General News
5 June, 2025
Celebration as Respect 2040 marks one year
A RENEWED and rapidly expanding regional partnership in the south west to prevent violence against women is celebrating its one-year anniversary.
The Respect 2040 partnership, a ground-breaking regional initiative to stop violence against women, is celebrating its first anniversary as a region-wide partnership with strong momentum and significant growth.
The partnership has more than doubled in size in the past year and now includes 38 partner and supporter organisations from across the Barwon South West region, spanning local government, education, health care, water authority, and the sporting sector.
Led by Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West (WHWBSW), the Respect 2040 partnership is committed to advancing gender equality and creating a community where everyone – regardless of gender – is safe and treated with respect.
“A year ago, Respect 2040 members committed to a bold and ambitious plan for change across the Barwon South West and it’s a testament to the enduring commitment of our partners that we are not only driving change, but that the partnership has grown so significantly,” WHWBSW chief executive officer Jodie Hill said.
“This kind of collaboration is essential for us to succeed at making lasting change.
“The growth of this partnership shows that there is both a need, and a willingness, to make change.
“We’re seeing organisations step up, take ownership, and actively contribute to a future where equality and respect are the standard – not the exception.”
Respect 2040 partners have implemented initiatives including staff training, improving recruitment practices and addressing organisational policies WHICH limit women’s full participation in the workforce.
Moyne Shire Council is a proud partner of the initiative and Moyne Shire mayor councillor Karen Foster said Respect 2040 directly aligned with council’s community vision.
“Our engagement with Respect 2040 directly supports the objectives of our Council Plan, Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan and Gender Equality Action Plan, reinforcing our leadership in promoting a safe, respectful and inclusive community,” she said.
Respect 2040’s approach aligns with the national framework for primary prevention of violence against women.
It recognises violence is preventable and is rooted in gender inequality.
The partners work to a shared vision – a Barwon South West region where women and girls are free from violence and able to thrive.
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