The petition of electors of the Division of Dalrymple draws to the attention of the House that as a response to the Ravenshoe Café explosion on 9 June 2015, the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services funded a Generalist Counsellor position at Ravenshoe Community Centre for a period of one year. The Generalist Counsellor position has been a key component of recovery for many survivors, a support for their families and a life-line to the broader community.

As we approach the anniversary of the explosion, the extent of trauma is just beginning to be realised by some survivors and their families. The tension in the community is building as they become aware that the support they have been receiving may be coming to an end.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to continue to fund the Generalist Counsellor position (managed by the Ravenshoe Community Centre) and support the full recovery of survivors and impacted community members for an additional two years.