- Published:
- Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 10:30 am
The Allan Labor Government is backing Ballarat to stop family violence before it starts – because every woman and child has the right to be safe.
Minister Horne today announced the eight recipients of the $3.7 million Respect Ballarat community grants.
The community-led initiatives were chosen for their focus on strengthening prevention and early intervention in Ballarat.
Recipients include:
- Allied Justice – Hannah’s Voice
- CAFS – For Baby’s Sake
- City of Ballarat – Baby Makes 3
- Ballarat Community Health – Equal From the Start
- CAFS – Primary Connections: Respectful and Safe Relationships in Middle Childhood
- Ballarat Community Health’s Headspace Ballarat – STRONG Trades: Reflective Supervision for Respectful Trade Workplaces
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia – Safe Future Mentoring, Workplace Prevention
- City of Ballarat – Early years settings lead.
Funding will also support Ballarat City Council to employ ‘Setting Leads’ to build prevention capacity across early years services and local sports clubs.
Led by Respect Ballarat, this work unites schools, clubs, workplaces and services to prevent family and sexual violence, following the tragic deaths of Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire in 2024.
These grants build on 11 initiatives funded through the Ballarat Foundation earlier this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Melissa Horne
“Every woman and child deserves to feel safe, and that means investing in prevention before violence begins.”
“These initiatives led by the Ballarat community are leading change that will last for generations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“Ballarat communities are stepping up to lead real change – these grants back local people and organisations to challenge harmful attitudes early and build a culture of respect where women and children are safe.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“We know prevention starts well before violence occurs. By investing in families, schools, sporting clubs and workplaces, we’re giving Ballarat the tools to break the cycle of family violence for future generations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle
“From supporting young families to engaging men and boys, these initiatives reflect what our community has been calling for. Practical, grassroots action that makes a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Quote attributable Respect Victoria CEO Helen Bolton
“Preventing gendered violence is long-term work, and it requires leaders, organisations and advocates who are committed to driving change alongside local communities.”