The discussion was held at the new Beveridge Community Centre, where former Lifeline chief executive Dawn O’Neil spoke about the challenges the community faced before commending those in attendance for their commitment to work together to solve complex social problems.
The council facilitated the roundtable with Goulburn Family Violence executive Alison Maclean.
An overview of Mitchell Shire’s family violence data and the services provided was presented before the audience broke off into small groups to discuss how to collectively move forward.
Several practical actions and commitments were identified. The roundtable will meet again in the coming months to agree on an action plan.
In late 2018, the council received a grant through the Free from Violence Local Government program to work alongside the Victorian Government’s Free From Violence strategy.
Council and community organisations host 16 Days of Activism events — which includes White Ribbon Day and International Human Rights Day — to end gender-based violence each year.
The roundtable was the third event facilitated by the council in the past year.
Mitchell Shire is ranked 11 out of 79 Victorian councils for police callouts for family violence incidents.
For support for sexual assault and/or domestic family violence, phone 1800RESPECT (1800737732).
Safe Steps are available 24/7 for anybody experiencing family violence on 1800015188.
If you or somebody you know is struggling, please phone Lifeline on 131114.
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