Picnic for a Purpose: Cloncurry Unites for Change

In August, Cloncurry saw an inspiring gathering as community members, service providers, and local leaders joined together for “Picnic for a Purpose,” an event hosted by the Mitakoodi Elders Council with the support of Cloncurry Shire Council, Outback Futures, Lives Lived Well, and local residents. This event provided a platform for candid discussions about the challenges facing community services and the urgent need for increased support in the region.

Over shared meals and friendly conversation, attendees explored the obstacles that prevent people from accessing essential services and identified critical steps forward for a more resilient Cloncurry.

Addressing the Barriers: Shame, Stigma, and Awareness

One of the primary issues raised was the reluctance among some community members to seek help, often due to feelings of shame or stigma, especially around mental health and substance use. Participants noted that many individuals lack an understanding of the services available, which further deters them from seeking assistance. To break down these barriers, attendees emphasized the importance of community-wide education and awareness efforts. Promoting a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, rather than a weakness, is vital. Through education campaigns and the establishment of safe spaces, the community hopes to foster open dialogue about personal challenges and encourage greater understanding and support.

Filling the Gaps: A Call for Comprehensive Support Programs

The event also highlighted significant gaps in local services, particularly the absence of a crisis response team and a dedicated healing and recovery support program. Cloncurry residents with complex needs currently face the burden of traveling to Townsville for services—a costly and inconvenient requirement for many families.

Establishing local services, including a crisis response team and long-term support programs, would reduce the logistical and financial strain on individuals and families while also providing timely, accessible care. These local solutions are essential for a more resilient Cloncurry, where community members can receive the support they need without leaving their homes.

Current Services: What’s Available?

While the need for additional services is evident, the community also recognizes the importance of optimizing existing resources. Residents currently have access to services through the Cloncurry GP Clinic, where they can receive mental health care plans and speak with counsellors. Services provided by Outback Futures and Lives Lived Well offer further support, including mental health, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug counselling, with options for face-to-face and online appointments.

The community’s person-centered approach is crucial for creating an environment where people feel empowered to manage their journey toward recovery. Attendees expressed gratitude for these services, emphasising the need to build upon them to meet the growing demands of the region.

Looking Ahead: Taking Action for a Growing Community

With Cloncurry’s population set to increase, the community is calling for immediate action to expand support services. Without enhanced funding, resources, and personnel, many may find themselves without the help they need. Increasing local capacity is seen as vital to ensure that everyone has access to care and support as Cloncurry grows.

How the Community Can Help

The “Picnic for a Purpose” marks only the beginning. The Mitakoodi Elders Council is actively advocating for change and invites community members to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about the need for expanded services, everyone can play a role in building a stronger, more inclusive Cloncurry.

Together, the community is striving toward a future where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered, creating a Cloncurry that truly

The Mitakoodi Elders Council would like to acknowledge and thank Zondani Mtawale from Sunshine Photography and Marco Bracchi from IsaEagle Photography for volunteering their time and all their efforts to take photos at this event.

What are some support options?

§  Your local emergency service (e.g 000) if you require immediate / emergency assistance

§  Your existing EAP support provider with your employer

§  Speaking with someone you trust at work or outside of work

§  GP and Counsellors (locally based) - Accessing help from a healthcare professional such as a GP, a counsellor or other mental health professional

§  Lifeline by phoning 13 11 14, texting 0477 13 11 14 or online https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ 

§  The Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

§  13YARN (13 92 76) Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters to yarn to 24/7

§  MensLine Australia Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online for professional telephone and online counseling service offering support to Australian men.

§  Beyond Blue - Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online. 

§  MindSpot - Call 1800 61 44 34 for free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. 

§  Head to Health - Call 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) for a confidential mental health telephone triage service. 

§  FriendLine - Call 1800 424 287, 7 days a week or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. 

·       TIACS - Free phone and text counseling service offering mental health support to Australia's blue collar community

·       The Samaritans 135 247 is crisis and suicide hotline.

·       1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to Queensland Health mental health services.

Other - Alcohol, other drugs and addictions support

Alcoholics Anonymous Australia 1300 222 222 - Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Give us a call or visit the website to search for a meeting or find someone to talk to.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 858 584 - At the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, we’re here to listen, provide support and information and lead everyday conversations about alcohol and other drugs. Our website and Drug Info and Advice Line are easily accessible ways to access information and support about anything to do with drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol and Drug Information and Support Services (ADIS) QLD –1800 177 833

- Alcohol and Drug Information and Support Services (ADIS) are state and territory-based Government funded services that offer telephone counselling, information, referral and support, 24 hours a day, for anyone seeking help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use. 

