Longreach Base
Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program
Covering the Central West
Counselling and Support
Mental Health Professionals are specifically trained to help people with a range of everyday social and emotional challenges including:
■ Anxiety ■ Depression ■ Abuse ■ Grief and loss ■ Self-esteem ■ Relationship issues ■ Work related issues ■ Stress management ■ Achieving wellbeing ■ Living with a serious illness and lifestyle balance
Mental Health Professionals assist people by providing:
■ A confidential and non judgmental environment to express and explore concerns
■ Information and strategies to help prevent, identify and resolve a wide range of difficulties
■ Links to appropriate support within the community
Art Therapy
Art therapy provides an opportunity to explore and express emotion through visual images (painting, drawing, collage) in a therapeutic setting. Art therapy is a gentle, non-directive way of working through emotional difficulties and issues. Sometimes we put thoughts and issues on hold because they seem overwhelming and we are simply unable to deal with them when they occur. By working through thoughts, memories and emotions in an image, we move away from cognitive (conscious) thinking and tap into a more instinctive and intuitive level within us. Creative expression is powerful and deeply personal.
Artistic ability is not required to participate in or benefit from the art therapy process. The focus is on the creative process rather than on the finished image as a work of art.
Drought Field Days
The drought in Central West Queensland has had an impact for a number of years and combined with decline in many rural industries, has led to great personal strain on pastoralists, their families and others within their communities. Rural communities are generally resilient and supportive of one another. However, everyday living in adverse conditions can take a toll on one’s:
■ Sense of wellbeing
■ Ability to think things through
■ Desire to contact others
■ Enjoyment of life
■ Relationships with family and friends
The Field Day Coordinator organises a series of free field days on properties or in community settings to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing by providing information on a range of topics relating to:
■ Men’s health
■ Stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse
■ Parenting and family relationship issues
■ Mental Health First Aid Training
■ Other issues that communities have identified
Areas covered
Central West towns including:
■ Alpha ■ Aramac ■ Barcaldine ■ Blackall ■ Ilfracombe ■ Isisford ■ Jericho ■ Longreach ■ Muttaburra ■ Tambo ■ Winton ■ Yaraka
Additional to the Drought Field Days:
■ Augathella ■ Charleville ■ Cloncurry ■ Hughenden ■ Julia Creek ■ Morven ■ Richmond
Accessing the program
Referrals can be made from:
■ Individuals or family members
■ General Practitioners
■ Community Support Agencies
There is no fee to access this service.
Programs funded by
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Rural Primary Health Services Program
Council of Australian Governments
Department of Families and Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
After hours please contact Rockhampton District Mental Health Service on
(07) 4920 6111.
Longreach Base contact details:
137 B&C Eagle Street
Longreach QLD 4730
Phone: (07) 4652 5800
Fax: (07) 4652 5899
General email enquiries: rfds_lgr@rfdsqld.com.au
Clinical needs enquiries: clientaccesslongreach@rfdsqld.com.au