A Sunshine Coast-based domestic violence charity will soon have more reach over regional Australia as it continues to deliver its vital work.
DV Safe Phone is teaming up with Bonza to have donated mobiles flown from the Sunshine Coast to the airline’s regional destinations.
Bonza will also support DV Safe Phone staff and volunteers in reaching those communities where they work with various frontline agencies such as Centacare, Salvation Army and the police.
Safe phones play a critical role in helping victims to escape a situation as often their phones are tapped, taken away from them or controlled by the perpetrator.
DV Safe Phone program manager Stacey Kendall says there is a demand for phone is regional Australia and this will ensure phones arrive where they are needed as a matter of priority.
“This is a total game-changer for our charity,” Ms Kendall says.
“It is reported that people living in regional, rural and remote communities are 24 times more likely to be hospitalised as a result of family and domestic violence than people living in major cities, so getting phones into these regions is critical for their safety.”
Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey says the Sunshine Coast community has generously embraced the new airline, and this is this is a way Bonza can give back in a meaningful way.
“Helping DV Safe Phone to reach regional communities on the Bonza route map is a very small way that we can help them do incredibly important work,” Ms Povey says.
The partnership kicks off in the wake of Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, recognised every May.
The annual initiative raises community awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control, as well as the support services available.
To donate old phones or funds visit dvsafephone.org.
If you or someone you know is at risk DVConnect offers 24-hour support on 1800 811 811. If you are in a life-threatening situation, call 000 immediately.
Airport CEO steps down after 4 years
After piloting one of the country’s fastest-growing airports through a “challenging and successful” four years, Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie is stepping down.
Mr Brodie has been praised for his stewardship at Sunshine Coast Airport, which included overseeing a raft of changes since early 2019.
While he was at the helm, the airport launched a new runway in 2020, resulting in an increase in the number of direct services to the airport from four destinations to 17.
The expansion also attracted Bonza to base its headquarters at the Marcoola site. In April, Sunshine Coast Airport had a record 162,000 passenger move through the terminal.
The seasonal direct international services from Auckland Airport start next month.
Mr Brodie was responsible for starting the implementation of the Sunshine Coast Airport Master Plan 2040 and instrumental in helping it be the first Australian airport to achieve and retain level three-plus neutrality certification status under the Airports Council International Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
Mr Brodie, who has more than 30 years’ experience in senior aviation and infrastructure roles, says he is proud to have been able to contribute significantly to helping make the airport one of Australia’s leading regional airports.
