September 3rd, 2025Students equipped with tools for healthy relationships

Every school in Ballarat is equipping students with the tools they need to build healthy and respectful relationships grounded in equality.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll recently visited Ballarat High School to announce that all government, Catholic and independent schools in the region are now signed up to the Government’s Respectful Relationships program.

This milestone makes Ballarat the first major regional centre to have 100 per cent uptake of the program in schools. It forms a crucial part of the state government’s world-leading ‘saturation model’ being rolled out in Ballarat – which brings together all parts of the community in a coordinated effort to prevent family violence.

These schools join more than 2,000 Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools across the state signed up to the program – to help embed a culture of respect and gender equality across their entire school community.

Schools are supported with startup funding, assistance implementing the initiative into their curriculum, classroom resources and training for teachers.

A recent Respectful Relationships evaluation found that the program significantly improved social and emotional skills. Students reported having a better understanding of their feelings and emotions, were more able to cope with challenges and could express their needs more clearly.

For more information on the Respectful Relationships program visit www.vic.gov.au/respectful-relationships.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll said Victoria was leading the nation through our Respectful Relationships initiative, which is supporting schools to embed a culture of respect and equality across their entire school community.

“This program is part of a broader community effort to prevent family violence – and I commend schools in Ballarat for playing a key role in this nation-leading change that’s fostering respect and gender equality.”