MAV Preventing Violence Against Women (PVAW) Network
Member Updates - December 2012
1. CITY OF BOROONDARA
Council type: Metropolitan,
Department: Community Planning and Development
Email: ros.winkler@boroondara.vic.gov.au
Contact name for any enquiries: Ros Winkler
Position Title: Community Development: Safety
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE (300 words maximum)
White Ribbon Day event 22 November 2012. 160 people attended the first White Ribbon Day event at the City of
Boroondara. The program included speakers, taking the Oath, a Peace March around Camberwell Junction then a
BBQ lunch.
Male students from Xavier College attended in their own time, as exams were finished. They said they expected to
feel guilty after the event but they found it interesting, valuable and challenging. I hear they have invited one of the
guest speakers, Jeremy Meltzer, a White Ribbon Ambassador, to speak at the school. Jeremy took a global
perspective on male violence against women. Jane Ashton spoke about the murder of her sister Julie Ramage as well
as the time before her death when violence was occurring and the impact that has had. Four of the male speakers
added impromptu personal accounts of violence to their prepared speeches. Three spoke about violence against
their mothers and a sister. Another spoke about experiencing bullying at school and imagined having his home as the
place of terror rather than being a place of refuge.
The organising committee included men from Council's Youth Services, Infrastructure and Traffic Departments, a
Boroondara Police Officer who is also a White Ribbon Ambassador and Ros Winkler, Community Planning and
Development Department. The event was initiated through the Boroondara Family Violence Network.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
An Eastern Metropolitan Region PVAW Strategy is being developed with a session for local governments by
Women's Health East. This will assist in development of strategies for inclusion in the Local Government Municipal
Health Plans.
The City of Boroondara is developing Council policy and strategies on PVAW and exploring PVAW within CALD
communities and for women with disability.
2. BRIMBANK CITY COUNCIL
Council type: Metropolitan
Contact name for any enquiries: Andrea Calleja
Position title: Health and Wellbeing Policy Officer
Phone and / or email: 9249 4031
andreac@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Brimbank Family Violence Prevention Action Plan 2010-2013 available at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
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In 2012, Brimbank City Council focused on recruiting staff for a White Ribbon Working Group through hosting
morning tea events across two Council sites. The morning teas were attended by over eighty staff and led to the
recruitment of twelve male staff, including four senior managers from across Council to form the Brimbank White
Ribbon Working Group. This working group will co-ordinate future events and initiatives for International Women’s
Day and White Ribbon Day to continue to raise community awareness of violence against women and demonstrate
Council’s ongoing commitment to eliminate violence against women in our community.
White Ribbon fundraising merchandise was available across all customer service sites, neighbourhood houses and
Council offices for staff and residents to purchase to show their support for White Ribbon Day.
In addition, Brimbank City Council’s Youth Services hosted a White Ribbon Day poster competition at Victoria
University Secondary College. The poster competition encouraged students to demonstrate through art how they do
not tolerate violence against women. A high calibre of entries were received, and prizes were awarded to the top
three winning entrants.
3. CENTRAL VICTORIAN CLUSTER (GREATER BENDIGO; MOUNT ALEXANDER & MACEDON
RANGES)
Council type: Rural
Department: Community Development
Our Community - Coordinator
Email: t.dowd@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
Contact name for any enquiries: Teresa Dowd
Position Title: Prevention of Violence Against Women in
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
White Ribbon 2012
 Mount Alexander Shire now has a White Ribbon working group of 6 senior males. 2012 initiatives include:
o nominating and processing the Shire’s first four White Ribbon Ambassadors. Council support
demonstrated by way of media launch, morning tea and acknowledgement by senior Council staff
(CEO, Directors and senior managers). Morning tea attended by members of Castlemaine Family
Violence Forum, local police and media representation. Photo and article appeared in the
Castlemaine Mail and the Midland Express.
o A march and community BBQ hosted by the Family Violence Forum, Victoria Police and Mount
Alexander Shire was conducted in the main business district in Castlemaine. Approximately 100
attended. Very successful increase from 3 in 2011 to 100in 2012!
