Push for challenge program funds

Key players in the Challenge Family Violence program. Foreground from left: Caroline Bell, manager Community Safety, City of Casey; Michelle Smith, City of Greater Dandenong; Janelle Dymock and Kim Cater, City of Casey. Background from left: John Bennie, CEO City of Greater Dandenong; Workinea Dinsa, Oromo Community; Jacques Boulet, Kristen Sheridan, Borderlands Cooperative; Cr Leticia Wilmot, Cardinia Shire Council; Cr Mick Morland, City of Casey; Cr Graeme Moore, Cardinia Shire Council; Tony Fitzgerald, Outlook. Rear: Jim Reiher, Challenge mentor; Marama Kufi, Monash Health and Frank Cresia, Waverly Industries. 147237

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

CASEY Council will call on the State Government to provide interim funding for the Challenge Family Violence program, with the royal commission findings delayed until the end of March.
Community providers have been told they must wait for news on funding until the Royal Commission into Family Violence releases its findings, which now won’t be until 29 March after the commission was granted a one-month extension in December.
But in a notice of motion carried last week, Cr Amanda Stapledon urged Casey Council to write to the Andrews Government, seeking interim funding for the challenge program, which dried up in November.
The future of the Challenge Family Violence program – which ran for three years and engaged community leaders across Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong – is still up in the air.
“What we’re saying is family violence hasn’t stopped. Can we have some funding until such time as the royal commission has made its decision?” Cr Stapledon told Star News.
“We’re asking for support in the interim until the findings have been released.
“This was a really effective program that helped educate and support people in this area, it was a unified approach we had to addressing issues in the three municipalities.
“Without the funding, families are left unsupported and more vulnerable.”
Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson said the government was directing an $81.3 million package to ensure “those impacted by harm are supported.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is fixing Victoria’s broken system and doing more to keep those who suffer from family violence safe,” she said.
“With the Royal Commission into Family Violence well underway, we are directing our $81.3 million package to ensure those impacted by this harm are supported.
“The royal commission will consider the importance of preventative responses in its recommendations that are to be delivered on 29 March.”
Shadow Minister for Police Edward O’Donohue has criticised the government’s decision to scrap the funding, saying there was “no excuse” to halt the funding at this time.
If you need help, contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188, or via www.safesteps.org.au.