WRISC plans for the future

FUNDING: Anita Koelle, Julie McMahon, Kate Hearn and Libby Jewson discuss the future of WRISC Family Violence Support. Picture: Kate Healy.

 AN OVERWHELMING demand for services will see WRISC Family Violence Support launch into a push to obtain further government support. 

With a Royal Commission into Family Violence also set to put the issue firmly on the agenda, the organisation is turning to local politicians to ensure the organisation is front and centre for any funding opportunities. 

WRISC executive officer Libby Jewson said to deal with the current level of demand, the organisation needed additional support and a bigger premises. 

In a meeting with Ballarat MP Catherine King, Buninyong MP Geoff Howard, Wendouree MP Sharon Knight and Western Victorian MP Joshua Morris, Ms Jewson said the need for a bigger space to work in was one of the main talking points. 

"We are really happy they came and heard our story about which direction we want to go and how they came together as a bi-partisan approach to family violence and to support WRISC going forward," she said. 

Upon completion of the royal commission it is anticipated a series of recommendations will be put to government. 

"To be able to respond to the work we already have is the key thing and the anticipated outcomes of the royal commission where there will be an increase in awareness of family violence," she said. 

"We will be a key deliverer of those services in Ballarat and the Central Highlands region."

She also said aboriginal programs  and child counselling programs were two areas in particular that required a boost in support. 

"Our aboriginal program is small, but they are really overstretched and (staff) worry so much about how they are going to respond to the work that they have," she said. 

Ms King agreed with Ms Jewson saying local services were currently under enormous pressure. 

"In Bacchus Marsh alone it is estimated that available services could triple and would still not meet demand, and Ballarat centres are struggling with inadequate facilities," she said. 

Hearings for the commission are expected to recommence on August 3.

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