In a world where domestic and family violence continues to cause deep and lasting harm, places like Yoorana shine as beacons of hope, safety, and healing. The name “Yoorana,” an Aboriginal word meaning “safe place”, carries a powerful message of sanctuary, respect, and care—values that are at the heart of everything this vital service offers.

Yoorana first began at the Women’s Crisis Centre in November 1979.

It was born from a deep understanding of the urgent need for safe, supportive accommodation for women and children escaping violence.

Today, Yoorana provides safe, secure accommodation, and services.

The organisation operates five independent units with shared laundry facilities and an on-site office, all designed to ensure privacy and dignity. In addition to the main facility, Yoorana also supports a duplex in Hervey Bay and a house in Maryborough.

But Yoorana offers more than just shelter.

The service provides a holistic model of care like:

Temporary Housing Case Management; ensuring women and children are supported through every step of their recovery journey.

Follow-up support; helps them transition safely into independent living.

Community Engagement and Collaboration; initiatives strengthen connections, reduce isolation, and foster long-term healing.

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Meet Tanya. She is the manager for Yoorana.

Tanya - what does Yoorana mean to you?

Yoorana; is an amazing service, started as grassroots by a group of women who saw there was a need in the community. It was 46 years ago; they saw a need for a safe space for women escaping DV. A group of women bought a house to provide that safe space, and a core of women supporting women was important. It’s nice to see, 46 years later, the work continuing in the community by extraordinary women serving women in need in dire circumstance by providing them with strength when they come in. 

How is it benefiting the community?

It’s multi-layered. Our core service is providing safe space; we also educate the community about DV. Removing the stigma by supporting and elevating women, and providing information about volunteering, fundraising, and DV itself. One of the services is Second Life, which is an op-shop and refuge for women and children escaping DV.   

What is your motivation?

I always had something inside me. When I was a child, I had a strong sense of social justice. When I saw something that needed changing, I got involved. I saw the need in DV to be committed to empowering survivors. Offering not just physical safety, but emotional and practical support that restores hope. A brighter future.

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Every person deserves to live free from fear. Yoorana is here to make that belief a reality—providing shelter, support, and most importantly, a safe place to begin again.

Together, as a community, we can stand up against violence and create a safer future for all.