COMMUNITY NEWS - Building Safe Harbours

Speak Up Now – Stop Domestic & Family Violence began in the most unassuming of places: over a cup of tea and a scone at a Girl Guides afternoon tea held to thank local volunteers. 

Sitting together at a Girl Guides afternoon tea seven years ago were three women who each led their own service club: Val France, President of the Quota Club of Maleny; Judi Ross-Smith, President of Zonta Blackall Range; and Sherryl Gregory, President of the Rotary Club of Maleny.

Val says “I had long hoped for a collaboration between like-minded community groups — a way to combine strengths, share resources, and create something more powerful than any one club could achieve alone.”

As the three women chatted, Val raised the idea of Speak Up Now. Judi and Sherryl immediately agreed. After seeking the blessing of their respective clubs, Speak Up Now was born. Today, Val and Sherryl remain deeply involved, continuing the work that began with that simple, generous conversation.

“This September, Speak Up Now will deliver the Shark Cage® Program,” Val shares, “an eight-week, trauma-informed group experience designed for women who have survived domestic and family violence or sexual assault.” 

Developed by Australian psychologist Dr Ursula Benstead, the program helps women understand their rights, recognise unsafe behaviours (“sharks”), identify respectful relationships (“dolphins”), strengthen boundaries, and rebuild a positive sense of self.

“For many women, the Shark Cage® metaphor becomes a turning point,” Val explains, “a way to understand that what happened to them was not their fault, and that they have the right to safety, dignity, and joy.”

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council awarded Speak Up Now a grant to cover facilitator training, enabling two local volunteers, Christine and Val, to undertake accredited Shark Cage® facilitator qualifications. Their willingness to donate their time means the program can be offered at no cost to participants.

“The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre is providing a private, safe space for the group to meet, along with printing support,” Val adds. “And because Speak Up Now is self-funded, the program can be offered in small, intimate groups, allowing women to feel safe, heard, and supported.

“For years, women in the Hinterland have faced barriers to attending DFV recovery programs on the coast. Limited transport, long travel times, and the emotional strain of unfamiliar environments can make healing feel out of reach.

“Women tell us that travelling to Maroochydore or Caloundra is exhausting — physically, emotionally, and financially. By offering Shark Cage® here in Maleny, we’re removing those barriers and saying: you deserve accessible, local support — and you deserve it now.”

Seven years ago, many locals believed domestic violence didn’t happen in Maleny. Today, Speak Up Now is supported by local groups, businesses, schools, and individuals who understand the devastating impact DFV has on families and communities. 

Val says, “The Speak Up Now team is so grateful to each and every one of them. Without financial and other support, we just could not continue to achieve all that we are within our community. 

“Awareness is vital, but healing is transformative. We want women to feel safe, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives. Offering Shark Cage® locally is one more way we can stand beside them.”

The Shark Cage® Program will run from September 11 to October 30 at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. Women aged 18+ who have experienced domestic and family violence or sexual assault can contact Christine on 0493 640 423 for more information or to register their interest.

And one final word from Val. “I recognise that what was once just a dream, is now a reality, but it couldn’t have happened without the support of my partner Barb, and the good will and skills given by the rest of the Speak Up Now team and its supporters.”