At the annual Pick Our Project event held at Oscar’s Bar and Café, members of the Ballarat Women’s Fund voted to award $30,000 to Project Sitara! Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council will deliver Project Sitara, an initiative supporting Indian women in Ballarat facing family violence.
The event was held just days before International Women’s Day, with passionate members and supporters committed to creating safer and more equitable Ballarat community for women.
This year’s shortlisted programs were all focused on making Ballarat a safer, more supportive place for women. We thank each of the representatives for presenting on the evening and congratulate all organisations for their worthy programs.
Ballarat Perinatal Educational Pilot Program – Helping new and expecting mothers, particularly in disadvantaged areas, access perinatal care.
Changing the Game – A Western Bulldogs Community Foundation initiative tackling gender-based violence through local football clubs.
Project Sitara – A BRMC-led program providing culturally tailored support for Indian women facing family violence.
Below: Shweta Dakin representing Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Hannah Singleton from Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and Judy Chu representing St John of God Foundation.
Family violence affects all communities, but culturally diverse women often face extra barriers to seeking help. Project Sitara will train 8-12 Indian women as Community Champions, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to support others and connect them to services. The initiative also includes workshops, awareness campaigns, and peer support to build stronger networks within the Indian community.
BRMC CEO Suzanne Ryan-Evers highlighted the importance of this work, “family violence isn’t worse in the Indian community, but Ballarat’s Indian population is growing quickly, and we need to make sure support is accessible. This grant will help us take practical steps to make a difference.”
Below: Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council representatives.
The event brought together Fund members and the local community dedicated to supporting programs that improve the lives of women. The Ballarat Women’s Fund allows members to have a direct say in where funding goes and can see the tangible impact of their contributions. Ballarat Foundation CEO, Andrew Eales, believes this model is creating lasting change, “this is more than just funding projects, it’s about building a movement. The more people who join, the bigger the impact we can make together.”
Thank you to all everyone who has become a part of the Ballarat Women’s Fund. We are stronger together, so please join the growing movement to support vulnerable women in Ballarat. Find out more information here.