 At Macedon Ranges Shire the PVAW coordinator met with a number of workplace and community groups to
increase awareness of PVAW and to collect slogans to be placed on Council and Community vehicles for White
Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action. From over fifty slogans collected the number was culled giving the EMT 30
to choose 15 that would be voted on to select the final 8. 120 Community and staff voted for the final 8 using
Survey Monkey.
o The slogans are displayed on Council vehicles, Cobaw and Kyneton District Health vehicles. (From the
week prior to White Ribbon through the 16 days of action.)
o Men from the Cobaw Men’s shed made a metre high White Ribbon frame for the community to
place crepe flowers on (one black for every 2 white, representing one in every three women)
o Cobaw Community Health Centre Men’s shed hosted a BBQ. Approximately 100 attended.
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Bendigo FVPN ran a range of White Activities for 2012 including a White Ribbon business breakfast (sold out
80 places) and a community event to announce six new White Ribbon ambassadors, well attended. White Ribbon
yarn bombing in the Mall. Morning tea talk for council officers (approx 30 attended)
These initiatives were accompanied by media releases and local newspaper coverage.
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Men’s Shed BBQ Team - Kyneton
Slogans
Kyneton – car slogans
Mount Alexander’s first White Ribbon
Ambassadors
Yarn bombing – Bendigo Mall
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4. DAREBIN CITY COUNCIL
Council type: Metropolitan
Contact name for any enquiries: Teneille Summers
Position title: Preventing Violence Against Women Officer
Phone and / or email: 84708552 or Teneille.Summers@Darebin.vic.gov.au
www.darebin.vic.gov.au/whiteribbon
Darebin Women’s Advisory Committee (including equity and inclusion work)
http://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=7003
DESCRIBE YOUR COUNCIL’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR
The City of Darebin White Ribbon Action supported a number of activities for the 2012 White Ribbon Campaign to
promote gender equity and the prevention of violence against women.
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The City of Darebin launched the Women’s Equity Strategy 2012-2015 including the Preventing Violence
Against Women and Gender Equity Annual Action Plans on Wednesday 21st November. The launch had
guest speakers from a range of local domestic violence services and the prevention sector to highlight the
importance of equity for women and preventing violence.
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The White Ribbon Action Team delivered ‘white ribbon cookies’ to staff across all Darebin Sites, along with a
message of prevention and the significance of violence against women. The cookies were made by a local
Women’s Social Enterprise, Bumblebee Enterprise. Over 900 staff received the cookies and messages about
gender-based violence and the prevalence at a local level.
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Darebin supported and participated in the Northern Leaders Event on Tuesday 27th November. The event
had a number of key speakers that touched on the importance of preventing violence before it occurs and
increasing gender equity within the region. 8 Darebin staff/councillors attended, including newly elected
councillors and members from Executive Management and across the organisation and discussed
opportunities to further embed gender equity into practice.
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Staff participated in the Not 1 More event at Federation Square on Friday 23rd November.
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Staff participated in the Eltham Fun Run on 11th November and wore White Ribbon T-Shirts to promote the
prevention of violence against women
Darebin promoted prevention of violence against women through;
 White Ribbon magnets on Darebin garbage trucks. “Darebin not violent, not silent” “violence stinks”
 White Ribbon flag on town hall building and Reservoir depot
 White Ribbon message on Darebin on-hold message
 White Ribbon wrist bands and ribbon for sale at Customer Service desks
5. GIPPSLAND WOMEN’S HEALTH SERVICE
Council type: Rural (Regional / Rural)
Position Title: Health Promotion Worker
Contact name for any enquiries: Tanya Kilgower
Email: tanyak@gwhealth.asn.au
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Throughout 2012 (and prior to 2012) Gippsland Women’s Health Service has been involved in multiple projects
within the PVAW space in Gippsland. Examples include:
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The Gippsland Respectful Relationships Education in Schools Program (GRREiS) - a whole of school approach
aimed at respectful relationships and violence prevention within school communities. The program has
been running over the past 5 years in a number of schools throughout Gippsland.
