Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Project
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), in partnership with the Queensland Government and the Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Council, is supporting councils across the state to play a practical and valued role in DFV prevention. Since 2020, this work has focused on raising awareness, strengthening capability within the local government workforce, and fostering collaboration across the sector.
Collaboration Opportunities
The LGAQ coordinate, implement and support councils to connect with the DFV Council Champions Network, other key stakeholder groups and individuals to build capacity through the sharing of ideas and practices to mature local governments' response to domestic and family violence.
Additionally, council officers are invited to join the LGAQ DFV Prevention Community of Interest Group.
Local Government Resources
The LGAQ is leading the development of practical, evidence-based resources to support councils in strengthening their role in domestic and family violence (DFV) prevention. Central to this work is the Queensland community needs analysis for domestic and family violence prevention: A local government perspective, which identifies priority opportunities for action and reflects the diverse needs, capabilities and contexts of councils across Queensland.
Local Government Toolkit
In response to this evidence, the LGAQ in partnership with WorkHaven has developed a Local Government Domestic and Family Violence Toolkit to support councils across Queensland in implementing an effective approach to DFV to enable broader awareness and to provide support to employees who may be affected. It provides practical guidance on how to use the suite of templates included in this toolkit and offers directions for tailoring them to meet your council's specific needs.
This toolkit offers a wide range of resources to enable councils to select the most relevant and appropriate options for their organisation. It can help councils implement, update, or evolve their current DFV policies, resources, and activities. Each resource is accompanied by guidance notes to support councils in tailoring content to their unique organisational context.
Stronger Relationships Stronger Communities Communications Toolkit
In partnership with Articulous, the LGAQ has also developed a communication resource package for councils who wish to, can leverage to raise awareness within their communities.
Capacity Building
The LGAQ is working in partnership with Challenge DV to deliver targeted training that builds the capability of local governments to contribute to DFV prevention. These sessions are specifically tailored to the local government context, recognising the unique role councils play as community leaders, employers and partners within broader prevention systems.
The training supports council staff and elected members to build understanding of DFV, strengthen confidence to take informed and appropriate action, and identify practical ways to embed prevention into their policies, programs and day-to-day operations. This includes guidance on fostering safe workplaces, supporting respectful community conversations, and working collaboratively with local service providers and stakeholders.
Awareness
Building awareness of DFV is an important part of prevention, and requires meaningful engagement with specialist expertise. The LGAQ supports councils by connecting them with trusted industry experts who can provide guidance and share knowledge that is appropriate, culturally aware and responsive to local community needs.
Statewide Awareness Initiatives
Through the program, councils are encouraged to participate in recognised national and state awareness initiatives, helping to promote respectful conversations and community understanding. This includes activities such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Queensland DFV Prevention Month, alongside sector-led initiatives that recognise leadership and raise visibility.
Alison Woolla Award
The Alison Woolla Award recognises outstanding leadership and commitment to DFV prevention within Queensland’s local government sector. Presented annually, the award highlights individuals and councils who are making a meaningful contribution to safer, more respectful communities.
Named in honour of Alison Woolla’s significant contribution to DFV prevention, the award celebrates leadership that drives awareness, fosters collaboration and supports lasting change at the local level.
Together, these efforts contribute to a coordinated approach to awareness, supporting councils as partners in broader prevention efforts.