State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced Benalla Rural City Council will deliver a range of initiatives as part of the Free from Violence Local Government Program 2024-27.
“We’re significantly investing in our local communities to engage in important family violence prevention programs,” Ms Symes said
“Every Victorian has the right to be treated with respect at home, work or in their community.”
Council will deliver programs and activities that will help people in the community understand the role they can play to make their community safer.
As large employers with unique connections to their local communities, councils are well placed to support communities to both prevent family violence and stop violence against women.
Benalla Rural City Mayor Danny Claridge said spoke on the importance of the funding.
“A huge thank you goes out to the Victorian Government, and in particular to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, for their steadfast commitment to ending family violence,” Cr Claridge said.
“This investment will not only strengthen our organisation but also help create a safer and more inclusive community for years to come.
“With this grant in hand, we can embed a culture of primary prevention throughout our organisation and community.
“Council will also have greater capacity to partner with other organisations like the Women’s Health Service to promote family violence prevention in the broader community.”
This is the second round of the program, which is already supporting 15 councils to carry out primary prevention initiatives in their local area.
These grants are an important part of the Victorian Government’s nation-leading work to end family violence.
