Phoenix House is celebrating 30 years in the region during which time its services have expanded and a growing demand for programs tailored to men’s needs has been identified.
Chief Executive Officer Jason Scadden-Rushton shares more about the organisation’s milestones across three decades:
What does 30 years mean for you and the community?
Celebrating 30 years of service is a significant milestone for Phoenix House and the Bundaberg community.
It represents three decades of dedication to supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, and it highlights the trust and collaboration we’ve built within the community.
For us, this milestone is a testament to the resilience of those we serve, the commitment of our team, and the strength of a community that prioritizes healing and growth.
What would you say were the highlights of these 30 years?
At Phoenix House, we recognise the need to broaden the scope of our services to include and support men, particularly in the area of sexual assault and trauma services.
Historically, these services have predominantly focused on women and children, but through active listening and engagement with our community, we’ve identified a growing demand for programs tailored to men’s needs.
Our approach includes:
- Creating targeted programs: Developing and securing funding for programs that address men’s unique experiences with trauma, offering these services free of charge to remove financial barriers to access.
- Integrating mental health services: Establishing a cohesive mental health team under Medicare to provide accessible support. This model acknowledges the challenges clients face in retelling their narratives repeatedly by enabling seamless transitions between services, fostering trust, and reducing traumatisation.
- Fostering inclusivity: Encouraging more men to access support services by creating safe, welcoming environments and promoting awareness of available resources.
- Expanding services: Continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of our community, by opening branches in Gin Gin and Childers.
- Pandemic adaptations: Integrating telehealth services to maintain continuity of care and ensure accessibility during challenging times.
- Positive impact: Witnessing transformative changes in the lives of our clients, from children to adults, as they rebuild their lives through trauma-informed care.
- Partnerships: Building strong collaborations with schools, early childhood centers, and community organisations to enhance service delivery and extend our reach.
What motivated Phoenix House to establish in the region?
Phoenix House was established in response to a critical need for specialised trauma support services in the Bundaberg Region.
The vision was to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals and families affected by sexual assault and abuse to access professional, compassionate care.
We began with a small, dedicated team determined to address these unmet needs and have since grown into a leading organisation providing diverse programs and services.
What challenges did your group face during this journey, and how did you work together to overcome them?
Over the years, we faced challenges such as securing sustainable funding, recruiting and retaining skilled staff in a regional area, and navigating the complexities of addressing trauma in diverse populations.
We overcame these obstacles through persistence, innovation, and teamwork.
Our ability to adapt, advocate for funding, and invest in staff training has been crucial in turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
How did the support from the wider community influence the organisation’s success?
The community has been an integral part of our success.
From local businesses sponsoring initiatives to individuals volunteering their time, the support we’ve received has allowed us to expand and enhance our services.
This partnership between Phoenix House and the community demonstrates the power of collective action in creating meaningful change.
What skills or lessons have you learned throughout this process that you plan to apply in the future?
We’ve learned the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and ongoing professional development.
Building strong relationships within the community and embracing innovation, like incorporating digital tools for service delivery has been instrumental in our growth.
These lessons will guide us as we continue to evolve and meet emerging needs.
Can you share any memorable moments over your 30 years?
At Phoenix House, we recognise that sexual assault is a human issue, not a gendered one, and expanding our services to include men has been transformative.
This step has empowered men to vocalise their need for support, breaking the silence and fostering healing that extends beyond individuals to positively impact their families, partners, and children.
By providing a safe space for men to heal, we strengthen family dynamics and create healthier relationships, addressing trauma holistically.
Our commitment to inclusivity also extends to the LGBTIQA+SB community, with staff who both acknowledge these unique challenges and represent the community themselves, fostering trust and understanding.
Milestones like the overwhelming success of the Bumblebees Program for at-risk children and the launch of the culturally sensitive Tidda’s Youth Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women reaffirm our purpose and highlight the importance of tailored, trauma-informed care.
By addressing the needs of diverse populations, we continue to break down barriers and create a compassionate, equitable future for all.
What are your future plans?
We dream of establishing a permanent home that we own, a dedicated space where we can foster creativity, expand our services, and focus on growth.
Owning our own premises would allow us to redirect the funds currently spent on rental overheads toward employing more staff and enhancing the programs we provide to the community.
This shift would enable us to make an even greater impact, ensuring that every dollar is used to benefit those we serve.
Our future plans include further expanding our services in underserved rural and remote areas, like we have done in Childers and Gin Gin, to ensure equitable access to trauma support.
By continuing to invest in programs like Dads & Darts, which address specific community needs, and exploring opportunities to deliver services in other regional and remote areas, we aim to bridge gaps in care.
Additionally, we will remain committed to investing in staff training to uphold the highest standards of trauma-informed support, ensuring that every individual and family in need can access quality, compassionate care.
Anything else to add?
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey from our clients, staff, volunteers, partners, funders, volunteers and community members.
This milestone belongs to all of us, and we look forward to building an even stronger, more supportive future together.
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