The Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West Inc., Australia, strengthened local advocacy efforts during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by joining a community working group focused on sustained action beyond the annual campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism Working Group—comprising local service providers and a representative from Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West Inc—identified the growing need for continuous advocacy to support victim-survivors and frontline services year-round. As a result, the group successfully engaged the Mayor and Councillors of Hobsons Bay in a round-table discussion, where participants outlined the increasing demand for appropriate, well-resourced support services in the community.

Although not in service provision, the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West Inc contributed its advocacy expertise and project experience to the discussion, underscoring the value of civil-society leadership in shaping policy responses. The working group’s next step is to document emerging and less visible forms of gender-based violence—including coercive control, gambling-related harm, housing insecurity and financial abuse—to encourage Council to prioritise prevention and support measures in future planning.

To further elevate local concerns, the working group and Council jointly sent a letter to Members of Parliament highlighting the specific challenges facing the Hobsons Bay community.