Counseling Online - Online Chat, Counselling Online is a free and confidential service that provides 24/7 support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use.

Narcotics Anonymous Australia 1300 652 820 - If you think you might have a drug problem and want to stop using, we can help. Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.  We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Give us a call or visit the website to search for a meeting or find someone to talk to.

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015 - Call the Australian Health Department’s National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Support Lines

If in need of immediate support please talk to the Police and/or Justice Group (same building as Centrelink) in Cloncurry.

Bravehearts 1800 272 831 - If you would like to talk to someone, Bravehearts’ national Information and Support Line can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault and exploitation.

Full Stop Australia 1800 385 578 - Full Stop Australia offers confidential, trauma specialist counselling for people of all genders who are impacted by violence and abuse. It is also available to their friends, colleagues and family members.

Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 - The Men’s Referral Service is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also provides help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men.

1RESPECT 1800 737 732 - 1800RESPECT is the 24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. We provide support for people experiencing, or at the risk of experiencing violence and abuse. Our service is also available to friends and family, and professionals.

eachOut.Com QLD – 1800 811 811 - If you’ve been affected by domestic violence there are a number of organisations throughout Australia that can offer practical help and support, advice, and counselling.

Eating Disorders Support Help Lines

Butterfly National Support Line and Web Counselling Service 1800 (33 4673) ED HOPE - We’re here for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, you can access support and assistance through our helpline. All of our counsellors are qualified mental health professionals with a background in psychology, social work or counselling.

Eating Disorders Association (08)6186 9550 - The Eating Disorders Association Resource Centre provides an information, support and referral service by phone during business hours. We offer support and short-term telephone counselling throughout Australia, plus can put you in touch with other services pertaining to identified issues. Our directory includes therapists and other professionals with specialist knowledge in the treatment and support of people with eating disorders.

Grief Support

Griefline 1300 845 745 - Griefline works with anyone experiencing grief and loss across Australia, inclusive of remote, regional, rural and metropolitan regions. Our national toll-free helpline operates from 6am to midnight (AEST). All of our services are free and available 365 days a year.

Sands 1300 308 307 - Sands is a volunteer-based organization providing individualized care from one bereaved parent to another, giving them support and hope for the future following the death of a baby. Today our 60+ volunteers provide peer-to-peer support services for bereaved parents around the clock, through our national support line, email, live chat and local face-to-face support groups.

LGBTQIA Hotlines

QLife 1800 184 527 – Qlife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues, including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Qlife services are free and include both telephone and webchat support, delivered by trained LGBTI community members across the country. Our services are for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals.

Mental Health Conditions and Family Support

Carers Gateway 1800 422 737 - Caring for someone can be hard work and a big responsibility. Whether you need support, advice, counselling, or help in an emergency, Carer Gateway can assist. By calling Carer Gateway you will be connected with a new Australia-wide network of service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local support services. Our phone line is available 24/7.

Family Drug Support Australis 1300 368 186 - Family Drug Support operates a national 24 hr, 7 day a week telephone support service for families affected by alcohol and other drug issues. We recognise the vital role that families and friends play in helping drug users maintain good health and regain a normal life. We believe that by helping families of drug users we are ultimately helping the user.

Mental Health Carers Australia 1300 554 660 - Mental Health Carers Australia grew out of the national movement of ARAFMI organizations across Australia. Originally, ARAFMI was an acronym for Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill. There are state based support organizations for carers of people with mental illness throughout Australia. The information and support line run by Mental Health Carers Australia is the easiest way to connect with a relevant support service in your state.

Public Mental Health Crisis Services QLD – 1300 642 255

Sane Australia 1800 187 263 - SANE Australia is a national mental health charity making a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues. The Sane helpline provides free information, counselling, and support to anyone in Australia struggling with their mental health, or that of a loved one.

Wellways Australia 1300 111 400 - Wellways helpline is a national volunteer support and referral service, that provides information to people experiencing mental health issues. Family, friends and carers can also access the service. We can help if you are feeling socially isolated, seeking information about mental health or services, or simply need someone to talk to. Everyone working on the Helpline has a lived experience of mental health issues, whether personal, or as someone who cares for a family member or friend.

To learn more about other services please visit this website: Free Telephone Counseling Hotlines in Australia - OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling