New funding for family violence prevention in macedon

The Andrews Labor Government is supporting local government programs that are working to prevent family violence in Macedon.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins today announced more than $180,000 in funding to support programs that prevent family violence.

Local government is in a unique position to stop family violence before it starts. Councils work closely with local families, community organisations, businesses and sports clubs. This places them in the strategic position to address inequality and violent behaviour in the community.

Macedon Ranges Shire is receiving a $100,000 grant to invest in its workforce to prevent violence against women. The program will build the capacity of community leaders through a series of workshops and mentoring.

It will develop gender equality training for staff to challenge the norms, structures and practices that drive violence against women.

Moorabool Shire Council is receiving $57,000 to deliver the Moorabool @ Home, Work and play – Free From Violence project. This will include a workforce cultural change program, support for healthy and gender equal relationships for new parents and it will also promote gender equity in local sporting clubs.

Hepburn Shire Council’s $28,000 grant will deliver the Integrating Gender Equality within Hepburn Shire Council and the Community project. It aims to promote gender equity within the Council and wider community, and to increase the number of women in leadership positions in Council.

These initiatives are supported by the Free From Violence Local Government Grants, which aim to support local councils to embed primary prevention in their everyday work.

The Government together with local councils have invested $4 million for prevention activities across the state. This includes $2.6 million from the Labor Government.

The Victorian Government has invested a record $2.6 billion to implement all 226 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, to support victim survivors and end family violence.

For information on Free from violence: Victoria’s strategy to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women, visit vic.gov.au/familyviolence

Quote attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Natalie Hutchins
"Ending family violence requires a whole of community approach. By investing in prevention programs lead by local government we will help stop family violence before it starts."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Everyone has a role to play in stopping family violence. From local government, to community and sporting clubs and schools, the people of Macedon have made it clear that they want a future free from family violence."