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White Ribbon Day event – a mass swearing of the white ribbon oath was performed at Briagolong on 25th
Nov 2012, led by Darren Chester MP with other key people present. The event coincided with the Great
Victorian Bike Ride, which held an overnight stop at Briagolong.
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Gender Analysis Workshops – Run in South Gippsland/Bass Coast with a minimum of 3 more workshops
planned for 2013 in each of the other PCP areas in Gippsland.
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GWHS is in the process of developing a Family Violence Policy and Procedure to sit within our Enterprise
Agreement.
Gippsland Women’s Health Service was successful in an application for a Prevention of Violence against Women and
their Children grant through the Department of Justice. This 3 year funding will be utilised to implement a Regional
PVAW strategy in Gippsland. Work has begun in the planning of this strategy, which will work with a range of
partners (including local government) across a number of settings.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Over the next 3 years work will focus around the development and implementation of the regional strategy. The
strategy brings together partner agencies from various settings including Local Government, Sport and Recreation,
Early Childhood Development, Emergency Services, Disability and cyberspace.
In addition to leading the PVAW strategy, GWHS will be directly involved in projects within Local Government and
the sport and recreation sector, as well as implementation of a pilot of the revised GRREiS Program, which has new
evaluation tools.
6. CITY OF GREATER GEELONG
Council type: Regional City,
Contact name for any enquiries: Lisa Armstrong-Rowe
Department: Community Development
Position Title: Community Safety
Email: larmstrongrowe@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
The Month of Action that runs from Reclaim the night at the end of October until White ribbon Day on November
25th is a particularly busy time. This year the organisations across the G21 area hosted a wide range of events with a
couple of standouts. The ‘get off the beaten track’ was brought back from the U.S. by the staff at Zena womens
service and is an international photographic exhibition giving a graphic picture of violence against women. This
exhibition was at the Courthouse gallery for one day only however will be back in 2013.
The Elephant in the Room is another event with an artistic focus. This Elephant comes from Albury and was painted
by women to show the dark side of FV and life after FV. This elephant toured the region and is still on display but
needs to go back home soon.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
2013 will see a focus on working as a network (G21 Prevention of Violence Working group) to look at ways to
continue to bring the message about PVAW into the broader public arena. Currently there is some work going on
about FV in multi-cultural communities and also looking at service streams for victims and perpetrators in same sex
relationships.
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7. GREATER SHEPPARTON CITY COUNCIL
Council type: Regional City
Contact name for any enquiries: Belinda Collins
Department: Neighbourhoods/Community Strengthening
Position Title: Community Safety Officer
Email: Belinda.collins@shepparton.vic.gov.au
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
White Ribbon Day event 21 November 2012 – Greater Shepparton City Council partnered with the Family Violence
Prevention Network, Academy of Sport Health and Education (ASHE) and Rumbalara Cooperative to present this
event. The event commenced with the Barja Malnigan Traditional Boys Dance Group and guest speakers. Students
from ASHE and Ambassadors swore the White Ribbon Day oath with the symbolic painting of hand prints also
undertaken to represent those pledging to prevent violence against women. The event was well attended and was
followed by afternoon tea.
The Greater Shepparton Womens Charter Alliance extended an invitation to the community to discuss gender
equity, diversity and active citizenship issues on 5 December 2012. Approximately 25 community members
attended the evening with a presentations in relation to the above topics and active discussions. This
information will be used to assist the group with future planning after the close of Expressions of Interest for
membership of the Alliance later this month.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
The Goulburn Valley Family Violence Prevention Network will undertake a planning session during its first meeting in
February to develop and plan initiatives to be delivered in the following twelve months. As with many other
networks in the area, the GV network is working with Women’s Health (Hume Region) to develop a website which
intends to provide the public with relevant information in relation to how and where to seek assistance as well as
other resources.
