Annual Report 2014 - 2015

I look forward to continuing to develop and improve
my role in support for the members that QHVSG
supports throughout 2016 and beyond.
Ellie Kelly
Awareness Day 2014
Our annual Awareness Days for the QLD
Northern Region was demonstrated in both
Cairns and Townsville. Both days proved
successful and were chosen in the highest
possible foot traffic areas. With the assistance of
member Chris Spehr and her dedicated work
colleagues, individually handmade flowers of
‘Little acts of kindnesses’ with an attached card
identifying our cause was handed out to the
general public - prompting questions and
discussions. It was wonderful to see more
participating QHVSG members partake in this
event.
Memorial Service 2015
Our Cairns Memorial service held at the Botanic
Gardens paved the way for the welcoming and
inclusion of both our Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander families, newly mourning the loss of
their loved ones. This has been the first time in
the QHVSGs history of the Northern Region to
have so many indigenous members come
together to join with our community as one, and
share in their grief and support. This has
prompted the Northern Region to incorporate
inclusive and identified cultural considerations,
and growing our culturally appropriate support
service for our future Memorial Services.
Peer Support Meetings
During this time, families between the Townsville and
Cairns Region have attended the QHSVG regular Peer
Support Meetings. The meetings have provided a safe
place for families to talk about their loss and
experiences with other families who are facing similar
experiences. Through this, the development of a
‘suggestion booklet’ - full of ideas designed to help
individuals cope with their grief and day to day living
is also underway. Much brainstorming has crossed
the table to include the many different ways
individuals express their grief – but most importantly,
how we can find individualised methods of release
for each and every person. This was due a number of
our family members acting responsively to triggers
and circumstances that bring about bouts of
depression, anxiety or escalated sadness. Many of
our family members were unable to articulate their
methods - or simply didn’t have one to focus on in
preparation toward minimising additional stresses of
expected (or unexpected )triggers.
Cultural training
The Northern branch of QHVSG has participated
in the ever increasing knowledge of our
indigenous communities and how best to
support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
families through their grieving process. In
addition to the attended Indigenous Training
Programs held in both Brisbane and Cairns, the
development of new networks has now been
established for further cultural direction and
guidance here in the North. This has not only
enhanced the quality of our service, but provided
an opened door for many of our members who
are increasingly feeling more comfortable with
joining our much needed group.
One Punch Can Kill Campaign in the
North – Word of mouth has developed over the
past 12 months in and around the High Schools
and Colleges of the Northern Region regarding
the QHVSG’s General Manager Ross Thompson’s
previous presentations held on the O PCK
campaign. As a result, the North again has been
included in the end of year school curriculum in a
combined effort to educate our young people on
the dangers of violence and its devastating
affects.
Network Meetings – Participation in the
growing and strengthening of our networks and
16 Annual Report 2014-2015