The Allan Labor Government is backing Ballarat to stop family violence before it starts - because every woman and child deserves to be safe.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ingrid Stitt today announced recipients of a $1 million investment through Respect Victoria to power 11 local organisations to drive prevention and early intervention work in the local community.
Following the tragic deaths of Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young, and Hannah McGuire in 2024, Ballarat united in grief and demanded change.
A nation-leading project, Respect Ballarat is a partnership between government and communities to build a model for change to make Ballarat safer.
This vital funding targets the places where it matters most - in our sports clubs, community settings, classrooms and workplaces.
The places where culture is shaped and where change must begin.
Programs will:
- Challenge harmful attitudes in sport
- Work with new parents to build safe families
- Deliver prevention initiatives in male-dominated industries
- Empower local leaders to drive lasting change.
A further $3.76 million grants round will also open on 2 March - scaling up long-term, community-led solutions that strengthen community safety across Ballarat.
These investments turn community resolve into action, but we know there is more to do.
That's why Ballarat and Caroline Springs will also become new sites for the Alexis Family Violence Response Model.
This initiative will embed specialist family violence workers within Victoria Police Family Violence Investigation Units to provide immediate, coordinated support following serious family violence incidents.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ingrid Stitt
"Every woman and child deserves to feel safe - and that means investing in prevention before violence begins, backing local organisations and strengthening frontline responses."
As stated by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
"Our Ballarat community is strong, proud and united - Respect Ballarat is backing our local organisations to continue to build a safer future for our community."
As stated by Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
"This investment empowers local leaders, clubs and community groups to tackle family violence at its roots because everyone in the community deserves to feel safe."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"This is about backing the community to lead change - strengthening prevention, supporting families and making our communities safe for women, children, and everyone."
As stated by Respect Victoria CEO Helen Bolton
"When prevention threads are effectively woven across spaces and communities, change will ripple out."
