AS the Ballarat Programs and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF), Gabby Hutchins plays a pivotal role in supporting the local community to a build, healthier, safer and more equitable society.<\/p>\n
Through her leadership and commitment to genuine community engagement, Gabby has become a key contributor to the growing gender equity movement across the Ballarat region.<\/p>\n
Gabby helps community members navigate conversations that matter which can sometimes be uncomfortable but are essential for cultural change.<\/p>\n
By using the power of sport to bring people together, she supports individuals to develop practical skills for responding to disrespect, improving their wellbeing, and strengthening social connections.<\/p>\n
A significant part of Gabby’s work includes her involvement in the codesign group for Respect Ballarat; a collaborative initiative aimed at creating a more respectful and safe community.<\/p>\n
She champions the inclusion of diverse local voices in designing community-led solutions, with a strong focus on preventing gender-based harm. Her approach supports communities to question harmful norms and build the confidence and capability to navigate real-world challenges safely and respectfully.<\/p>\n
At the WBCF, Gabby supports a range of programs designed to promote health and wellbeing, social cohesion and community connection. The Changing the Game workshops explore what an inclusive sporting environment can look like by challenging traditional gender stereotypes.<\/p>\n
In Ahead of the Game workshops, Gabby works with young people to strengthen their understanding of mental health, resilience, and respectful behaviour. She also contributes to the delivery of Sons and Daughters of the West, which support adults to look after their health and fitness, including their mental health, to build healthy relationships, and to engage positively with their community.<\/p>\n
Gabby continues to expand her expertise through the Fast Track Prevention Course with Safe and Equal, adding to her skills in primary prevention and gender equity education.<\/p>\n
Her involvement with the Ballarat Civility Exchange Group further connects her with sector partners focused on improving respectful communication and reducing harmful behaviours across workplaces and community settings.<\/p>\n
Across all her work, Gabby combines evidence informed practice with approachability and empathy. She creates environments where people feel supported to learn, question, and grow qualities that help drive meaningful, long-term cultural change<\/p>\n
Through her role with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Gabby is helping to create a more connected, respectful, and equitable Ballarat.<\/p>\n
Her work supporting community members to build confidence, break down old barriers, and embrace new conversations, is helping shape a healthier and more inclusive future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AS the Ballarat Programs and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF), Gabby Hutchins plays a pivotal role in supporting the local community to a build, healthier, safer and more equitable society. Through her leadership and commitment to genuine community engagement, Gabby has become a key contributor to the growing gender equity […]<\/p>\n