Returning kindness: The volunteers who emotionally rejuvenate Roma Street’s police

Returning kindness: The volunteers who emotionally rejuvenate Roma Street’s police Volunteers from the Zi Zai Dong Zen Association, a not-for-profit organization based in Brisbane’s south, have been offering monthly energy healing sessions at Roma Street police headquarters, according to reports. The sessions, conducted using the ancient Chinese practice of qi gong, involve volunteers gently hovering their hands over the bodies of police staff. The association claims the practice helps improve sleep quality, relieve stress, eliminate negative energy, and enhance immune function and emotional stability. The initiative, described as a voluntary staff welfare program, began in 2018. Zi Zai Dong Zen Association’s public coordinator, Angela Nee, stated that providing these sessions is a way to return the kindness of police officers, who often work in high-stress environments to protect communities. She emphasized that the sessions aim to help staff relieve stress and maintain emotional balance. A participant described the process as relaxing, noting that it appears to be a popular activity among officers during Thursday mornings. In a June social media post, the association reported that 13 volunteers had provided healing to 110 Queensland Police Service (QPS) staff, with participants reporting they left emotionally rejuvenated and experienced improvements in both physical and mental well-being. Police health coach Jarrod Presland, in a 2024 testimonial on the group’s website, praised the monthly healing, chakra initiation, and coaching sessions as “extremely popular.” He recommended the association’s services to any Queensland Government entity seeking wellbeing initiatives for its employees. The initiative has sparked interest beyond the police force, with calls for similar programs in other public sector workplaces. A comment on the Brisbane Times’ Public Circus column suggested that such sessions could be beneficial in the “tent,” referencing the ongoing discussion around employee wellbeing in the public sector. Separately, there has been a review of the First Nations Health Office within Queensland’s Department of Health, led by Director-General David Rosengren. The office, which oversees health services for Indigenous communities, has faced scrutiny following changes to its structure. Originally established as a key body, the office was downgraded in July 2025, reducing its role from deputy director-general to a lower level. Queensland’s Chief First Nations Health Officer, Samantha Wild, was appointed in July 2026 as the successor to Haylene Grogan, who had held the position since its inception. Wild, a Wakka Wakka and South Sea Islander woman, is reportedly exploring ways to improve the office’s operational model. Her predecessor, Grogan, had released the office’s first official report in September 2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to address health disparities. Despite the restructuring, the government has denied allegations of a coordinated effort to reduce First Nations representation in public institutions. However, concerns remain over the status of three legally mandated First Nations board roles, which have remained vacant despite assurances that recruitment is nearing completion. Neither Rosengren nor his team have responded to inquiries regarding the vacancies, citing applicant confidentiality. The developments underscore ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate representation and support for Indigenous communities within Queensland’s public sector. As discussions continue, the focus remains on balancing administrative efficiency with cultural responsiveness.