Respect Ballarat has three levels of governance to support decision-making, delivery, implementation, mobilisation and shared learning locally and statewide. All governance groups are guided by the overarching principles of Respect Ballarat, designed in collaboration with communities.
Respect Ballarat Local Advisory Group
This group has strategic oversight of Respect Ballarat and is responsible for:
- driving community uptake and embedding local leadership
- identifying project opportunities and risks and mitigations
- monitoring impact and evaluation across the life of the model to support iterations
- working on sustainability and systems change
- advocating for and representing the model across sectors and media.
The group is co-chaired by Respect Victoria and Women’s Health Grampians. Membership for the foundational model in 2025-26 will be drawn from local organisations. It includes two dedicated community positions for people with lived experience of gendered violence. Subscribe to the mailing list to be informed of expressions of interest for these positions.
Respect Ballarat Impact Group
The implementation group is comprised of on-the-ground local practitioners who are delivering prevention projects supported by or aligned to Respect Ballarat. They are responsible for:
- supporting the delivery of the model
- problem-solving and risk mitigation
- system and sector strengthening
- supporting capability-building
- reviewing design and project recommendations
- tracking interventions and activities
- leading or supporting communities of practice throughout the life of the work.
They may also provide project guidance and peer support. This group will be established following funding announcements in early 2026, with further information provided closer to the date.
Statewide Expert Advisory Group
The statewide expert advisory committee:
- shares learnings from the model across the state
- builds the profile of Respect Ballarat
- provides high-level independent prevention advice
- ensures alignment with statewide prevention strategy, evidence and policy
- builds the evidence base for the model
- supports knowledge translation for replication in other communities.
The group meets quarterly and is chaired by Respect Victoria. Membership will be drawn from organisations and stakeholders leading prevention and early intervention work across the state.
Respect Victoria’s role in governance
Respect Victoria will establish the three governance groups with support from local organisations and key stakeholders. We will also provide learnings and insight to and seek advice from:
- the Family Violence Reform Policy Steering Committee
- the Central Highlands Local Site Executive (LSEC) Committee
- the Prevention Sector Statewide Alliance
- the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
- local Members of Parliament
- the Ballarat Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE) Alliance led by Women’s Health Grampians.
This supports a systems-level approach, ensuring the sharing of promising practice, and building on evidence for the model.