1. ZONTA CLUB of MELBOURNE’S EAST Inc. presents
A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Family Violence
Changing Attitudes, Changing Behaviour

2. Project Rationale
The project was ZCME’s response to the growing awareness of family violence as a major social issue
Family violence is now recognised at all levels of government, and in the community, as being of critical concern
There is a need to focus on developing strategies for prevention of family violence
The project fulfils Zonta International and ZCME’s aim of “improving the status of women through Service and Advocacy”

3. Project Aims
To further the recent community conversation about family violence thus contributing to a better informed society
To heighten awareness of attitudinal change strategies for preventing family violence
To raise funding for organisations working with people affected by family violence
To raise the profile of the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s East as a community service and advocacy group

4. The Community Conversation Event
Venue: Hotel Bruce County
Date: Thursday 26th May 2016
Time: 6.30pm-9.45pm
Food: Light refreshments provided
Cost: $25.00

5. Our Target Audience Interested members of the public
Community Groups working in the area of domestic violence
Victims and their families
Other Zonta Clubs

7. Community Advertising
Flyers were displayed in the Monash and surrounding areas: and on a real estate sponsored board near the venue.

8. Evening’s Participants
Chairperson
Erica Majba, Zonta International District 23 Governor
Keynote Speakers and Panel Members
Dean Mc Whirter, Assistant Commissioner, Family Violence Command, Victoria Police
Helen Kroger, former Victorian Senator, committed to the issue of abuse against women and children
Discussion Panel
Alex Mills – Opening Doors Coordinator, LINK
Kristine Olaris – CEO, Women’s Health East
Nga Hosking –Monash City Councillor

9. Assistant Commissioner Dean McWhirter, a 35 year force member, heads Australia’s first Family Violence Police Command. Dean works with agencies which support victims of family violence, and ensures perpetrators are held accountable.
Helen Kroger, in 2008, was a founding member of Parliamentarians Against Child Abuse and Neglect which advocated zero tolerance of all forms of discrimination and abuse against women and children.

10. From left to right - Chairperson and ZI District 23 Governor, Erica Majba; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dean Mc Whirter; President ZCME, Di Hillman; and Alex Mills LINK Health & Community.

11. On the Evening
Excellent speakers outlining the problems and how attitudes and behaviours can be changed for a positive outcome
Panel discussion very informative with good balance of male and female issues
Wide variety of questions put to the Panel
Very focused discussions between attendees during the breaks and afterwards
Information table displaying literature from relevant support services and organisations.

12. Outcomes of the Event
Greater awareness of the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s East in the Community
Renewed and strengthened alliances between ZCME and family violence support organisations eg. Cara Inc.
Facilitated new relationships with organisations eg. Women’s Health East
Helped club members to more deeply appreciate the purpose of ZCME