The NSW Government has announced a significant investment of $1 million to Local Government NSW, aiming to empower councils and communities across the state, in the crucial fight against domestic and family violence.

The funding forms part of the government's broader $38.3 million 'Pathways to Prevention' program, which marks NSW's first dedicated primary prevention strategy for domestic, family, and sexual violence. 

The NSW Government says the initiative recognises the vital role local councils play as key connectors within their communities, often linking with local organisations and support services for domestic and family violence. 

"We know that domestic, family and sexual violence is preventable – and primary prevention is about stopping it before it starts,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison. 

“We want to work with local communities on the ground to change the underlying beliefs and cultures across our society that have tolerated – and even condoned – violence against women and children. 

“We can’t do this alone. We need councils – and the communities they represent – to help.”

The funding will enable Local Government NSW to implement several key initiatives:

• Employ a Domestic and Family Violence Primary Prevention Officer to coordinate prevention activities with local councils, communities, and non-government organisations, boosting community awareness and understanding.
• Develop a comprehensive guide to assist councils in delivering localised primary prevention initiatives, including action planning templates and prioritisation tools.
• Provide unconscious bias training, gender equality initiatives, and resources to enhance awareness and understanding of primary prevention across all local councils in NSW.

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, highlighted the collaborative nature of this challenge. "Eliminating domestic and family violence is a complex challenge that requires the whole of government and the whole of community to work together to achieve this goal,” he stated. 

“As the closest level of government to communities, councils can play an important role in preventing gendered violence and help build a society that promotes gender equality, healthy relationships and is free from violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin echoed these sentiments, emphasising the unique position of local councils to drive lasting change. 

“By harnessing local knowledge and networks, primary prevention initiatives can play a critical role in fostering attitudes and behaviours that result in safer communities,” Dr Tonkin said. 

“I’m pleased to see that local primary prevention initiatives will be supported through the partnership announced with Local Government NSW.”