Zero Domestic & Family Violence
Featured Project
Zero DFV Illawarra
Together, we can end domestic and family violence.
Zero DFV is a community-led initiative working to prevent and reduce domestic and family violence through education, awareness, collaboration and cultural change. Founded by Kirrily Dear of Run Against Violence, it brings together councils, police, businesses, schools, sporting groups and community leaders.
Across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama, Rotary is helping bring Zero DFV to the Illawarra, starting with the networks, organisations and leaders who can make change happen.
Our 5-Year Roadmap
Zero DFV Illawarra unfolds in three phases, each delivered by a dedicated squad.
Phase 1 · Amplifier Squad
Engaging Hearts & Minds
Year 1: Strategic stakeholder onboarding
Year 2: Community education
Years 3–5: Sharing success stories
Phase 2 · Expert Squad
Zero DFV Planning
Year 2: Community input, prioritising gaps and developing the Navbook
Years 3–5: Annual strategic review
Phase 3 · Project Squad
Delivering Solutions
Years 3–5: Negotiating solutions
Years 3–5: Supporting and tracking progress
Year One Objectives (2026–27)
Year One is about bringing stakeholders on board and building the foundations to sustain the initiative.
Objective 1
Engage organisational networks across the Illawarra
What we'll do
Meet with key networks such as business chambers, community groups and industry associations
Deliver briefing sessions across the region together
How we'll know
A broad cross-section of stakeholders at our briefing sessions
Relationships with networks that reach every part of the Illawarra
Objective 2
Build a register of support offered by organisations & Individuals
What we'll do
Document offers of support and organisational/ individuals pledges
List participating organisations/individuals on this page
Identify funding for 2027–28
How we'll know
A diverse range of resources offered
A strong cross-section of participating organisations/individuals
Funding identified for the 2027–28 workplan
Objective 3
Establish the program’s infrastructure
What we'll do
Form a local governance committee
Launch this web page with briefing information
Start a newsletter and project management tools
Update the Zero DFV Companion Guide for the Illawarra
How we'll know
Effective project management and communication routines in place
Year One at a Glance
November 2026
Get the foundations in place
Governance group formed, planning tools set up, this web page and the newsletter launched, and community networks mapped.
February 2027
Start connecting
Monthly newsletter begins and we start meeting local networks, leaders and decision makers across sport, schools, business, health, faith, community groups and local government.
March 2027
Build awareness and bring people together
Two face-to-face community briefings and four online briefing sessions, plus an updated Zero DFV Companion Guide.
April 2027
Move from interest to action
Working with organisations to shape practical Zero DFV commitments and documenting their pledges.
May 2027
Grow the commitment
Finalising commitments and building the register of what local organisations are doing to support Zero DFV.
June 2027
Consolidate and prepare
Up to 10 organisational pledges finalised, gaps in community reach identified and funding confirmed for 2027–28.
August 2027
Prepare for the next stage
Reviewing progress, strengthening partnerships and planning community education campaigns.
Get Involved
Ending domestic and family violence takes all of us. Whether you represent a business, school, sporting club, faith group or community organisation, there’s a role for you.
Attend a briefing
Join one of our face-to-face or online briefing sessions from March 2027 to learn how Zero DFV works.
Make a pledge
Tell us what your organisation can offer and become a participating organisation.
Stay in touch
Subscribe to the monthly Zero DFV Illawarra newsletter, starting February 2027.
Spread the word
Share Zero DFV with your workplace, sporting club, school or community group.
Contact us
To book a briefing, make a pledge or join the newsletter, contact Julie Collareda, Rotary Club of Dapto.