Wide Bay Sexual Assault Service has taken a big step forward in its capacity to support the Hervey Bay community through a grant for a new photocopier. The grant round 2024-25 Community Grants Program – Round 4 provided the opportunity for the team to highlight the importance of quality and timely communication to our wider community.

The new copier assists the service with ongoing communication to our clients on the Fraser Coast, and, ensuring our client file digitisation process is smooth and efficient.

Purchase of a photocopier/scanner to has enabled the service to deliver high-quality, attractive information across the topics of sexual abuse, family violence prevention and trauma recovery, and ensure achievement of high level confidentiality and record maintenance. The copier was purchased and installed by local supplier Leif Storoy and his team at AATEC Office Technology.

Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Holebrook states, “We have seen a dramatic increase in need for our services, and our ability to produce high quality information sheets and materials strengthens our community communication and education, and provides timely, early intervention which can be life saving! This grant will provide essential equipment to ensure our internal processes are efficient, and our compliance for funding bodies is administratively strong, and will enable our counsellors to spend more time engaging with our clients and undertaking much-needed community education. Our work is essential in reducing the impact on stretched emergency services.”

Wide Bay Sexual Assault Service – which is also now widely known as Trauma Assist, supports clients ranging in age from five years through to 85 years, working with individuals and groups to therapeutically resolve trauma impact in our community.

The funding supported the installation of air-conditioning and modern privacy blinds, improving both comfort and confidentiality within counselling rooms.

These upgrades have created a more therapeutic and secure environment for clients accessing trauma counselling services. Improved temperature control ensures sessions can be delivered comfortably year round, while the newly installed blinds provide enhanced privacy, assist with temperature regulation, and significantly lift the overall look and feel of the space. The refreshed environment presents a more professional, welcoming setting that supports client safety and engagement.

Chief Executive Officer Sandra Holebrook acknowledged the impact of the grant, stating that the improvements enhance both client wellbeing and service delivery capacity.

“These practical upgrades make a meaningful difference to the experience of clients accessing our service. A comfortable, private and welcoming environment supports engagement, reduces stress, and strengthens therapeutic outcomes.”

The organisation gratefully acknowledges the support of Fraser Coast Regional Council through the 2025–2026 Community Grants Round 2 in helping strengthen mental health services within the Maryborough community.