8. KNOX CITY COUNCIL
Council type: Metropolitan
Contact name for any enquiries: Nicole Hunter
Department: Community Access & Equity
Position Title: Coordinator Community Access & Equity
Email: nicole.hunter@knox.vic.gov.au
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knox-Community-HealthService/156138801128075#!/Knoxcouncil?fref=ts
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KnoxCC
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
As part of Knox Council’s 16 Days of Activism activities the Comms team have developed the ‘Real Men’ campaign
which aims to engagement young men.
Campaign components include:
 T-shirts
 Coasters
 Facebook banner
 Social media comms strategy of facebook and twitter
 Knox Ozone Activation – aim to have 200+ men wearing ‘Real Men’ t-shirts on Friday 7th Dec 12-1pm at Knox
Ozone
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Project partners:
 Eastern Football League
 Local Gyms
 NAB Corporate Services
 Local businesses
 Westfield
Media:
Along social media exposure, Council will also issue a media release and the Mayor’s Message in the local paper.
Council will also take out a ad in the local paper to thank partner organisations who participated post activation.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
The campaign branding will continue to be promoted and will assist in enabling further engagement with local
business and sporting clubs in Knox.
9. MELTON CITY COUNCIL
Council type: Interface
Contact name for any enquiries: Sarah Edwards
Department: Community Planning
Position Title: Community Wellbeing Officer
Email: sarahe@melton.vic.gov.au
Web: http://www.melton.vic.gov.au/Services/Support_services/Prevention_of_family_violence
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
Melton City Council this week agreed to implement Women’s Health Victoria PVAW Workplace Program Take a
Stand in 2013. Details are currently being finalised, but the presumption is over 400 staff across the organisation will
receive PVAW training. Melton City Council will develop a Staff Family Violence Policy to support this program.
On Friday 23 November, in support of the White Ribbon Day campaign, 24 representatives from the City of Melton
LGA including local Police, Melton Family Violence Network, Djerriwarrh Health Services staff, Council staff and
community members travelled by Police Coach to participate in events at Federation Square and Melbourne Town
Hall including the Walk Against Family Violence and Not1More. The ‘City of Melton Says No to Violence Against
Women and Children’ banner made quite an impression being marched through the City streets, appearing (though
briefly) on most evening news bulletins on the Friday night.
In October, Council hosted a successful ‘Creating a Safe Community- Play Your Part at Home’ event raising awareness
about the impact of family violence. The event included a service expo and performance by Code 1 Police Band, over
200 attendees including children from local primary schools, clients, Melton Family Violence Network and local
community members.
In September, Melton City Council supported the National Child Protection Week campaign in partnership with local
police at the Caroline Springs Library. The event engaged parents of children attending a Baby Time story session
about the impact of family violence on children and prevention of child abuse. These parents were consulted about
actions developed for the three year PVAWC strategy. During this week, a presentation was made by an Art
Therapist from Women’s Health West to the Melton Family Violence Network about the impact of family violence on
children. Victoria Police followed up by hosting further presentations for their local police members.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
A three year Preventing Violence Against Women and Children Plan to be presented to Council in February 2013 for
consideration. This Plan will be a whole of Council strategy to address violence against women within the
organisation and in the community. The leading funded initiatives of the Plan are likely to be Take a Stand and
Respectful Relationships training within settings including schools. In 2013, Council will continue to support National
Child Protection Week, White Ribbon Day and Community Safety month by holding events focused on PVAW and
children.
