Phoenix House

28/04/2026

Have you heard of Kristi McVee
She is a former child abuse detective.
She is a straight-talking educator.
She is one of Australia's leading voices in Child Protection.
She has seen what happens when abuse goes unnoticed.
Kristi has some fantastic educational tools and webinars.
Here's part 1 of 3 where she shares insights from a recent document called Words From a Child Molester

27/04/2026

-- Supporting survivors. Strengthening community --
Sexual violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. It impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and often intersects with other forms of harm, including domestic and family violence, coercive control, and gendered violence.
At Phoenix House, our focus is clear. We provide safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed support for people with lived experience of sexual violence, as well as those who may be at risk - supporting both recovery and early intervention.
Our core services include:
- Free counselling and support services for people with lived experience of sexual violence, and those at risk of sexual violence
- Education and prevention programs, including:
🌼Bumblebees (protective behaviours for children and young people)
🌸Tiddas (a culturally grounded program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls to grow into strong, proud and empowered women)
We are a child-safe organisation and are committed to upholding the rights, safety, and dignity of all people we support.
If you need support, please use the referral form on our website or call in business hours 07 4153 4299

27/04/2026

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
💜
This month, communities across Queensland come together to raise awareness, honour those impacted, and work toward safer, more respectful relationships and communities.

Domestic and family violence is not just an individual issue; it is shaped by broader social attitudes and inequalities. People of all genders can experience violence, and everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported.

Sexual violence is often a part of domestic and family violence. It can occur within intimate relationships, families, and homes. Naming this matters, because it helps people recognise their experiences and seek support.

Prevention starts with all of us, where we challenge harmful attitudes and gender stereotypes, support safe, respectful relationships, and create communities where people feel able to seek help.

If you’re able, consider attending a local event, starting a conversation, or reflecting on the role we each play in building safer communities.

If you or someone you know needs support, Phoenix House is here. You are not alone.

EDON Place DFV Prevention Month Calendar 2026

This year’s theme, “Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence,” calls on all of us to stand united in raising awareness and taking action.

Throughout the month, we honour those who have lost their lives and recognise the strength and resilience of those living with the impact of domestic and family violence.

We invite you to support DFV Prevention Month by sharing these events across the community and helping us amplify this important message 💜

Together, we can create safer, more respectful communities for everyone.

25/04/2026

The life you’re building today will thank you tomorrow. 🌱

Every small step matters. The boundaries you set, the care you give yourself, the courage it takes to keep going, even on the hard days.

Growth doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes it looks like resting. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Sometimes it’s simply choosing to try again.

Wherever you are right now, you’re allowed to move at your own pace. You’re allowed to build something steady, safe, and meaningful — one day at a time.

Your future self is already proud of you. 💛

24/04/2026

Meet Kayleen, she is our First Nations Counsellor
⭐ How long have you worked at Phoenix House?
I have worked at Phoenix House for 7 years in May
⭐ What drew you to work in this field?
I love to help people especially with my own people
⭐ What do you love most about working at Phoenix House? Or What motivates you to show up each day?
I love my job as it is about helping people through the hard things they face and come out on the other side smiling again
⭐ Outside of work - what makes you smile most?
It's my family that make me smile every day; I am very family orientated
⭐ Do you have a hidden talent or hobby we should know about?
Hobbies, not really, no. I do love to read books though.
⭐ If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be?
If I could change anything in the world, I think it would be that we live in a world where everyone is treated the same

24/04/2026

On Saturday May 2 Bundy Gig Guide are holding a music event, aka fundraiser, on behalf of Phoenix House, for which we are incredibly grateful.
Through events like this, we can come together as a community to show support, build awareness, and contribute to prevention.
Every conversation, every connection, and every contribution makes a difference.
As the region’s specialist sexual assault support service and a registered charity, Phoenix House directs all funds raised into local counselling services, community education, and prevention initiatives.
There is a fantastic line up of music planned as well as raffles, money boards and fun; and you are all invited.
Facebook event link - https://www.facebook.com/share/18cAJPoa7W/

23/04/2026

Meet our Senior Business Administrator Fiona :)
🌸 How long have you worked at Phoenix House?
I joined Phoenix House in March this year, after 30 years working in healthcare management.
🌸 What drew you to work in this field?
If I’m honest, my heart has always been in this space and been driven to advocate for the rights of all women, children and young people, and all victim-survivors of trauma and harm. Stepping into this work now doesn’t feel like a career change… it feels like stepping into something I should have done a long time ago. Being here, in this space, it’s clear - this is where I was always meant to be.
🌸What do you love most about working at Phoenix House? Or What motivates you to show up each day?
There’s a shared clarity here about why the work matters. We don’t look away from the hard realities - we sit with them, and we respond with care, integrity, and intention. There’s a quiet strength in that. The team here hold both compassion and accountability, and they are not afraid to challenge the systems that allow harm to continue. That balance - of care, courage, and purpose - motivates me continually.
🌸 Outside of work - what makes you smile most?
My slightly chaotic, and very sparkly little 'bubble of love' - my 3 kids who are so wise and insightful; my amazing partner who makes me belly laugh at least once a day; and my tight circle of trusted sister-friends who keep me secure and grounded.
🌸 Do you have a hidden talent or hobby we should know about?
I love colouring in. It’s probably the most honest form of creativity I have. There is no pressure to be “good,” just the space to create, focus, and switch off for a while.
🌸 If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be?
I would dismantle the systems that allow inequality, silence, and harm to continue, especially those systems that impact on women, children and young people. Safety, respect, and dignity should not be aspirational - they should be the starting point of every action, every conversation and every decision.

