Cardinia Shire Council welcomes funding for new Together We Can program

Together We Can’s Business Solutions project will focus on the development of Preventing Violence against Women policies in workplaces across Cardinia Shire. Through the program, Council will partner with local non-profits, governments, small and medium businesses, both their employees and customers, to work on prevention programs.

In addition, the project will involve two events to promote women’s leadership in the workplace and foster networking opportunities to build stronger communities and support systems.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Collin Ross was pleased to welcome Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins, to Living Learning Pakenham for the announcement.

“Council is very grateful to the Victorian Government for this funding, which will enable Together We Can to further its work to stop, prevent and end family violence in our community,” Cr Ross said.

Workplaces and our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities are the next focus for Together We Can alongside the work within the broader community.

“Building women’s leadership capacity and capability and developing a policy for the Prevention of Violence against Women are part of the picture for addressing values, attitudes and behaviours toward women and achieving gender equality in the workplace.”

“This funding will equip Council staff and local businesses and non-profit organisations across our community to effectively understand and support the prevention of family violence. The program will also seek to drive local initiatives that create systemic change within workplaces, and to ensure business operations support women to have equal opportunities to men.”

The Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins, announced almost $200,000 in funding in support of programs to prevent family violence and violence against women in workplaces and communities across Cardinia Shire and the City of Casey.

A further $35,000 provided under the grant program will enable Cardinia Shire Council and Bass Shire Coast Council to work together on efforts to address violence against women and children.

Ms Hutchins said Local Government is in a unique position to stop family violence before it starts because Councils work closely with local families, community organisations, businesses and sports clubs.

“Ending family violence requires a whole of community approach. By investing in prevention programs lead by local government we will help stop family violence before it starts.”

For information on Free from Violence: Victoria’s strategy to prevent family violence and all forms of violence against women, visit www.vic.gov.au/familyviolence/prevention-strategy

For more information and to get involved in the Together We Can initiative, visit www.togetherwecan.org.au

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance due to family violence, call 000, or call 1800 RESPECT (737732) or Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 for a confidential conversation.