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10. MONASH CITY COUNICL
Council type: Metropolitan
Contact name for any enquiries: Emily Trembath (December 2012 only for
PVAW enquiries, usually Nicole Meinig who is annual leave for December/early Jan: NicoleM@monash.vic.gov.au)
Department: Community Planning & Development
Position Title: Health Promotion Officer
Email: EmilyT@monash.vic.gov.au
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
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Monash Council, VicHealth & MonashLink project ‘ Respect, Responsibility & Equality’ project update: can
announce that Natalie Russell has been recruited for the Coordinator position and will begin with Monash
Council in early Jan 2013. Significant experience in the primary prevention space. Very exciting!
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Monash Council White Ribbon Activity:
- 2 x White Ribbon Council functions held in November with presentations given by ex-victim of intimate
partner violence and Gregg Nicholls, Ambassador for White Ribbon
- White ribbon committee of male staff set up – 10 male staff members
- Involved staff from across the organization
- The group really wanted to lead and educate staff (particularly male)
- The group hope to expand next year to incorporate the community
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
-
Monash Council, VicHealth & MonashLink project ‘ Respect, Responsibility & Equality’ project to kick off
Jan 2013
11. OFFICE OF WOMEN’S POLICY
Council: Statewide
Department: Department of Human Services
Email: sallie.irwin@dhs.vic.gov.au
Contact name for any enquiries: Sallie Irwin
Position Title: Senior Project Officer
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
‘Victoria’s Action Plan to Address Violence against Women and Children - Everyone has a Responsibility’ was released
on October 9 by the Victorian Government, outlining a whole-of-government approach to addressing family violence
and sexual assault.
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The Action Plan covers prevention, early intervention and response measures, and includes new and expanded
initiatives worth $7.9 million, including investment in:
• raising community awareness to change attitudes and behaviours that have allowed violence against women and
children to occur or continue;
• working with schools to incorporate more information on respectful relationships into the school curriculum,
promoting social media literacy, training teachers and establishing links to local community organisations;
• providing resources and training for workplaces on developing environments that are inclusive, safe and
supportive of women, including a Bystander Program to equip people with knowledge about what to do when
someone known to them is experiencing violence or using violence against women; and
• working with the media on responsible reporting of violence against women and training survivors to be media and
public spokespeople.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
Immediate activity to support the three-year Action Plan to Address Violence against Women and Children includes:
• the establishment of a high level advisory group, comprising key sector experts in conjunction with key ministers
from the Victorian Government. Appropriate departmental and agency arrangements will support and complement
the Advisory Group; and
• leading the implementation of the Action Plan.
12. CITY OF WHITTLESEA
Council type: Interface
Position title: Health Promotion Officer
Elizabeth.Meade@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Contact name for any enquiries: Elizabeth Meade
Phone and / or email: 9217 2192;
DESCRIBE YOUR COUNCIL’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR
Internal
Whittlesea White Ribbon Action Team (WRAT) hosted the launch of the Staff Family Violence Workplace Support
Policy:
 Baseline Youth Services and Finance & Organisation Improvement Directorate “Men Bring A Plate” Morning
Tea. With one woman in three being potentially subjected to violence from men at some stage in their lives,
it is becoming more important for men to take a stand and reject all violent behaviour. This is a small way
for men in our Directorate to show their support for this cause (and show off their culinary skills at the same
time). The greatest thing about this event was that from conception to completion run by the men in these
Directorates on the WRAT.
 Epping Depot Bloke’s BBQ and Loudest Shout and all Staff White Ribbon Loudest Shout and Morning Tea,
Staff were asked to shout “NO!” to violence against women. ‘Friendly’ competition between Civic Centre
and Depot staff.
Regional
 City of Whittlesea hosted the Northern Region White Ribbon Leaders’ Event Tuesday 27 November 2012.
The Mayor, all Councillors, CEO and Directors together with key staff across six councils in the northern
region have been invited to attend. The theme this year is Local Government Promoting Gender Equity to
Prevent Violence against Women. Council plans and policies can prevent violence against women by creating
more equitable communities and ensuring women’s needs are considered in planning. This event will provide
tangible examples that councils can implement through core business to create more equitable communities
and prevent violence against women.
