Women’s Health Goulburn North East is thrilled to see local councils across the Goulburn Valley and north-east Victoria take the lead in working to prevent family violence before it starts, with three councils sharing in state funding to understand and challenge the root causes of violence against women.  

Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams last week announced that the Rural City of Wangaratta, Mitchell and Murrindindi councils were among 15 councils across the state to share in $3.5 million funding under the Free from Violence Local Government Program.  

This funding initiative will see councils promote respectful relationships and violence prevention in their workforces and services, and across community settings such as sport, childhood services and parenting groups.  

Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer Amanda Kelly said she was pleased that local councils were taking such proactive and decisive action against gender-based and family violence.  

“We know that gender-based and family violence is a continuing, widespread problem in our community and across the country, with one in three women having experienced physical violence since they were 15,” Ms Kelly said.  

“Indeed, one women is murdered by a current or former partner every week in Australia.  

“This is what makes this work so urgent, and what makes it so important that we come together as communities to tackle the root causes of violence against women: gender inequality, discrimination and disrespect towards women.”  

Ms Kelly said Women’s Health Goulburn North East had worked alongside all three councils in recent years to support them to embed gender equity and respectful relationships in their daily work, and this funding would see that work strengthened.  

“It’s a real testament to the commitment of these councils that they’ve actively sought funding support to continue and strengthen this work in their communities,” she said.  

“We know that family violence is preventable. We look forward to continuing to support these three councils to drive the cultural change necessary to prevent violence against women.”  

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. 

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ENDS 

For more information or further comment contact: 

Amanda Kelly
Women’s Health Goulburn North East chief executive officer
a.kelly@whealth.com.au