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Case Study: Mount Alexander Shire Council

Re-establishment of the Mount Alexander Family Violence Prevention Network

Why it is important

Mount Alexander Shire Council is committed to changing behaviours and attitudes that contribute to family violence in its community through promotion of gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.

Council wants everyone in the community to live free from violence including gender-based violence against women, children and gender diverse people.

One of the objectives of the Council Plan 2021-2025 under Pillar 1: A healthy, connected and inclusive community, is that the community feels safe, regardless of identity or circumstance.

Family violence incidents have continued to rise over the past five years, and three years ago the local family violence prevention network ceased.

This created a huge gap in council's efforts to address and prevent family violence in its shire. To address this, during the 16 Days of Activism campaign in 2024, council hosted a key stakeholder meeting to start discussions about re-establishing a local network.

We were very pleased with the interest, passion and commitment shown with over 12 organisations attending including key organisations like Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, The Orange Door, CASA, Victoria Police, Department of Families Fairness and Housing, Department of Education and local indigenous and disability organisations.

Council is currently organising the first network meeting which will focus on establishing Terms of Reference and how we will work together. Council and Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will lead and facilitate the network.

Call to actionMount Alexander Case Study meeting

“Collective action to prevent family violence”.

By working together and sharing expertise and skills, council strives to reduce family violence so that everyone can live in a community free from violence and feel safe and included.

We hope people will talk about gender equality with their friends and family, or join a local group or network to promote gender equality and prevent family violence in their community.

We all have a part to play to create a gender equitable, respectful community free from discrimination.