22/04/2026

Meet Leigh, she is a counsellor, and also our wonderful Bumbleebees Program Coordinator, so when she is not at Phoenix House, she is attending childcare centre to teach young kids protective behaviours and ways to keep themselves safe.
🐝 How long have you worked at Phoenix House?
18 months
🐝What drew you to work in this field?
I was drawn to this work because of my commitment to social justice and advocacy. I was drawn to working in sexual assault counselling because of the profound impact that trauma can have on a person’s sense of safety, identity, and agency. I am deeply motivated to support individuals who have experienced violations of trust and autonomy, and to provide a space where they are believed, respected, and able to regain a sense of control over their lives.
🐝 What do you love most about working at Phoenix House? Or What motivates you to show up each day?
I value being part of a team that understands the complexity of trauma and consistently holds clients with compassion, respect, and belief.
🐝 Outside of work - what makes you smile most?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family.
🐝Do you have a hidden talent or hobby we should know about?
I also just love creating; whether that’s working with paper, paints, journaling, or anything crafty, as creative time helps me recharge and supports my wellbeing.
🐝 If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be?
I’d love the superpower of pausing the world for a moment; giving people time, space, and support to heal without pressure. I think so many things would shift if we allowed gentleness to lead 💛

22/04/2026

We would love you to meet Myrla, she is new to Pheonix House, just about 2 months in a Counsellor role.

🇧🇷 What drew you to work in this field?
I love the idea of being there for someone and holding a safe space where they can breathe and start to feel a bit lighter, even in the middle of chaos.

🇧🇷 What do you love most about working at Phoenix House? Or What motivates you to show up each day?
I also love being part of a team that makes a difference and supports people in our community. It feels meaningful.

🇧🇷 Outside of work - what makes you smile most?
My family, definitely. They are the ones who make me smile most.

🇧🇷 Do you have a hidden talent or hobby we should know about?
Hidden talent ... I wish I could say singing!
Hobbies-wise, I love swimming and listening to music - music really sets the rhythm for my day.

🇧🇷 If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be?
Teleportation; so could travel anywhere anytime - especially to visit my family overseas.

22/04/2026

Today we attended a QLD Health morning tea for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, included were free Cupcakes for Consent. It was lovely to meet and chat with many staff from all areas of the hospital and share some insight into the work we do at Phoenix House. Thank you

21/04/2026

If someone doesn’t say “no,” does that mean “yes”?
👉 No. Consent is a clear, enthusiastic yes.

Can someone change their mind after saying yes?
👉 Yes. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

If someone feels pressured, is it still consent?
👉 No. Consent must be freely given.

Can someone give consent if they’re drunk or high?
👉 No. Consent requires clear thinking and capacity.

Does consent apply in relationships too?
👉 Yes. Consent matters every time, with everyone.

21/04/2026

Let us introduce Jason, he is a Registered Social Worker and has been with us for two years in May.
🌺What drew you to work in this field:
Twenty years ago, I was working for a department that was making life worse for people. I resigned and went back to university to take my first master’s degree to empower myself. I then practiced counselling and psychotherapy for many years until covid. When that happened, I took the Master of Social Work and here I am.
🌺What do you love most about working at Phoenix House? Or What motivates you to show up each day: At Phoenix House, I get to work with an amazingly diverse range of people who present with an equally diverse range of symptoms. Over time, I get to go through their recovery process with them, the ups and downs, relapse and progress; eventually when they are ready, we say goodbye. Variance, diversity, and recovery.
🌺Outside of work - what makes you smile most: Every night when I get home from work, my dog greets me with a waggy tail, big eyes, a happy looking face, and he tries to talk with his dog voice; we have some interesting conversations. He does not mind if I am tired and need an early night or if we go walking, he just wants to be with me. Reciprocal unconditional love, that makes me smile.
🌺Do you have a hidden talent or hobby we should know about: I play electric guitar and I like surfing with my 9 foot long-board.
🌺If you could have any superpower, or change something in the world today, what would it be: If I could change the world, I would take down the patriarchal economic system and replace it with something that works well for the whole world.