Project Sitara: Building Pathways to Safety

BRMC has been supporting multicultural communities in Ballarat for more than 25 years, helping families to settle, thrive and build safe lives. Over time, its work has increasingly focused on family and sexual violence, recognising that safety and dignity are central to every family’s wellbeing.

Family violence affects people from all backgrounds, but women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities often face additional barriers to seeking help. Language, stigma, isolation and cultural pressures can make it harder to find support when it’s needed most. Project Sitara is responding to this challenge by providing culturally tailored support for Ballarat’s growing Indian community.

The project will train 8–12 Indian women as Community Champions, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support others and connect them to services. Many of these women are already informal leaders in their networks. Through training and ongoing support, they will be able to play an even stronger role in helping others find safety and dignity.

“For many women, the first step is simply having someone in their own community they can trust and confide in.” – Suzanne Ryan-Evers, CEO BRMC

The initiative is beginning with the Hindi-speaking community, not because there are higher levels of violence, but because of strong connections through a partner organisation. The long-term vision is to expand and adapt the model for other multicultural groups across the region.

Momentum is already building. An MOU has been signed with the partner organisation, a skilled team has been established, and 13 women from Hindi-speaking backgrounds (India, Pakistan and Nepal) have already joined the project. Workshops begin in September and October, focusing on leadership skills, training and ongoing communities of practice. As Suzanne explained, the goal is not just to train leaders, but to ensure these women have the support and tools they need to sustain the role and create long-lasting impact.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive and full of gratitude. Women welcomed the program not because family violence is more prevalent in their community, but because trusted cultural connections and leadership are vital to breaking isolation and stigma.

“This project is about strengthening networks and trust – building the knowledge and tools so women can be safely guided to support.” – Suzanne Ryan-Evers, CEO BRMC

Finally, Suzanne gave heartfelt thanks to the Ballarat Women’s Fund and its donors for voting to fund the project earlier in the year. Their support has made it possible to begin this important work, with a commitment to return in future to share results and achievements from the women involved.

Project Sitara is a shining example of how collective giving through the Ballarat Women’s Fund is driving real change. By voting to support this project, donors are helping to build stronger, culturally specific pathways to safety for women in our region.

Together, we are creating a future where every woman in Ballarat can live free from violence, with the dignity, safety and support she deserves.