Featured
Our 2023-24 Annual Report
This year marks the 30th anniversary year of our organisation. Formerly EDVOS, we formed in 1994 as an amalgamation of two smaller organisations being, Outer East Domestic Violence Service and Inner East Women’s Service, operating from one small residential home in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Now, thirty years later we are enormously proud of our organisation and the incredible work of our staff. Day in and day out we work to achieve our vision of a community free from family violence, where everyone is safe. However the rates of family violence, family violence related homicide and broader gender-based abuse, and inequity continues at unacceptable and galling rates.
Our work is complex, and family violence remains a real and pressing issue for Australian society. Our Annual Report demonstrates and brings to life the examples of our work as a leader in intersectional feminism prevention, early intervention, response and recovery. How we are focussing on our commitment to involving people with lived experience in our design, planning and services is exciting and evolving
We have achieved much over the course of the past twelve months, which includes but is not limited to:
- Relocating and bringing together staff who were working across two locations in Ringwood
- Celebrating the first anniversary of our Orange Door operations at our Access Point in Belgrave and improving our performance and impact across all Orange Door operations, our case management and recovery supports
- Reconciliation Australia endorsement of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan as well as launch event
- Continuing to invest and improve inclusion, cultural safety and accessibility through our work across Practice Leads including the establishment of our therapeutic focus on children and young people, Disability Action planning and LGBTIQA+ and establishment of our Therapeutic team, Rainbow Tick Reaccreditation
- Lived experience (including the development of our Lived Experience Partnership Framework)
- Exploring our future focus and investment in prevention and education, including our deeply valued partnership with YSL Beauty.
- Transitioned from an Association to Company Limited by Guarantee
- Continuing to foster and deepen our commitment to partnering and learning from others who may challenge our views and ways of working and thinking
- Rolled out our new human resources and financial systems to boost our capability and sophistication
We have experienced year-on-year growth in recent times and continue to focus on sustainability and retaining our engaged, professional and diverse workforce. Our people are the heart of our organisation and we will continue to invest in their wellbeing and development, while embedding an intersectional approach in all our work.
Chris: On a personal note as CEO finishing up in January after almost five years, I would simply like to say thank you and note that people are our super power and the basis of all that we have achieved and do day in day out to achieve our vision. I have learnt much, been surprised by the prevalence and impact of family violence in the community but at the same time inspired and proud of the amazing work our Leadership Team and staff do to make a real difference. To our partners, funders and allies I sincerely thank you for your support and guidance.
Sandie: Finally as Chair, I note Chris leaves the CEO role of FVREE with our deepest gratitude and admiration. While our soul and commitment remain the same, Chris’ exceptional leadership has transformed and significantly increased our capability, connections and reach and built an organization with the culture, systems and processes for us to thrive in the future.
