill level
. Spreading misinformation or malicious rumours
. Changing rosters to deliberately inconvenience someone
What can I do?
First establish whether the behaviour you are experiencing or witnessing is workplace bullying. Consider these questions to determine if the behaviour is workplace bullying:
Is the behaviour being repeated?
Is the behaviour unreasonable?
If it's happening you talk to the person, seek support, report it within your workplace. Make a bullying complaint outside of your workplace. Seek an order from the Fair Work Commission (you must still be employed in the business where the bullying was occurring).
If you witness bullying in the workplace you should encourage the other person to speak up or seek support.
STRESS MAKES YOU SICK
Stress is the invisible thread that weaves itself into our daily lives, tightening its grip with every unchecked thought and unaddressed worry.
When stress becomes the norm, it puts our body in constant "fight or flight" mode, draining us physically and emotionally..
We face many different demands each day. For example, you may take on a huge workload, pay bills or take care of your family Your body treats these everyday tasks as threats. Because of this, you may feel as if you're always under attack. But you can fight back. You don't have to let stress control your life.
STRESS ISN’T JUST A FEELING
It triggers physical reactions in our body
High blood pressure
Increased risk of heart disease
Weakened immune system
Digestive issues
Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression
Sleep problems
Muscle tension and pain
Weight gain
Problems with memory and focus
HEALTHIER, HAPPIER LIFE
Just like we take care of our physical health, we must prioritise our mental well-being too.
1. Stay Physically Active: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of new neurons. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
2. Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals Leafy greens, berries, fish, and nuts.
3. Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support memory consolidation and emotional regulation.
4. Challenge Your Mind: Engage in activities that stimulate your brain, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill Continuous learning fosters neuroplasticity.
5. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can harm your brain. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
6. Stay Socially Connected: Build strong relationships and engage in social activities Meaningful connections can enhance emotional resilience and cognitive function.
7. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve concentration and productivity. Multitasking can lead to mental fatigue and decreased efficiency.
8. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflecting on what you're grateful for can boost your mood and promote a positive mindset.
Taking care of your brain is not just about avoiding problemsits about enhancing your quality of life and performance.
BLENDED FAMILIES
COME IN MANY SHAPES & SIZES
For example, you and your partner might both have children from a previous relationship, or one of you might be new to parenting.
Your children might be of similar or very different ages. You might also have a child together.
Also, where children live varies across families. Some children might live with you some of the time, others might live with you most or all of the time, and others might visit only occasionally.
Children in blended families might have various arrangements too For example, a teenage child might be mostly with one parent, while their younger sibling might be mostly with the other parent.
Family is defined by Love not DNA.
How the Australian Government describes blended families and stepfamilies:
This is important for gathering statistics and surveying trends in Australian households and families.
A stepfamily is ‘a couple family containing one or more children, at least one of whom is the stepchild of one of the partners, and none of whom is the natural or adopted child of both members of the couple’.
A blended family is ‘a couple family containing 2 or more children, of whom at least one is the natural or adopted child of both members of the couple, and at least one is the stepchild of either partner in the couple’.
BENEFITS & CHALLENGES
Benefits : Challenges :
Blended families or stepfamilies can be fun There are more people around who bring different personalities and new interests and perspectives.
A new extended family can give you and your child more people to connect with. For example, new grandparents can add to children’s lives and help them feel even more loved.
Extra adults and grandparents can be a great source of additional support for parents and children.
Children in a blended family often learn to relate to a wider range of people, so they might be more flexible and tolerant.
My grandson Milo is 5 years old, but he is new to us because my son has a blended family He was very shy when we first met. But now we kick the soccer ball and get a hot chocolate or have a walk when the family comes over. We have some really great chats. He asked me the other day if I was around in cave man times … Ha ha! – Lindsey, 60
Like all families, blended families and stepfamilies have challenges
It takes time to get used to living in a blended family. The early years in blended families are about getting used to the new family and building family relationships.
It can also take time to establish your blended family’s boundaries and rules. This can be because the families coming together have different family rules and because everyone is still getting to know each other.
As an adult, when you first repartner, your relationship with your child’s other parent can go through a tricky time because they might be feeling angry, insecure, upset or worried about the change. You might need to adjust your co-parenting agreement to fit with your new family arrangements
LEAVING AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
As someone who left an abusive relationship, I was asked many questions. Here's what helps, and what doesn't.
As Australia grapples with the rate of women dying at the hands of an intimate partner, you might wonder if you know someone who has experienced abuse in a relationship.
