Safer communities start with compassionate support
Supporting people in vulnerable situations through outreach, culturally safe care and practical assistance across Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach.
Reducing harm, protecting dignity and supporting safer outcomes
Cairns Community Safety and Diversion Services bring together a range of integrated programs that provide practical assistance, outreach and culturally safe support for people experiencing vulnerability due to public intoxication, homelessness, contact with the justice system or other complex circumstances. Together, these services provide immediate care, respond to individual needs and create pathways to ongoing health, housing and community support.
Across Townsville and Airlie Beach, our teams provide immediate support in busy entertainment precincts during weekends and major local events. By responding early to safety concerns and reducing alcohol and drug-related harm, we help people return home safely while contributing to safer night-time environments for everyone.
Find support in your community:
Our support services are tailored
to the needs of each community.
Cairns -
Community safety and Diversion
Providing practical assistance, safe spaces and support pathways for people experiencing vulnerability, public intoxication or homelessness.
Townsville -
Safe night out
Providing a safe place to rest and recover for people who are intoxicated, vulnerable or needing support during weekend nights.
Airlie Beach -
Safe night out
Providing a safe place to rest and recover for people who are intoxicated, vulnerable or needing support during weekend nights.
Cairns Community Safety Services
Providing culturally safe support when people need it most
Our teams provide immediate assistance, outreach and connection to support services, helping people access safety, improve wellbeing and reconnect with their community. Through an integrated approach, our services work together to provide practical support while creating pathways to longer-term assistance.
Bama Dakil Diversionary Centre
Bama Dakil Diversionary Centre provides a safe and culturally appropriate environment for people who are intoxicated, require monitoring or have nowhere safe to go. The Centre primarily supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing vulnerability due to public intoxication or related circumstances, with support also available to others who meet service eligibility criteria.
People accessing Bama Dakil receive practical assistance including meals, water, shower and laundry facilities, clean clothing, a safe place to rest and wellbeing monitoring. Visiting medical support is also available through the Wheels of Wellness (WOW) service.
As a central hub for Cairns Community Safety Services, Bama Dakil connects people with additional support through integrated programs including:
- Safe overnight accommodation
- Meals and drinking water
- Shower and laundry facilities
- Clean clothing
- Basic first aid where required
- Wellbeing monitoring
- Connection to further support
The Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for people accessing support through self-referral, police referral or community service referral pathways.
Contact Bama Dakil Team:
53 – 59 Lyons Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
P: 07 4046 8082
Cell Watch Visitor Program
If you or someone you know is in police custody in Cairns or Innisfail, the Cell Visitor Program provides culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 17 years and over.
Support may include:
- Checking on wellbeing and identifying any immediate needs
- Helping people communicate with family, support services and other agencies
- Providing information, referrals and advocacy
- Connecting people with health, community and other support services
- Assisting with practical needs during or after custody
The service operates six days a week in Cairns, with a 24-hour on-call service available. Support is also available in Innisfail as required.
Contact Bama Dakil Team:
53 – 59 Lyons Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
P: 07 4046 8082
Community Patrol
Our Community Patrol team provides mobile outreach support for people who are intoxicated or vulnerable in public spaces.
The service helps people move to a safer environment and may provide:
- Transport to a safe location
- Early intervention and support
- Assistance during difficult situations
- Information and referrals
53 – 59 Lyons Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
P: 07 4046 8082
Jama Bana
Jama Bana provides culturally responsive, health-focused support for people affected by alcohol-related harm.
Through connection, meaningful activities and practical assistance, the program supports people to strengthen wellbeing, build skills and reconnect with community.
Contact Jama Bana Team: TBC
53 – 59 Lyons Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
P: 07 4046 8082
Mobile Public Intoxication Program (MPIP)
MPIP provides assertive outreach and case management support for people experiencing public intoxication, homelessness or complex health and social challenges.
The program works alongside individuals to:
- Address health and wellbeing needs
- Access appropriate treatment and support
- Explore housing pathways
- Reconnect with family, culture and community
Contact our Diversion Centre:
53 – 59 Lyons Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct Services
Free Water • Rest & Recovery Space • First Aid Assistance
Serving a busy tourism and entertainment precinct, our Airlie Beach team provides practical support for people who need assistance during a night out, helping them stay safe, recover and access transport, accommodation or further support where required.
Operating hours
Friday | 11:30 pm – 3:30 am
Saturday | 11:30 pm – 3:00 am
Operating 52 weeks a year, with additional coverage during major local events and peak tourism periods.
The operating Airlie Beach area for these services can be found here.
Contact the Airlie Beach team:
P: 0474 769 503
We’d love to hear from you
Whether you, a family member or someone you support has accessed our Community Safety and Diversion Services, we welcome your feedback.
We know every person’s circumstances are different, and your feedback helps us understand what is working well, what matters most to the people we support
and how we can continue to improve our services. You can share your feedback by completing the online form below, speaking with a member of our team,
or accessing a feedback form at one of our service locations.
We respect your privacy and confidentiality. Any information you provide will be treated with care and kept secure in line with our Privacy Policy.
If you'd like to speak directly with our team, please call 07 4041 5454 or email admin@anglicare.net.