Event supported through MAV resources.
 Table discussions:
-City of Whittlesea commit to the development of a ‘leadership statement’ / strategy based on MAV’s
Statement and an action plan to accompany it.
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-Hume City Council are committing to look at focus groups to identify inequities in council polices.
-Victoria Police have a commitment to identify formal leaders within the community to encourage active
voices within community.
-Banyule City Council have committed to improving internal communications around their policy and to
spread the White Ribbon message throughout the year at events etc.
-Darebin City Council commit to embedding gender equity in their Council Plan and Municipal Health and
Wellbeing Plan.
-City of Whittlesea commit to developing a ‘working group’ to embed gender equity across the organisation
into Council core business, to identify areas to strengthen.
-Mayor’s table reported support for establishing Baby Makes 3 project in the region and identified a clear
link between this project and increased support for new parents leading to a reduced risk of VAW occurring.
-Moreland City Council committed to increasing their advocacy for a Baby Makes 3 project and engaging
with their M&CH nurses about opportunities to engage more fathers to be actively involved in early
parenthood.
-Moreland and Hume PSA’s talked about how to communicate to the community in the aftermath of highprofile deaths and attacks on women in the LGA and possibilities of how to encourage women to re-engage
in community life e.g. perhaps through a shared walking path, dedicated clubs or a night-club bus.
13. YARRA CITY COUNCIL
Council type: Metropolitan
Department: Community Planning Unit
Email: felicity.marlowe@yarracity.vic.gov.au
Contact name for any enquiries: Felicity Marlowe
Position Title: Women’s Health Planner
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
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Coordinated three White Ribbon Day Morning Tea for Yarra staff (internal).
Coordinated the sale of white ribbons across 13 Yarra City Council sites – libraries, leisure centres, etc.
Collaboration with Yarra Youth Services to provide activities to commemorate White Ribbon Day with young
people.
Member of Yarra Family Violence Network
Member of the Collingwood Housing Estate “Living in Harmony” Healthy Relationships community project
Reference Group.
Gender Equity Working Group continues to meet.
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT (200 words maximum)
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Continued work with the Gender Equity Working Group (internal) including discussion about Family Violence
provisions as part of the upcoming EBA negotiations.

International Women’s Day 2013 (internal and external activities)
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Reflection and review of PVAW and gender equity work across Council - in line with building capacity
suggestions made in the “Ten ways local government can advance gender equity) (internal)
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14. YMCA VICTORIA
Council: YMCA Victoria
Contact name for any enquiries: Scott Holmes
Position Title: Healthy Workplaces Senior Advisor
Council type: NA
Department: People and Culture
Email: scott.holmes@ymca.org.au
DESCRIBE RECENT ACTIVITY IN THE PVAW AND GENDER EQUITY SPACE
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Completion of staff and volunteer survey, with almost 1000 responses. Analysis of results almost complete.
Three YMCA Victoria Centres (Ashburton, Ascot Vale, and Wonthaggi) commenced as Project Pilot Sites using an
action-learning approach. Each Centre is taking responsibility for implementing local gender equity strategies.
Regular contributions to internal e-newsletters, including articles on unconscious bias and ‘househusbands’.
Endorsement of a Workplace Family Violence Assistance Policy, with related procedures in final consultation
phase.
Presentation on Project to Board
Presentations at YMCA Victoria Centres at Wodonga and Werribee
White Ribbon breakfast held at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, with nearly 50 staff in attendance, and Paul Zappa as
guest speaker and WR ambassador (photo attached)
WHAT IS PLANNED NEXT
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Completion of Discussion Paper on women’s representation and leadership in the workplace
Completion of first year progress report
Integration of project coordinator with induction process and other HR processes
Commencement of process to develop a whole or organisation gender equity policy
Continuing development of Pilot Site program
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