Bass Coast councillors will lobby for more resources to tackle family violence in Bass Coast.
THE council will lobby the state government for more police resources and funding to tackle family violence in Bass Coast following the murder of Samantha Fraser in Cowes in July.
At Wednesday’s council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support the Change for Sam Strategy, devised by Ms Fraser’s friends and associates in collaboration with local service providers.
At Wednesday’s council meeting, councillors voted unanimously to support the Change for Sam Strategy, devised by Ms Fraser’s friends and associates in collaboration with local service providers.
The council will lobby the State Government for an increase of $600,000 in recurring funding to organisations such as Bass Coast Health, SalvoCare and Gippsland Women’s Health to support family violence programs and support services.
Mayor Pamela Rothfield, who put forward the notice of motion, said the Phillip Island community was deeply affected by Sam’s death and the strategy would help to prevent family violence occurring in the future.
“There are two reported family violence incidents per day in Bass Coast and while there are a number of agencies and government organisations working to respond to these reports, their resources are stretched.”
Cr Rothfield said the goals of Change for Sam include improving current services and resources to better respond to incidences of family violence in Bass Coast.
The Strategy comprises four key tiers – prevention; service response; system coordination and alignment; and practical support – that align with the Victorian Government’s Free from Violence Strategy.
Councillors also unanimously supported a motion calling for an increase in police resources in Bass Coast to help reduce family violence and support the victims.
Mayor Pamela Rothfield, who put forward the notice of motion, said the Phillip Island community was deeply affected by Sam’s death and the strategy would help to prevent family violence occurring in the future.
“There are two reported family violence incidents per day in Bass Coast and while there are a number of agencies and government organisations working to respond to these reports, their resources are stretched.”
Cr Rothfield said the goals of Change for Sam include improving current services and resources to better respond to incidences of family violence in Bass Coast.
The Strategy comprises four key tiers – prevention; service response; system coordination and alignment; and practical support – that align with the Victorian Government’s Free from Violence Strategy.
Councillors also unanimously supported a motion calling for an increase in police resources in Bass Coast to help reduce family violence and support the victims.