The Victorian Government has named Yarra Ranges Council as one of 15 councils in the state to be part of a $3.5 million initiative to implement and deliver primary prevention initiatives under the Free from Violence Local Government Program.
The funding was announced by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams who said local councils have a big role to play in preventing family violence.
“As the level of government closest to the community, local councils are ideally placed to drive change and reduce violence against women,” she said.
“Family violence is entirely preventable – that’s why we are investing in programs to build respect and equality in our homes, workplaces, sporting clubs and right across the community.”
The funding will help establish prevention initiatives in Yarra Ranges workforces and services, helping promote respectful relationships in settings such as community sport, early childhood services and parenting groups to increase community understanding of the causes of family violence and violence against women.
This investment will support selected councils to work with specialist providers to better connect with diverse communities across Victoria.
The program supports the Free from Violence Second Action Plan, which guides Victoria’s women and family violence prevention work, to boost opportunities in local government and fulfil commitments under the Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan 2020-2023.
