Episode 17, with Chief Inspector Grant Marcus & Jo Leverett.

In this powerful episode of Stronger Together, host Tanya O'Shea is joined by two formidable local advocates: Chief Inspector Grant Marcus from the Queensland Police Service and Jo Leverett, Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Zonta Club of Bundaberg.

Together, they tackle the confronting reality of rising violence in our communities, from the use of weapons to the impact of drugs like ice. However, the conversation shifts from despair to action. The trio explores the critical need for youth-led peer education, the challenges of policing "ghosting" and digital abuse, and the importance of teaching conflict resolution skills to the next generation.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Real-world trends: What police are seeing regarding weapons, drugs, and elder abuse.
• Home Safety: Practical tips to secure your home, including "sneak breaks" and CCTV.
• The "Possimistic" Mindset: A new term coined in this episode describing the balance of concern for current statistics with positivity for future change.
• 16 Days of Activism: Details on the inaugural community walk and the symbolic "Ringing of the Bells".

Resources:

• If you need help, Lifeline offers 24/7 support at 13 11 14.
• Connect with Zonta Club of Bundaberg on social media for event details.

Chapter Headings (Timestamps)

• 00:00:05 – Welcome to Stronger Together with Tanya O'Shea
• 00:03:00 – Introducing Chief Inspector Grant Marcus and Joe Leverett
• 00:04:00 – What is Zonta? 35 Years of Local Advocacy
• 00:07:20 – The Reality of Violence: Weapons, Drugs, and Elder Abuse
• 00:13:09 – Practical Home Safety Tips & Preventing "Sneak Breaks"
• 00:16:30 – Rethinking the Language of "Domestic Violence"
• 00:19:30 – Why Youth Must Educate Youth: The Power of Peer Influence
• 00:24:00 – The Digital Age: Technology, Anonymity, and "Ghosting"
• 00:33:40 – Respect: The Core Solution to All Forms of Violence
• 00:35:00 – Trademarking "Possimistic": Finding Hope in the Stats
• 00:41:10 – "Healthy Endings": Teaching Conflict Resolution Skills
• 00:50:20 – 16 Days of Activism: The Inaugural Walk & Ringing of the Bells

#Possimistic

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Stronger Together" We hope you enjoyed the conversation and gained valuable insights.

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In this episode of Stronger Together, IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O’Shea sits down with Jess Watkinson, General Manager of Foodbank Queensland, to explore the growing issue of food insecurity and the ongoing cost of living crisis affecting Queenslanders.

Jess shares how Foodbank Queensland operates as the state’s largest hunger relief organisation, collecting and distributing more than 13 million kilograms of food every year to people doing it tough. From the incredible generosity of Queensland farmers to the logistics of managing warehouses, trucks and “surprise chains,” Jess explains how her team turns surplus food into vital support for communities across the state.

The conversation moves beyond food relief to the broader challenge of achieving food equity – ensuring that every Queenslander can access nutritious, affordable food regardless of their circumstances. Jess also discusses the importance of collaboration across sectors, from local charities and farmers to government and corporate partners, and the need for a national food donation tax incentive to better support primary producers.

Tanya and Jess also discuss Anti-Poverty Week, held from 12 to 18 October, and Jess’s role as Co-Chair of the Queensland Committee. Together with Penny Kramer from Play Matters, Jess is leading an initiative to raise awareness of poverty in Australia, including an event at Parliament House that highlights campaigns like Raise the Rate, End Child Poverty and Everybody’s Home.

Throughout the episode, Jess shares powerful insights about the stigma of food relief, the importance of data in driving change, and how community collaboration can build a Queensland without hunger. She reminds listeners that food is a human right, and that poverty and food insecurity can affect anyone – even dual-income families.

Listeners are encouraged to visit foodbank.org.au to find food relief near them, or the Anti-Poverty Week website to learn how they can take action and add their voice to the call for change.

If this conversation raises difficult feelings, please reach out for help. Lifeline offers 24/7 support at 13 11 14. In the Wide Bay Burnett region, IMPACT Community Services is here to help. Visit impact.org.au and click Make a Referral to self-refer.

Together, we can create a future where no Queenslander goes hungry, because we are stronger together.

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Stronger Together" We hope you enjoyed the conversation and gained valuable insights.

Stay connected with us:

• Follow us on Twitter
• Like our Facebook page
• Visit our website
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel
• Connect with us on LinkedIn

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay updated on future episodes. Remember, we are STRONGER TOGETHER.

DFV Free Matters to ME! Tackling Domestic & Family Violence as a Community

In this powerful episode of Stronger Together, Tanya O'Shea, Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Bundaberg Patrol Group Inspector Grant Marcus. They delve into the alarming rise of domestic and family violence (DFV) within the community and discuss the collaborative efforts required to address this critical issue.

Episode Highlights:

• The significant increase in reported DFV cases and contributing factors
• The importance of community support and collaboration in tackling DFV
• Insights into the Queensland Police Service's specialised units and ongoing training
• Practical steps for individuals and organisations to help make a difference
• The DFV Free Bundaberg initiative and the community's role in creating a safer environment

Join us as we explore the challenges and solutions in the fight against domestic and family violence. Learn how you can contribute to building a DFV-free community and why DFV Free Matters to ME!

Thank you for listening to this episode of "Stronger Together" We hope you enjoyed the conversation and gained valuable insights.

Stay connected with us:

• Follow us on Twitter
• Like our Facebook page
• Visit our website
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel
• Connect with us on LinkedIn

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast to stay updated on future episodes. Remember, we are STRONGER TOGETHER.