New Funding For NSW Grassroots Orgs To Help Prevent Domestic & Family Violence

The Minns Government has announced they will be providing funding to more than 20 grassroots organisations across NSW through the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, aimed at preventing domestic and family violence.

The program will run from 25 November to December each year, raising awareness about the primary prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence through community-based activities within local community organisations.

Each selected project was carefully assessed against the program guidelines, with grants ranging between $2,500 and $5,000 to support the delivery of local, community-led initiatives.

Recipients include Aboriginal organisations, neighbourhood centres, outreach programs, and women and family support services such as Barnardos Australia, Blue Mountains Women’s Health & Resource Centre, Brungle/Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council, Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre, Kempsey Families Inc., and Lithgow Community Projects.

“Domestic and family violence is unacceptable, and we are working with local communities to end violence in our state,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison.

Highlighting the importance of local action, the NSW Government is focused on stopping violence before it starts and aims to shift attitudes and behaviours that normalise abuse in the spaces where we live, study, work, play and socialise.

The figures underscore the need for early intervention and community-led prevention. Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows women account for about three in five domestic assault victim-survivors in NSW, and Aboriginal women are around eight times more likely to be recorded as victim-survivors than non-Aboriginal women. 

“Local organisations know what works in their communities, and we are empowering them to take meaningful local action to stop violence before it starts,” Harrison said. “These projects reflect our community’s commitment to challenge violent behaviours and change the story for many women and families — to one where violence does not exist,” Harrison said.

To maximise community reach, activities will include digital campaigns, training sessions, community forums and marches, outreach programs, art and storytelling projects, events promoting positive masculinity and challenging gender bias, and more.

This initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle domestic and family violence through stronger victim support, bail reform, early intervention, and greater accountability for offenders. It aligns with the Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024–2028, strategy, which outlines a long-term, community-wide plan to address the root causes of gender-based violence.

Erin Ellery, DFV Coordinator at Lithgow Community Projects and co-chair of Lithgow Cares, said, “The grant enables us to deliver The Flourish Journey information sessions to young women across all three high schools in Lithgow.” She added, “By providing a safe and engaging space for young women to explore self-worth, healthy relationships and personal agency, we will reinforce positive behaviours and social norms that reject violence.”

You can find the full list of successful recipients here.