Champions of Change

The Prevention Team at FVREE have been working with Nadrasca to deliver ‘Champions of Change’ to people living with a disability. They have explored important topics including gender equity, respectful relationships, consent and bystander action. As part of this program, the participants collectively worked on various projects which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of promoting respectful relationships in their community, specifically in their workplace.

An event was hosted at Nadrasca to celebrate the achievements of the participants graduating as champions of the programs. They also showcased their projects:

• A brochure about the program, the outcomes and the topics
• a video about disrespectful behaviour vs respectful behaviour in the workplace
• Presentations about their learnings and experience engaging in the program

The event was attended by 45 people, including the Deputy Mayor of Whitehorse, Nadrasca and FVREE’s CEOs, members of the board from both organisations, and family and friends of the participants.

Reflections from the audience were that they felt inspired, encouraged and appreciated the opportunity to be involved in the Champions of Change program. All the projects were met with a round of applause from the audience, and recognition of the great work that has been occurring throughout the program.

The champions of the program reported an increase in their skills, confidence and knowledge on gender equity and family violence prevention as a result of the program. Reflections included:

• "I have really enjoyed Champions of Change. I have never been a part of anything like this before, and I love to be a part of it in the future."
• "I feel more confident to speak in front of others and to do public speaking."
• "I leant how to be an active bystander, the strategies to prevent arguments and what to do if you see something that worries you."

Website: FVREE