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OUR PROGRAMS
We operate 5 programs across the state of Queensland.
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BRISBANE
Diversion Centre
The Diversionary Program provides a safe, supported and monitored environment for First Nations people who may be at risk of being held in police custody, due to offences in public spaces and/or related offences. The aim of the program is to reduce the potential risk/s to First Nations adults that would usually be held in police watchhouse custody.
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The Diversionary Centre is a 24/7, 14-bed facility located at 15 Hubert Street Woolloongabba, and provides:
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a safe and monitored environment for participants who are recovering from intoxication;
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an non-custodial alternative to being taken into police custody;
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care, support and culturally appropriate referral services (health, mental health, healing, rehabilitation, legal, accommodation) to facilitate the health and wellbeing of clients; and
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access to meals, refreshments (tea/coffee), showers, clean clothing, laundry facilities and sleeping areas.
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2025-26 IMPACT: A safe place when it's needed most. Over 2025-26, we supported 996 adults with rest and recovery services, providing 4,057 bed nights. Nearly half (41%) identified as First Nations, most were aged 36-55 years, and 60% were experiencing homelessness when they accessed support.
BRISBANE, MACKAY, TOWNSVILLE, PALM ISLAND
Cell Visitor
Cell Visitors Program aims to stop deaths in custody and reduce the risk of suicide, self-harm and health and wellbeing impacts of First Nations adults who are in police custody (watchhouses).
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This service provides practical and emotional support to participants who are detained, and communicates with watch-house staff about an individual's safety and well-being while in custody.
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We provide a path of connection between the detainees and their families on supports in the community, and provide referrals to relevant services, such as legal and health.
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The program is operated within ten (10) watchhouses across the state including: Brisbane City, Richlands, Ipswich, Beenleigh, Redlands, Caboolture and Pine Rivers, Mackay, Townsville and Palm Island. Visits are conducted 1-2 times a day depending on the watchhouse, and we are on call in case of emergency.
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SEQ 2025-26 IMPACT: We engaged 1,556 adults, with 91% identifying as First Nations, delivering an impressive 6,803 visits throughout the year. With 79% of participants being male, our team continued to provide consistent, culturally responsive support where it was needed most.
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NQ 2025-26 IMPACT: 10,900 visits. 5,519 adults supported. Countless meaningful conversations. With 60% First Nations participation and 82% male clients, our team continued to  strengthen community connections across the region.
MACKAY AND TOWNSVILLE
Community Patrol
Community Patrol Program provides personal outreach support, transport and referral services to First Nations adults who may be homeless or effected by alcohol in public spaces and at risk of being held in police custody for minor offences.
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We actively engage with participants to transport them to a safer place such as a diversionary centre, the person's home, emergency accommodation or relevant services.
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Knowing that we have all public parks and areas clear at the end of each evening, and that our mob have been transported to a place of safety is most rewarding.
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Non-indigenous adults may also access our service if capacity allows.
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Townsville Community Patrol operates 7 days a week, from 9am to 12am Monday to Friday, and 10am to 12am on weekends.
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Mackay Community Patrol operates 3 nights a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
SOUTH BRISBANE
Bowman Johnson Hostel
Supported Accommodation Program
Bowman Johnson Hostel has 22 beds and provides short term accommodation combined with planned support services for people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. It is situated at 5 Oxford Street, South Brisbane, close to the city, bus stops, the West Village shopping precinct and Southbank.
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The hostel offers some meal assistance and use of the facilities, which includes a shared dining and lounge space. It is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Staff include the Planned Support Lead, Tenancy Manager, and Planned Support Workers.
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Residents are provided support to apply for social and community housing, as well as access needed mental health, alcohol and other drugs or health support through referrals to relevant support services. Our target group are First Nations adults who are either experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Non-Indigenous adults who fit the criteria may also access our service when rooms are available.
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This year, the hostel began a collaboration with IYMP, supporting young Indigenous students completing their TAFE programs. The hostel saw 5 students complete their placements hours.
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2025-26 Impact: Behind every number is a person, a story, and a pathway forward. We supported 50 adults through Supported Accommodation, with 82% identifying as First Nations. Most were aged 36-45 years, and most importantly, 6 people transitioned into long-term housing, achieving a significant milestone towards a safer and more secure future.
BRISBANE AND TOWNSVILLE
Healing Country, Healing Community
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Kind Words
What others say about us
Anonymous - Townsville
To the team at Murri Watch, Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you guys do for us when we are in the Cells, you guys don't know or understand how much you guys, your visits, your relaying of messages and just even a quick yarn, means to all of us, especially when locked up. You are extremely APPRECIATED 🩷
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