Grant applications are now open for the Free from Violence Local Government Program (2023 - 2026).

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About

The Free from Violence Local Government Program will contribute to the Victorian Government’s vision to create a Victoria where everyone experiences equality, respect and lives free from violence.

The 2023–2026 Funding Round (see below) will provide funding for up to 10 local government authorities (LGAs) for a three-year period to support the implementation of the Local government guide for preventing family violence and all forms of violence against women. The Program commenced in 2022, with 15 councils receiving three-years funding until 2025.

DFFH, DGS and the MAV will support participating councils through funding and practical support.

Program Objectives

  • Increase awareness and understanding across Victorian councils of the drivers of family violence and all forms of violence against women, and how to stop this violence before it starts in Victorian communities.
  • Support Victorian councils to promote positive attitudes, behaviours and culture change in their workplace and through the programs and services they deliver, to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women.
  • Test the appropriateness, useability and effectiveness of the Guide as a tool to support councils to implement and embed a whole-of-council approach to preventing family violence and all forms of violence against women.

For further information, please see below:

Eligible Program Activities

Activities that can be funded through the program include:

  • Staffing, including hiring new staff or extending the contracted hours of existing staff.
  • Activity costs associated with delivering training, workshops, or community events.
  • A percentage of overheads associated with implementing activities.

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2023 - 2026 Funding Round

Grant applications for the Free from Violence Local Government Program (2023 - 2026) are now open and will be closing at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 27 September 2023.

The Free from Violence Local Government Program (2023-2026) will support 10 councils to embed gender equality and family violence prevention practices into their work and the programs and services they deliver.

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is funding up to $270,000 per council, from 2023 to 2026, to deliver the program. Funding amounts are determined by council classification.

The Department of Families Fairness and Housing ran an Information Session for councils on Tuesday, 5 September 2023. Please see the Information Session slides PDF, 494.45 KB. To receive a recording of the session, please contact DFFH at freefromviolence@dffh.vic.gov.au.

For further information, please see below:

2022 - 2025 Funding Round

Funding has been provided over three years to a selection of metropolitan, regional and rural councils (see 'Current recipients' below), through a co-contribution model, to support the implementation of The Local Government Guide for Preventing Family Violence and All Forms of Violence Against Women (the Guide). The Guide was formally launched in May 2023 and can be found on the Municipal Association of Victoria's website.

For further information, please see below:

Current recipients 2022 - 2025

The following 15 councils are receiving funding under the Free From Violence Local Government Program 2022-2025:

  • Bass Coast Shire Council
  • Brimbank City Council
  • City of Casey
  • City of Greater Bendigo
  • City of Melbourne
  • City of Melton
  • Hume City Council
  • Maroondah City Council
  • Mildura Rural City Council
  • Mitchell Shire Council
  • Monash City Council
  • Murrindindi Shire Council
  • Northern Grampians Shire Council
  • Rural City of Wangaratta
  • Yarra Ranges City Council

Program Partnerships

The program is a partnership between: