Tim delivers his message

USQ fourth year education student, Tim Dunne, has successfully delivered a number of domestic violence prevention workshops to students in South West Queensland.

Covering over 4000 kilometres during the week-long trip, Tim spoke to more than 280 primary school students about domestic violence, an issue that is rarely discussed in the region.

'The trip was great, and it seemed that the message I was trying to give about domestic violence got through,' he said.

'This is something that isn't really dealt with in these areas and it was well received by the kids, they loved it.'

Visiting nine schools from St George to Yowah, the program not only covered issues associated with domestic violence but also provided the children with the details of organisations that they can turn to in times of need.

'Organisations such as Kids Helpline are very useful for these students who can feel isolated because of where they live,' Tim said.

'The workshops were about helping them recognise what domestic violence is but I also wanted to let them know where to go for support.'

Nearing the end of his studies, Tim acknowledged that he had learnt just as much from the students as they had learnt from him.

'This sparked my interest in a different area and is something that I would like to be involved in after I graduate,' he said.

'While I was out there it was fantastic to see some of the different schools and my time in South West Queensland will help me when I do eventually become a teacher.'

Although the future of the program is uncertain, Tim's visits to the schools were not in vain.

'The Department of Community Services supported the workshops and have shown an interest in what I have done,' he said.

'It was a one off thing but they are looking at developing a resource that these students can have at their school in the future.'

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, + 61 7 4631 1628 or 0403 643 192