Guides & Resources

StandBy – Support After Suicide is dedicated to supporting individuals and communities across Australia who are impacted by suicide. UnitingCare is currently running the program across a number of Queensland Primary Health Networks, including Darling Downs and West Moreton, Northern Queensland, Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast, Western Queensland and Brisbane North and South.  

The StandBy Coordination Teams across the regions along with our casual response teams, work together to support individuals and communities across the above-mentioned areas following a death by suicide.  

Anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide can access the service, regardless of when the person died by suicide or whether they knew the person who passed away. 

We can: 

• arrange face-to-face or telephone support 
• help you understand and respond to your needs, and the needs of your community 
• provide information and referrals to other local organisations 
• run tailored workshops for professionals or for the community. 

We are here to support you at a time and place that best suits you. Access to our service is free, and we accept referrals from anywhere (as long as we have the consent of the referred person). StandBy is a nationwide service. 

Reach out to our team, and they can tailor their support to respond to, and meet, your needs. You can call 1300 727 247 for support or visit www.standbysupport.com.au for more information.  

A family budget is crucial for a household but typically does not go to plan.

Often it is the stigma or embarrassment of asking for help that hinders the application of a workable budget which leads to financial challenges which may have been avoided by seeking advice.

Regional Housing is a not for profit organisation that manages emergency, transitional and long term social housing, as well as a range of complimentary support programs, throughout Central and Northern Queensland.

They have an office in Hervey Bay and manage over 200 properties across the Fraser Coast.

Part of the services they provide is financial counselling that helps eligible people address their financial problems through the provision of information, advocacy and/or negotiation on behalf of the customer.

They also aim to help people build longer term budgeting capabilities, better manage their money and make informed financial decisions.

Regional Housing recognises the cost of living is having a major impact on people within the community and is continuing to rise and spread. People who may not ever have expected to encounter financial hardship are experiencing this crisis and are accessing services for support and assistance. 

They have identified top three financial pressure trends within the region we are seeing are; Household bills including groceries, equal second is affordability of rent and or people being in rent arrears as well as Buy Now Pay Later products. They have example of people are paying 70% of their income to rent in the private market, amidst a housing crisis people feel there isn’t long term relief in sight.

To book an appointment with a Financial Counsellor, you can contact them on 1300 642 123, or email [email protected] or visit their website www.regionalhousing.org.au

The Halcro Street Community Centre, “on the border” of suburbs Pialba and Point Vernon, is the home to many groups that provide important services to the Hervey Bay community.

It houses the Seniors in Focus Project & the Halcro Street Community Garden along with

Home Assist Secure (Regional Housing) and the local community radio station Fraser Coast FM 107.5.

The Community Centre plays host to a range of activities and groups run by volunteers.

The centre constantly evolves with its members as there have been upgrades in recent years with the Fraser Coast Regional Council owned facility.

These improvements included new access ramps, upgraded bathrooms, electric doors, asphalted carpark, a new picket fence and painting the exterior of the centre.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said community centres were an integral part of our region. “They bring people together, allow people to try new things, start new hobbies and meet people,” he said.

“This is a place for people to interact and enjoy life, so it is essential it is used by as many community members as possible.”

The centre is also the home of the community garden which is a program that provides participants opportunities to be involved in activities and information sessions on gardening and nutrition, while learning gardening skills to produce fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables in their own homes.

The garden facilities also features a respite and tranquility garden which can be used as a meeting place as well as a relaxation location.

You can contact the Halcro Street Community Centre during office hours on 4194 2441.

A  program at Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (HBNC) aims to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the community through an innovative model called Social Prescription.

The Connecting Communities Social Prescription program provides a pathway for those in the community who seek some extra support to access activities, groups or other services with the aim of providing long-term friendship, engagement and purpose.

How does Social Prescription work?

Social prescription is when you are given suggestions on how and where to engage socially and provided with the support to overcome barriers and make social engagement a regular part of your life.

Anyone can be referred into the program through their GP, Psychologist, Allied Health provider or by a self-referral on our website.

Participants will work closely with a Link Worker who will help them identify their interests, and what they may like to do socially.

The Link Worker may also accompany participants to any activities to ensure they feel comfortable attending the new environment.

To contact the ‘Connecting Communities Social Prescription Program’ call HBNC on 4194 3000 or email [email protected].

Morning exercise has been a prescribed recommendation by most wellness and health advocates for decades that the view of people walking or running along the Hervey Bay Esplanade is a common picture.

The first parkrun was held in Bushy Park, London, in October 2004. Organised by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the event started with just 13 runners and a few volunteers. Sinton-Hewitt’s vision was simple: to create a regular, inclusive event that encouraged people to run together, regardless of their ability or experience.

parkrun has expanded to more than 2,000 locations in over 20 countries which also includes Hervey Bay amongst almost 500 locations across Australia. It’s a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate a 5 kilometre course at 2 locations – Urangan Pier and Point Vernon Foreshore Reserve every Saturday morning at 7am.

The unique courses enjoys a picturesque view of the ocean along the esplanade paths while also including the protection and shade from the trees for most of the course.

https://www.facebook.com/herveybayparkrun

https://www.facebook.com/pointvernonforeshorereserveparkrun

The Fraser Coast youth are gaining more support for their mental health thanks to the inspiring team at headspace.

headspace provides free health and community services for young people 12-25 years old on the Fraser Coast. With locations in both Hervey Bay and Maryborough, their intention is to remain relevant and accessible to young people.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported in 2021 that 75% of suicides were males with an average age of 43.6 years. Mr Nixon says there is a need for early intervention and engagement with young males through methods including creating links with local sports and recreation clubs, youth groups, church organisations, entertainment venues, local men’s support services and internet/gaming groups.

headspace can be accessed by any 12-25 year olds in the region that the office can typically make an appointment within a week to understand the needs for the person and identify relevant support. Mr Nixon is very proud of the prompt service they can provide. “We are the starting point for many young people and their families, we have a no-wrong-door approach and can help anyone find support for themselves or young people they care for through our range of services and an established network of referral pathways.”

headspace can be found online www.headspace.org.au or call their centre on (07) 4303 2100.

New location from 10 April 2026: Unit 1, 1-17 Hershel Court, Urraween 

Better Connect will be based at Urraween until mid-2026 while our Hervey Bay site undergoes a full refit. The renovated hub will offer greater privacy, purpose-built consulting rooms, and a more accessible, comfortable space for everyone — people who use our services and our staff alike. 

Better Connect is thrilled to be investing in a space that truly supports the community. For updates or questions, please contact [email protected]. 

If you or someone you know needs mental health, alcohol and other drug, or suicide prevention support please contact the Medicare Mental Health phone line on 1800 595 212. They’ll discuss your needs and connect you with the appropriate support services.