But for me, the more important question is — do you know what you would say to them, if they shared their story with you? As someone who has left an abusive relationship, I suspect you don't.
In the wake of telling my story to wellmeaning friends and family, I was met with a variety of responses. Some of them were echoes of what we've heard before, such as "why didn't you leave?"
While that may have once been a common phrase, we are now far better educated we know that it is very difficult for people to leave abusive relationships, and in some cases, attempting to do so can be fatal.
Other questions were less accusatory, but still caused me pain "why didn't you call me?" and "how did it happen?" among them.
However good the intention, these questions can often make the guilt and shame more palpable, and force you to once again question your own actions and responses to the abuse. As the country reckons with its rates of gender-based violence, we have been encouraging women to tell their stories, and to reach out for help.
What to say when you are on the other side of that conversation is talked about less, but it is something we need to address. Everyone's different, and I don't have all the answers.
But I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help you know what to say. The constant feeling of shame and regret. It took me a long time to leave my abusive relationship and by the time I did, my self-confidence was low I had friends and family who I loved but I'd pulled back, I'd withdrawn. I had children who loved their dad.
The author of this article is an ABC journalist but has chosen to be anonymous to protect herself and her family.
WHY PEOPLE STAY IT’S NOT AS EASY AS SIMPLY WALKING AWAY
Abusive relationships are extremely complex situations and it takes a lot of courage to leave. Abuse is about power and control. When a survivor leaves their abusive relationship, they threaten the power and control their partner has established over the survivor.
No matter the circumstances, survivors deserve to be supported in their decision-making and empowered to reclaim control over their own lives.
Common reasons why people stay in abusive relationships include:
FEAR- A person will likely be afraid of the consequences if they decide to leave their relationship. This could be fear of their partner’s actions or concern over their own ability to be independent.
NORMALIZED ABUSE- If someone grew up in an environment where abuse was common, they may not know what healthy relationships look like. As a result, they may not recognize that their partner’s behaviors are unhealthy or abusive.
SHAME- It can be difficult for someone to admit that they’ve been or are being abused. They may feel that they’ve done something wrong, that they deserve the abuse, or that experiencing abuse is a sign of weakness.
INTIMIDATION- A survivor may be intimidated into staying in a relationship by threats. They can be verbal or physical or threats to spread information.
LOW SELF-ESTEEM- After experiencing verbal abuse or blame for physical abuse, it can be easy for survivors to believe those sentiments.
LACK OF RESOURCES- Survivors may be financially dependent on their abusive partner or have previously been denied opportunities to work, a place to sleep on their own, or a network to turn to during moments of crisis.
DISABILITY- If someone depends on other people for physical support, they may feel that their well-being is directly tied to their relationship
CHILDREN- Many survivors may feel guilty or responsible for disrupting their familial unit.
Everything you need, your courage, strength compassion and love; everything you need is already within you.
OTHER REASONS OTHER REASONS
LGBTIQ+ GROUPS WELCOME FIRST EVER COMMUNITY ESTIMATES FROM ABS
19 Dec 2024 – The first ever estimates of LGBTIQ+ populations across the country by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
This is the first time the ABS has had a sufficient sample size to extract such findings by combining the results from four household surveys, totalling almost 45,000 respondents.
4.5% of Australians aged 16 years or older are LGBTI+, meaning more than 900,000 Australians fit under the LGBTI+ umbrella.
10% of younger people aged 16 to 24 identify as LGBTI+.
3.6% of Australians are lesbian, gay, bisexual or describe their sexual orientation with a different term (LGB+) while 1 per cent of the country, about 178,900 people, are trans and gender diverse.
0.3% of Australians report they know they were born with variations of sex characteristics, often referred to as intersex
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said:
“We now know that that LGBTIQ+ people live in every part of Australia, in regional, rural, metro and remote areas, and this means local councils, service providers and government agencies will be able to better serve the needs of our communities ”
Trans advocate Teddy Cook reviewed the ABS survey & said:
“These data confirm for us something we’ve always known, that Australia is home to a significant population of trans adults living across metro and regional areas of every state and territory.”
InterAction for Health and Human Rights Executive Director Morgan Carpenter said:
"Misconceptions linking intersex to gender and sexuality, and legacies of clinical secrecy, make this complicated These factors mean that the findings do not give us a count of people with innate variations of sex characteristics, but they provide a crucial first step that can be built on in the years ahead "
Welcome to Galangoor Duwalami
Primary Healthcare – a Community
CARE THAT MAKES YOUR LIFE BETTER COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM:
Controlled service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the Fraser Coast.
We support our mob to live a healthy life, by providing holistic, culturally appropriate services relevant to the needs of our community.
