What We Do

We provide a range of support services in Cairns and Atherton that work with and assist women, and their children, to transition them away from homelessness and violence and the child safety system. We work alongside clients providing them with information, resources and support to assist them to make their own decisions and life choices.

How We Do It

We work in a client directed and focused way – placing clients at the centre of everything we do. We work to build resilience and independence. We work to make women and their children feel safe. Our case management framework is client centred, culturally responsive and collaborative.

Cairns & Atherton – Crisis Support Service

We offer short term crisis support including advocacy and practical assistance, with a focus on homelessness and domestic and family violence. The support is practical with a focus on obtaining or maintaining housing and crisis assistance for women escaping domestic violence.

Cairns – Young Parent Program

We offer support for women aged under 25 years who are parenting or pregnant. Outreach support offered is intensive and long term with a focus on stabilising housing, addressing safety needs and protecting children.

Cairns – Family Support Program

We provide intensive case managed support to women with children. Outreach support offered is intensive and long term with a focus on stabilising housing, addressing safety needs and protecting children. We work with families with children 0-18 years who are at risk.

Atherton – DV Shelter Program

We provide immediate short-term emergency housing for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Our housing is independent and safe. Referrals may come via DV CONNECT, self-referral or through another service.

Atherton – DV Court Support Program

We provide Court Support for women seeking Domestic Violence Protection Orders, and escaping violent situations. We provide practical legal support with making private applications for Domestic Violence Protection Orders. Court support is provided at the Magistrate Courts in Atherton and Mareeba each week.

Atherton – Safer at Home Program

We work with the courts, police and clients to assist women and children to stay safe in their home. Staying in your own home is an option for some women – if you have a protection order that states the respondent is not to enter or remain at the place where you are living, or that the court has ordered the respondent to vacate the premises. We can assist with practical aspects of staying safely at home and make arrangements for the safety upgrades to be made to the woman’s home.

Governance & Staff

Management Committee
The Womens Centre is governed by a board of volunteer members who come from corporate, Government, academic and not‐for‐profit backgrounds. They generously donate their time and expertise to guide the Womens Centre's strategic direction, ensure we meet our corporate governance requirements and achieve our goals.

The Womens Centre is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring that;

We are accountable to our members and stakeholders
Clients receive high quality, effective services
Stakeholders can have confidence in the Womens Centre and the services we provide

Staff Team
Our professional staff are committed and passionate about supporting women and their children to ensure they have options for a safer future.

For 24hour crisis refuge referral statewide

contact: dvconnect 1800 811 811