Community & Business
18 February, 2026
Launch reflects community effort
A NEW community‑led Distress Brief Support (DBS) program has already helped more than 100 residents in the Mareeba Shire and Atherton Tablelands experiencing stress and everyday feelings of being overwhelmed.
Local health partners and community members welcomed the milestone at the official launch of the initiative at Dimbulah and Ravenshoe last Wednesday.
The DBS initiative was one of only two trials approved in Queensland and six in Australia.
Designed by the community for the community, DBS offers immediate, practical support from assigned Engagement Points (community members or groups managed and trained by Beacon Strategies) trained to identify early signs of stress and help guide people to a dedicated wellness team if needed.
The wellness team is run through the Mareeba Community Centre (MCC) and provides short-term support for up to three weeks and connections to longer-term services if needed.
The DBS is free, confidential and ensures support is provided within 48 hours.
MCC acting CEO Renee Craig said the launch last week was a “recognition of community support and community effort”.
“Since the initiative began, we have supported over 100 people across the Mareeba and Tablelands Regional Council areas,” she said.
“We understand isolation often compounds distressful situations and we work hard to provide the right support, at the right place, at the right time.”
The program is funded jointly by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.
