Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma

We were honoured to attend the Africa Day Festival 2026, hosted by the Queensland African Communities Council (QACC), and celebrate alongside thousands of members of Queensland's African communities.

As one of Queensland's iconic multicultural events, the festival brought together more than 8,000 people to experience the richness, diversity and vibrancy of African cultures through music, dance, fashion, art, food and storytelling.

At QPASTT, we know that healing from trauma does not happen in isolation. Connection to culture, community and identity plays an important role in fostering belonging, strengthening wellbeing and supporting people to thrive. Events like Africa Day create spaces where communities can come together, celebrate their heritage, share their stories and build meaningful connections across cultures.

Thank you to QACC, the organisers, performers, volunteers and community leaders whose dedication made this year's festival such a powerful celebration of heritage, unity and community spirit.

Looking to use remaining professional development or training budget before the end of financial year?

QPASTT training can be prepaid before 30 June and delivered during 2026/27.

Our specialist training supports professionals, practitioners, service providers, community organisations and the broader public to better understand refugee experiences and the impacts of forced displacement, torture and trauma.

Each workshop is tailored to your organisation’s context and designed to strengthen culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice.

Training areas include:
- Trauma-informed practice in a refugee context
- Working with young people from refugee backgrounds
- Working with families from refugee backgrounds
- Racism and its impacts on mental health
- Incidental counselling
- Vicarious trauma, burnout and collective care
- Bespoke training designed for your team

To discuss a tailored workshop or prepaid training package, contact QPASTT before 22 June on [email protected].

Our recent Community and Faith Leaders’ Dinner in Toowoomba with Multicultural Australia brought together community members to explore the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Representatives from the NDIA, UnitingCare, and Carers Queensland provided insights into eligibility requirements, early childhood supports, and pathways for accessing services. These conversations reinforced the importance of culturally responsive services, stronger community engagement, and accessible information that empowers individuals and families to navigate the NDIS with confidence.

Thank you to all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions.

How wonderful STARTTS and the beautiful Karen Community

Yesterday, we gathered for a Morning Tea in recognition of National Reconciliation Week.

At QPASTT, we support people and communities who have experienced torture, trauma, persecution, and displacement. We know that healing cannot happen in isolation and it is strengthened through connection, belonging, culture, and community.

We honour the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have continued to nurture culture, community, and connection to Country for more than 60,000 years despite the ongoing impacts of colonisation and injustice.

As an organisation we continue to work towards reconciliation as we strive for a future of healing and justice.

Big thank you to & Co for the delicious sweets!!

Do you work with families from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds?

Early Years counselling (for ages 0-5) may be helpful when:
- a child has experienced frightening or traumatic events
- caregivers are under significant stress
- a child is showing behavioural or emotional difficulties
- there are concerns about development
- a parent is struggling with bonding during pregnancy or after birth

Sometimes families need support making sense of what’s happening for their child.

If you’re unsure whether a referral is appropriate, our team is happy to talk it through.

Referrals are open now:
📄 Brochure: bit.ly/4wpLu7Z
🔗 Referral form: qpastt.org.au/make-a-referral/
📞 07 3391 6677

QPASTT staff had the privilege of attending the Reconciliation Queensland Inc Annual Gala Dinner, an inspiring evening of connection, culture, and truth-telling.

As we mark National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June, we recognise the importance of continually learning from our shared histories and celebrating the ongoing contributions, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples every day.

This year’s theme, All In, is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not a spectator sport. We share in the responsibility to co-create an honest, just, inclusive and equitable nation where everybody belongs.

We are grateful to have shared in such an important event and to continue learning, listening, and walking together toward reconciliation.

📸 Lewis James Media / Reconciliation Queensland

This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week 'All In', invites us to reflect on how we can all contribute to a more just, respectful and connected future.

A future where reconciliation means more than awareness, and calls for meaningful action, active listening, and genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Swipe through to explore upcoming National Reconciliation Week events and opportunities to engage, learn, and take part in the journey together.

We had the privilege of hosting the Community and Faith Leaders Dinner in Brisbane in partnership with Multicultural Australia.

These gatherings create an important space for leaders to share lived experiences, engage in meaningful dialogue, and co-design solutions alongside government, non-government, and community stakeholders on issues impacting our communities.

This forum focused on the recently introduced “hate crime laws,” with representatives from Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) providing valuable insights on the impact of this new legislation.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such an important conversation.

Distress in babies and young children doesn’t always look the way adults expect, and parents, caregivers or service providers don’t always realise that very young children may need support.

QPASTT’s Early Years counselling is designed specifically for children aged 0–5 and their caregivers.

This support includes:
✓ relationship-based therapy
✓ play and creative connection
✓ caregiver involvement
✓ trauma-informed support tailored to refugee experiences

Healing in the early years can support wellbeing now and reduce later challenges.

We currently have capacity for referrals.

Learn more: bit.ly/4wpLu7Z
Make a referral: qpastt.org.au/make-a-referral/
📞 07 3391 6677