Turning Forgotten Phones into Lifelines

At Queensland Country Bank, community is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to support DV Safe Phone during Sexual Violence Awareness Month this October, by making it easier than ever for Queenslanders to get involved.

For the very first time, 29 of our branches across the state are serving as collection points for used mobile phones. These devices, once wiped, repaired and repurposed, will be transformed into Safe Phones: lifelines for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Why does this matter so much? For someone experiencing violence, a phone isn’t just a device, it can be the difference between silence and survival. A Safe Phone provides access to emergency support, safe housing, counselling, police, and loved ones. It breaks the hold of surveillance or harassment and restores independence, safety and hope.

The need is urgent. In Queensland, sexual assault reports rose by 11% last year, the highest in 32 years. Yet we know these figures only scratch the surface, with most assaults never reported. Survivors often remain silent not by choice, but because their phones are taken, broken, or monitored. That’s where a Safe Phone becomes vital.

This October, DV Safe Phone has set a bold goal: collect 5,000 phones in one month. Each phone represents one more person with the chance to call for help and take a step towards a safer future.

We’re honoured to be part of this campaign. By hosting donation boxes in Queensland Country Bank branches, we’re giving our members, staff, and local communities a simple but powerful way to help. Every phone counts.

How you can help:

• Drop your old smartphone into any of the 29 branches across Queensland.
• Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues; the more phones, the more lives supported.
• No phone to donate? You can still help with a tax-deductible donation to DV Safe Phone, which covers the cost of wiping, repairs, chargers, and postage for each device.

Together, we can turn forgotten phones into lifelines. Because every Queenslander deserves to feel safe, connected, and heard.

About DV Safe Phone

Founded in 2020, DV Safe Phone has already repurposed over 15,000 safe phones nationwide, working with more than 500 frontline agencies. The initiative not only restores safety and connection for victims but also diverts tonnes of e-waste from landfill. “Together, we can turn forgotten phones into lifelines,” said Wood. “Because every call for help deserves to be heard.”

For more information, resources, and how to donate, visit: www.dvsafephone.org

Queensland Country Bank Branches Collecting Used Phones Include:

• Community
• News