The Shine Bright Sanctuary

Sanctuary Women’s Program Funding Concludes – Reflecting on a Year of Impact

30 June 2026 marks the conclusion of the funded Sanctuary Women’s Program delivered by Shine Bright Mental Health.

This decision has not been made lightly.

Over recent months, we have explored every available opportunity to secure ongoing funding and continue the Sanctuary program in its current format. Despite multiple grant applications, discussions with funding bodies and advocacy efforts, we have been unable to secure the funding required to continue delivering the service free of charge.

Whilst we are saddened by this outcome, we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.

A Safe Place for Women

The Sanctuary was created to provide a safe, trauma-informed space for women experiencing mental health challenges, domestic and family violence, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression and significant life adversity.

From the beginning, our goal was simple:

To ensure women had access to support, connection, education and therapeutic intervention without financial barriers.

Over the past year, we have had the privilege of supporting dozens of women across the Fraser Coast through individual support, psychoeducation, therapeutic groups and practical assistance.

Our Impact

Since opening, the Sanctuary has supported more than 40 women through:

Individual therapeutic support
Domestic and family violence recovery support
DBT-informed interventions
Psychoeducation programs
Mental health nursing support
Advocacy and referrals
Practical psychosocial support
Connection and community

The women who attended Sanctuary demonstrated incredible strength, courage and resilience.

Many arrived feeling isolated, overwhelmed and uncertain about the future.

We have witnessed women rebuild confidence, establish healthy boundaries, reconnect with their values, improve emotional regulation, leave unsafe relationships and begin creating the lives they deserve.

These outcomes belong to the women themselves. We simply provided the space and support for growth to occur.

What Happens Next?

Whilst the funded Sanctuary program is ending, support remains available through alternative pathways.

Women can continue to access support through:

Better Connect referrals
NDIS-funded supports
Mental Health Nursing services
Private fee-for-service appointments
Support Coordination
Positive Behaviour Support (where applicable)

Our team is currently working with women to ensure they are connected with the most appropriate ongoing support options.

Thank You

To every woman who trusted us with her story, thank you.

It has been an honour to walk alongside you.

To the community organisations, referral partners and supporters who believed in the Sanctuary vision, thank you for helping us create something truly meaningful.

Whilst the Sanctuary program is ending, the impact it has had on the lives of the women who attended will continue long after the doors have closed.

Our commitment to supporting women across the Fraser Coast remains unchanged.

If you would like information regarding ongoing support options, please complete the Contact Us enquiry form via our website and a member of our team will be in touch.

Our Goal

Our goal is simple. To provide a space where women feel:

Our Approach

At Shine Bright, we do things differently.

Our model is:

Trauma-informed – we understand the impact of violence, control, and long-term stress
Clinically guided – led by a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse and experienced team
Empowerment-focused – we don’t “fix” you, we support you to find your own strength
Non-pathologising – your responses make sense based on what you’ve been through

We recognise that many women accessing our service are:

Managing work, family, and life responsibilities
Not in immediate crisis, but not okay either
Feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or stuck
Trying to make sense of complex or controlling relationships

You don’t need to be at breaking point to deserve support.

What the Sanctuary Offers

The Sanctuary provides a safe, welcoming environment where women can access:

Therapeutic group programs grounded in evidence-based approaches (DBT-informed, trauma-informed care)
1:1 emotional support and guidance from qualified mental health professionals
Psychoeducation to better understand trauma, relationships, boundaries, and emotional regulation
Connection with other women who truly get it
Practical guidance navigating systems (legal, NDIS, health, safety planning)
A calm, non-judgemental space to just be

This is about rebuilding confidence, clarity, and control—at your own pace.

Who It’s For

The Sanctuary is designed for women who are:

Experiencing or recovering from domestic and family violence
Navigating emotional abuse, coercive control, or complex relationships
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected
Wanting support, clarity, and connection without entering crisis services
Ready to engage in a supportive, respectful environment

How to Access the Sanctuary

We are currently partnering with Centacare as our primary referral pathway.

If you are already connected with Centacare, please speak with your worker about sending a referral through to Shine Bright Sanctuary.

We are actively exploring additional referral pathways as funding is established, to ensure broader access to the service.

If you are not currently linked with Centacare, you are still welcome to reach out.

Please complete our Contact Us form, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your individual needs and guide you toward the most appropriate support options.