Plan aims to prevent violence

A REBRANDED organisation will help the Ballarat community prevent violence against women.

Respect Ballarat, formally known as the saturation model, has been launched by the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins, alongside Respect Victoria and the Ballarat Foundation.

The initiative includes $1 million in funding, which will soon be open for applications, and was co-designed by local organisations and communities.

Funding will assist schools, sporting clubs, early childhood services, new parenting spaces and workplaces to provide projects to promote respect and gender equality.

The model prioritises working with men, children, young people, new parents and emerging leaders.

“The Ballarat Foundation is proud to join Respect Victoria in this landmark initiative to prevent gendered violence in our community,” chair of Ballarat Foundation Ellen Jackson said.

“Opening in October, the $1 million community grants program will back local organisations to deliver practical, prevention-focused projects over the next year.

“This partnership of funding with local knowledge has the potential to make real and immediate impact.”

The four-year program aims to bring together people from across the Ballarat community to prevent family violence.

“Ballarat has shown the country what community-led change looks like,” CEO of Women’s Health Grampians Jenny Courtney said.

“The saturation model is not just a response to tragedy — it’s a commitment to long-term, local action that reaches every part of our community.”

The State Government has contributed $9.8 million to Respect Ballarat. For more information visit the Respect Victoria website.