Mackay Women's Services Tackles Domestic Violence Under New Leadership

Mackay Women’s Services is stepping into 2025 under new leadership and a significantly expanded team to address the ongoing domestic and family violence crisis in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions.  

The not-for-profit organisation provides vital support to individuals impacted by domestic violence. It has delivered just under 3,000 episodes of care in 2024 alone, totalling over 18,000 hours of counselling and case management services. Additionally, 224 children and adolescents under 17 have also received support.

To enhance its impact, Mackay Women’s Services has doubled its practice team since 2024. It now accommodates 21 qualified counsellors and case managers, including a specialised high-risk team to focus on urgent and complex cases. The increase in personnel comes in response to the growing demand for services amid a national domestic violence crisis.

A key part of this transformation is the appointment of Belinda Berg as the new Chief Executive Officer.  

"I’m excited to lead Mackay Women’s Services into this new chapter," Ms Berg shared.  

"As an HDAA-Certified and registered charity, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including Domestic and Family Violence Counselling, Case Management, Sexual Assault Support, Child and Adolescent Counselling, and Court Support.  

“We are dedicated to making a real difference to those impacted by domestic and family violence in our region."

Ms Berg, who has lived in Mackay for over 12 years, brings an impressive variety of experience from her previous work in government, healthcare, and law enforcement. She is passionate about serving her community and believes her diverse career background has uniquely prepared her for this role.  

“I am drawn to roles connected to the community and services that give back.  

“You can't get closer to community than a role like this and an organisation like this,” Ms Berg said.

Under her leadership, the organisation has implemented changes that enhance flexibility and responsiveness. The newly expanded intake and coordination team plays a crucial role in managing real-time intake for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.  

“We've got lots of agility and flexibility regarding who can provide support, when, and how,” Ms Berg explained.

Mackay Women’s Services also emphasises the importance of clear communication about the scope of services available to clients.  

“What we try to do from intake onwards is set a plan in motion for the victim-survivors and their families and ensure they understand which services they can access, as well as what we cannot provide,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ms Berg is focused on making a broader impact.  

“There’s an opportunity to create something amazing here.  

“Why wouldn’t you want to take that kind of opportunity?”

The organisation plans to revitalise its centre both inside and out, upgrading the space and improving management to meet the growing needs of the community.

Ms Berg also acknowledged the critical role of community partnerships and donations.  

“We’re still reliant on donations…in fact, donations are how we can continue to provide above and beyond, especially in emergency relief,” she noted.

As Mackay Women’s Services continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to providing crucial support to the over 180,000 people in the Greater Whitsunday region, offering a line of support to those affected by domestic and family violence.  

Marketing and Community Engagement Coordinator Zoe Barrow with newly appointed CEO Belinda Berg. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Mackay Women's Services is stepping into 2025 with new leadership and an expanded team to provide critical support to individuals impacted by domestic and family violence across the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions. Photo supplied

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