Shine Bright Mental Health, a vital nurse-led, trauma-informed service, is on the brink of closing due to a lack of funding. Operated out of three locations—the Sanctuary for women and children, the Men & Youth Hub, and Maryborough—this service delivers free and accessible clinical mental health care, crucial for individuals experiencing domestic and family violence and mental health challenges. The Fraser Coast region desperately needs the support Shine Bright offers, serving as a lifeline for countless individuals who have nowhere else to turn.

I have dedicated 18 years of my life to mental health nursing, working within government organizations and eventually establishing my own mental health practice within the community to offer my clinical expertise at no cost. This has been a deeply personal journey, as I am also a survivor of domestic and family violence. I understand the critical need for trauma-informed care and strive to provide this to women, children, and men in need across our community.

Since opening referrals to the Sanctuary on 23 June 2025, the service has supported 56 women and 65 children within a ten-month period. Since commencing as a subcontracted provider under the Better Connect program on 26 March 2025, Shine Bright has delivered funded clinical mental health support to 80 clients. The Men and Youth Hub, which opened on 31 March 2026, has already engaged 13 men and 4 young people within its early weeks of operation.

Across these service streams, Shine Bright Mental Health has directly supported 243 individuals. In addition, the organisation has supported 86 families through Christmas and Back-to-School community initiatives over a two-year period, equating to an estimated additional reach of between 170 and 250 individuals. AOD service delivery has included 124 SMART Recovery sessions, with 25 individuals actively engaged in recovery support.

Community demand has been both immediate and sustained. Within the first four weeks of operation, the Men and Youth Hub recorded 33 walk-in contacts and 15 enquiries via phone and email. Across the broader service, Shine Bright receives an average of 2 to 5 enquiries per day via phone, website, email and social media. In total, the service has supported over 400 individuals across the Fraser Coast within a relatively short timeframe, demonstrating both demand and impact.

Immediate action is required from the Queensland Government and local Members of Parliament to address the funding shortfall and ensure Shine Bright continues its essential work. Without necessary intervention and financial support, the community risks losing this invaluable resource.

Statistics show that mental health challenges and domestic violence are rising concerns in our community. According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five Australians aged 16–85 experiences a mental health issue each year, and the impact is pronounced among those affected by domestic violence. Services like Shine Bright are critical for preventing this epidemic from worsening.

We appeal to the Queensland Government to prioritize funding for Shine Bright, thereby affirming its commitment to mental health and community well-being. With adequate funding, Shine Bright can continue to provide vital services, outreach, and support groups that nurture healing and empowerment.

I urge everyone to sign this petition to ensure Shine Bright Mental Health can continue to serve those in desperate need within our community—those who rely on their compassionate care and support network to rebuild their lives and thrive. Your signature can make a difference; together, we can ensure this crucial service remains a beacon of hope and support for our community.