Galangoor Duwalami means “Good Meeting Place” and that’s exactly what you’ll find in our welcoming, modern clinics in Hervey Bay and Maryborough. A place where you’ll be listened to with respect and understanding. And a place where you can access the highest quality health services and wellbeing programs to keep you living well.
Boosting wellbeing skills and financial literacy
The Program helps residents (with priority given to those aged 18-36) in navigating available services and providing case management practices that ensure timely and appropiate service referrals.
. Financial Literacy
. Digital Literacy
. Meet The Neighbours
. $20 Boss
. Mental Wellbeing Case Management
. Service Navigation
QUEENSLAND WOMEN´S WEEK 2025
Promoted by the Office for Women since 2016, Queensland Women's Week (QWW) recognises and celebrates the successes and achievements of women and girls across Queensland.
It’s a time to acknowledge that everyone has a role to play in creating a Queensland community that respects women, embraces gender equality, and promotes and protects the rights, interests and wellbeing of women and girls. By doing this, we enrich and strengthen our communities and create a more equal Queensland where everyone is valued
The theme for Queensland Women's Week 2025 (QWW) is March Forward. This theme aligns with the UN Women International Women’s Day theme and is a call to action to #MarchForward for a gender equal future.
This theme celebrates the progress made by women who came before us and recognises the work yet to come to achieve gender equality.
International Women’s Day in 2025 will commemorate 30 years since 189 countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for gender equality in 1995
IN 2025, QWW WILL BE HELD FROM 2 TO 9 MARCH
It also marks 50 years since International Women’s Day was first recognised in Australia in 1975, following the United Nations declaring 1975 International Women’s Year. While significant strides have been made since these milestones, there is more yet to do. All of us have a role to play in working together as a community to achieve gender equality. Join us as we March Forward together for a gender equal future.
MORE DETAILS DETAILS
LET´S CELEBRATE QUEENSLAND WOMEN WEEK!
Yoorana, invites you to attend a beautiful, sit down brunch and conversations around the widespread issue of domestic and family violence and how the voices of women will change the world as we March Forward together.
With Guest Speaker, Sherele Moody (via zoom), award winning journalist, activist and powerful change maker and founder of the Red Heart Campaign. Sherele has dedicated much of her life to documenting and sharing the stories of women and children killed around Australia by violence. Sherele will be joining us via Zoom where you'll get to hear firsthand her story on how she got started and why this is such an important topic today.
Hear from International Keynote Speaker and communication expert, Catherine Molloy, who specialises in leadership and body language psychology. Catherine has a Master Degree in Neuro-linguistic Programming as well as qualifications in Business, a Master of Leadership and has spoken to women on the seven continents of the world (even Antarctica).
Share a special message with us from The Hon Shannon Fentiman, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Women, and enjoy the mesmerizing music of local artist, Emma Newman, live while you enjoy a wonderful morning networking with other local women and leaders on the Fraser Coast.
Join us the 3rd of March:
2025 WE ARE READY FOR YOU!
Our Fraser Coast Mates 2025 Events Calendar is here and it's time for you to get your mates together and save the dates. Tennis
While we also support a number of other community led events across the year, these are the signature events put on by our hard working committee all in the name of raising funds for mental health initiatives across the whole Fraser Coast region.
Our first event of the year is bound to roll around quickly, so keep an eye out over the next few days for registration details for the Fraser Coast Mates Tennis Night.
We've all got a story to tell Welcome to Everyday Mates, a project by Fraser Coast Mates, sharing real, vulnerable stories from people right here in the Fraser Coast community. We're bringing you honest, heartfelt interviews with locals who've faced mental health challenges. These stories will show the ups, the downs, and the moments in between from real people with real experiences. Everyday Mates will remind us all that we're not alone.
AREAS WE CAN HELP EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE & CREATING A WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITY
Located on the beautiful Fraser Coast and proudly servicing Hervey Bay and Maryborough, My Hero Disability Services is committed to providing personalized support to individuals navigating the NDIS. Our goal is to help you get the most value from your NDIS plan and achieve your goals using a person-centered and strength-based approach.
Our experienced team works collaboratively to deliver services that are tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the right support to achieve your goals. Whether you have questions about the NDIS process, your plan, or general support, we are here to help.
Support Services
Group Activities
Navigating Your Plan
STA/Respite
Support Coordination
Navigating NDIS
"I can totally recommend the helpful services of the team of professionals that work above & beyond to help clients like myself to rejoin life as close to normal as possible ... "
-Wayne F
Community Resources
