Building Capacity for Domestic and Family Violence Response in Mt Isa

Services working together to strengthen pathways into the specialist DFV workforce in rural and remote areas.

The rapid growth of our sector’s workforce brings challenges in meeting attraction and recruitment demand, particularly in regional areas.

As a response to this critical workforce issue across the Mt Isa and Gulf region, individuals from a range of human service organisations came together to strengthen skills, share knowledge, and consider a pathway into the DFV workforce. This event was a collaborative partnership between CQU/QCDFVR, 54 Reasons and DVNQ, supported by WorkUP.

Opening career pathways into DFV

The event has already started influencing career journeys. As shared by Elvene Whitbread, Regional Manager of 54 Reasons, one participant confirmed they are now pursuing a career in the DFV sector, while others from youth work and mining expressed genuine interest in transitioning into this vital field. These outcomes highlight how training can both build skills and inspire new workforce entrants — supporting sector growth.

Diverse voices at the table

The two-day workshop attracted participants from a wide range of community services organisations. Experienced practitioners sat alongside newer staff, while others joined from outside the specialist sector, including representatives from the mining industry. This mix of perspectives enriched the discussions and created fresh opportunities for collaboration across sectors and provided an insight into working in the specialist DFV sector.

A participant’s reflection

A Mt Isa Team Leader from DVNQ, who attended to support group discussions, shared:

“I really enjoyed the training, the trainer was excellent on the topics she spoke about, everyone’s engagement was so good. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it, sharing my knowledge with other amazing DFV workers and other staff in different sectors learning the area.”

Why it matters

This professional development directly supports the WorkUP’s workforce planning priorities of growing and developing the workforce, particularly in rural and remote Queensland. By strengthening skills, fostering collaboration, and encouraging new entrants into the sector, it contributes to a sustainable and supported workforce. WorkUP would like to thank 54 Reasons and DVNQ for their collaboration in delivering this place-based workforce attraction initiative.

Next steps

To explore how WorkUP can support your region with attraction and recruitment, please contact us at workforce@healingfoundation.org.au.

Register for our upcoming DFV Foundations online workshops on our website.