Therapy service helping kids of sexual assault, abuse listed as beneficiary in GPC fun run

The organisation experienced a 30 per cent increase in demand for its services in the Gladstone region since the beginning of the pandemic.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher, Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer Dr Katrina Lines officially opened Act for Kids, a specialist therapy service for children who have been sexually abused and assaulted today.

A therapy service which helps children who have been sexually abused and assaulted has been listed as a community beneficiary in Gladstone Ports Corporation’s upcoming fun run.

Act for Kids was announced as the first-ever community beneficiary in GPC’s Port to Park FunD Run.

The service opened on Glenlyon Street in September, after an increasing amount of children in the region were falling victim to sexual assault and abuse.

The community beneficiary funding, worth $20,000, will go towards Act for Kids’ new project, Safe Harbour Therapy Garden – a garden which will be turned into a therapy space.

Chief operating officer Craig Walker said Act for Kids’ program demonstrates a vital need and valuable program in the community.

“This funding will be put it to good use to support our children in our region,” Mr Walker said.

“We know, now more than ever, Act for Kids would really appreciate this funding after enduring one of their most challenging years’ due to COVID-19,” he said.

A recent report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed one in every 31 children received child protection services.

Act for Kids chief executive officer Doctor Katrina Lines said the organisation experienced a 30 per cent increase in demand for its services since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Act for Kids is deeply grateful to be Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Port to Park community beneficiary this year and for GPC’s generous support for Central Queensland children who have experienced trauma,” Dr Lines said.

“The Safe Harbour Therapy Garden will provide already vulnerable children with an inclusive, safe, play based, active and educational space to support their wellbeing.

“We know natural, outdoor environments combined with therapeutic support are fundamental to children and families overcoming adversity.”

Ms Lines said that since 2020, Act for Kids had provided much-needed support to more than 285 children and families in the Rockhampton region.

“Since we opened in Gladstone, we have assisted more than 230 local children and families.”

Previous community beneficiaries of GPC’s Fun run initiative included the Gladstone Hospital Children’s Ward through Give Me 5 for Kids, Roseberry House, the Gladstone PCYC and the Boyne Island Environmental Educational Centre.

Race registrations open this Friday.