Residents are coming together to build a stronger community in the Bowen Basin town of Dysart through an innovative program designed to improve community wellbeing and sustainability.

In addition to providing counselling and allied health services, renowned regional support group Outback Futures has been engaged to deliver Smart Transformation’s Dysart Community Wellbeing Project. 

The Project was prioritised by Smart Transformation Advisory Council (STAC) members in Dysart as a way to help future-proof the town and bring residents together, according to one of the STAC Project leads, Tim Fahey.

“The community needs this support and this project will help.”

With funding from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), a 12-month pilot program is now being implemented and is already having a great deal of success according to Outback Futures CEO Brent Sweeney.

“In the first three months, over sixty people – children, young people and adults – have accessed our mental and allied health services,” Brent said.

“There has been strong demand for speech therapy, with referrals coming from the kindergarten and schools, while counselling has also been required.

“It’s clear there is a need and we expect that the more people realise we are available, the more people will use us.”

There are also three community initiatives being developed through the Project with the support of Dysart STAC members which include School Support, Volunteer Capacity and a Public Campaign to motivate existing residents and connect with temporary residents.

An open forum in October, facilitated by Brent and the Outback Futures team, was attended by around 50 residents to help build the public campaign initiative, with STAC Project lead Carley McDonnell saying the event celebrated Dysart’s strengths.

“I was really impressed with how many different people were there, and it was a good cross section of the community,” Carley said.

“They were really people who were positive about the community and people who were active in the community.

“It was a good reminder for everyone it is a great little town, and everyone walked away feeling positive.”

It is expected the campaign will roll out early in 2025, uniting community activities and bringing temporary residents into life in Dysart.

At the same time, Outback Futures is also working in local schools providing support to staff, parents and students.

“We know that when teachers feel supported, they will more likely stay long term, which is a critical issue for the Dysart community,” Brent said.

“At the same time we want to enable parents to support their children and improve their wellbeing.

“Schools are central to Dysart, and when they are working well the benefits flow across the entire community.”

Teachers will be able to access professional development opportunities through the initiative as well as participate in individual counselling sessions as they need.

The entire community is being encouraged to support the Dysart Community Wellbeing Project moving forward, by the STAC Project leads Carley McDonnell and Tim Fahey.

“I’ve heard from people who have seen allied health workers, mental health workers and it was really positive,” Carley said.

“Outback Futures are getting a handle on the community – now it’s up to us to access the services and engage with the work.”

Tim agreed.

“The Project is definitely worthwhile – we just need everyone in Dysart to get involved,” he said.