Redland unites for free student anti-bullying service after Ella Catley-Crawford’s tragic death

Following the tragic loss of a Redland student, Redland leaders plan to establish a trust to pay for free, immediate health services for bullied students and those exhibiting aggressive behaviour.

The Redland community is united in grief after the tragic death of schoolgirl Ella Catley-Crawford.

The tragic death of a Redland student this week has led to plans to establish a trust service aimed at providing immediate counselling and psychological support for bullied students, as well as those identified as aggressors.

Redlands College student Ella Catley-Crawford died in hospital on Saturday, a week after being found unconscious in an apparent suicide attempt.

Her death resonated across Redland where students, families, educators and officials vowed to clampdown on bullies and make mental health treatment free and easy to access.

Once established, the service will be available to families across all Redland schools at no cost, helping ensure swift access to essential mental health support during times of crisis.

The Redland community will discuss setting up a trust to fund a free anti-bullying counselling service for students across the city’s 10 high schools after the tragic death of Ella Catley-Crawford, 12, who went to Lourdes Hill and Redlands College. Picture: Contributed

The creation of the Redlands Children’s Trust will be a primary focus of an urgent forum scheduled for this month, where community leaders, school representatives, and mental health professionals will discuss the specifics of the initiative.

The forum, set to be held at Alexandra Hills State High School on November 26, will also include discussions on other anti-bullying measures and mental health strategies that Redland schools can implement.

The Redland Community Centre, based in Capalaba, is expected to oversee the trust, with its CEO Allison Wicks spearheading efforts to rally local officials and community members around the initiative.

The trust is expected to cover out-of-pocket expenses for counselling and psychological care, with families able to connect directly with Redland psychological services across the city.

The streamlined approach was designed to ensure those affected by bullying can receive priority appointments without waiting periods or additional financial burdens.

Redland’s largest psychological and counselling providers have already pledged to support the service, with offers of discounted rates and prioritised appointment slots for the trust’s beneficiaries yet to be finalised.

Counselling sessions will be available for both the victims of bullying and those displaying aggressive behaviour, with the aim of addressing the root causes of bullying and providing a therapeutic outlet for all involved.

The approach also allows parents, once equipped with a clinical report from the counsellor, to make informed decisions about their next steps — whether that means approaching the school, contacting authorities, or pursuing additional support.

The mooted initiative is seen as a potential model for wider implementation across Queensland, with state education officials reportedly considering mandatory bullying reports in schools.

Ella Catley-Crawford, 12, went to Lourdes Hill and Redlands College.

Under such a policy, once a student files a bullying complaint, a consultant or counsellor would assess the situation and prepare a report shared with both the school and the parents. The proposed model also aims to create transparency and accountability in handling bullying cases, preventing incidents from being ignored or downplayed.

In addition to the trust service, the forum will explore the formation of an online school reference group consisting of students from 10 local high schools.

This group will provide students with a supportive network where they can share their experiences with bullying and seek peer advice.

The group aims to use social media to create a positive and collaborative space for students, empowering them to address bullying in a safe environment.

The new peer-to-peer support structure may also offer a lifeline to students transitioning between schools, who often experience disruptions in their social networks.

Event organisers encourage Redland residents, school officials, and local representatives to attend the forum at Alexandra State High school on November 26 at 5pm.

The Redland Community Centre has arranged for tickets to be available through TryBooking and by RSVP through the centre directly.

The upcoming meeting promises to deliver a comprehensive plan that addresses the complexities of bullying and mental health, an issue that has plagued schools both locally and globally.

■ National laws on cyber bullying and online coercive control can be found here: www.esafety.gov.au