Primary prevention communities of practice
Expressions of Interest for Safe and Equal’s 2026/2027 Communities of Practice are now open, closing 27 July 2026.
Communities of Practice are a highly valued approach for strengthening the capability, confidence and wellbeing of practitioners working in primary prevention. Safe and Equal’s Communities of Practice provide a collaborative learning environment where practitioners come together to reflect on opportunities and challenges, deepen their practice and strengthen capability, connections and impact across the prevention workforce. Grounded in the principles of shared and relational learning, our Communities of Practice center reflection, dialogue and peer collaboration to support practitioners to learn with and from one another.
Our Communities of Practice are intentionally designed spaces for practitioners to exchange knowledge, ideas and resources, and to build meaningful professional relationships. Drawing on Safe and Equal’s Learning Together resource, the model emphasises peer learning, collective problem-solving and reflexive practice, supported by skilled facilitation. This creates opportunities not only for practical skill development, but also for deeper insight, personal growth and sustained practice change.
Our Communities of Practice also support practitioners to engage with key primary prevention concepts and challenges. Topics explored may include working in partnerships, navigating systems change, responding to resistance and backlash, and engaging men and masculinities in prevention work. The themes discussed are defined by the group.
In 2026–2027, we are offering five free Communities of Practice for primarily Victorian-based practitioners. Interstate and international practitioners are welcome to apply, however priority will be given to those based in Victoria. Expressions of Interest close 27 July 2026.
Each Community of Practice includes up to 25 participants and is delivered over eight monthly sessions. Sessions will run from August 2026 to May 2027, with a break over the summer period. Communities of Practice are primarily delivered online, with some opportunities for hybrid sessions in Naarm (Melbourne). Please see below for further information about the Communities of Practice on offer for 2026/2027 and for information about the selection process.
We know that practitioner time is precious and finding time in your schedule for reflective practice and professional development can be challenging. If you need to provide information to your organisation or management to participate in a Community of Practice, please feel free to download our Communities of Practice Information Sheet for organisations here, and send it to your manager. It contains information relating to our Communities of Practice model, the benefit of attendance for practitioners, and for their organisations more broadly.
Communities of Practice
Emerging Practitioners Community of Practice
Joining the primary prevention workforce is an exciting opportunity that opens the door to a whole new world of practice, with opportunities to explore diverse theories and frameworks, build relationships with colleagues across a wide range of settings and pick up plenty of new terminology along the way! It’s essential that emerging practitioners feel supported and connected in their work and are given a space to test new ideas and ways of thinking.
This Community of Practice provides a unique opportunity for emerging practitioners, who are learning and growing in their roles, to reinforce the foundations of prevention practice. In a professionally facilitated environment, this Community of Practice provides opportunities to share knowledge and work through challenges and opportunities that arise in early career development.
Participation in this community will build confidence and support key knowledge and skill translation for effectively participating and contributing to the primary prevention sector.
Dates for this Community of Practice are:
Thursdays 1 – 3pm
- 27 August 2026
- 17 September 2026
- 22 October 2026
- 19 November 2026
- 4 February 2027
- 25 February 2027
- 18 March 2027
- 15 April 2027
Respectful Relationships Education and Working with Children and Young People Community of Practice
School-based and community prevention programs offer children and young people the opportunity to explore and learn about consent, relationships and gender equality. Embedding cultures of respect and equality in the places and spaces where children and young people live, learn, rest and play is essential for the wellbeing of children and young people now and into the future.
Programs such Respect Relationships Education (RRE) and community-based programs working with children and young people alongside schools and the delivery of RRE, are key primary prevention initiatives in Victoria. It is crucial that the workforce behind these initiatives is given opportunities to connect, share wisdom and discover new and exciting ways to transform their work.
Join Safe and Equal’s RRE and Working with Children and Young People Community of Practice to exchange knowledge, resources and ideas and extend your connections with those working in primary prevention in education and early childhood settings.
Dates for this Community of Practice are:
Thursdays 10am – 12pm
- 20 August 2026
- 17 September 2026
- 22 October 2026
- 19 November 2026
- 4 February 2027
- 25 February 2027
- 18 March 2027
- 15 April 2027
Regional and Remote Practitioners Community of Practice
Practitioners in regional and remote communities bring deep expertise in relationship building, navigating resistance, and translating evidence into meaningful action. This work often takes place in complex environments that are close to home, including responding to the impacts of disaster and recovery.
This Community of Practice is designed specifically for practitioners working in rural and remote settings. It provides a dedicated space to connect with peers, share context-specific insights and learn from others who understand the realities of community based rural and remote prevention work.
Through facilitated peer learning, participants will reflect on practice, explore shared challenges and identify opportunities unique to their context. This Communities of Practice supports practitioners to build confidence, establish meaningful networks and enhance the impact of prevention efforts across regional and remote Victoria.
While rurally based practitioners are welcome to apply for any of our Communities of Practice, this group offers a unique opportunity to focus on the distinct strengths and complexities of rural and remote practice.
Dates for this Community of Practice are:
Tuesdays 1 – 3pm
- 25 August 2026
- 15 September 2026
- 13 October 2026
- 10 November 2026
- 2 February 2027
- 2 March 2027
- 23 March 2027
- 20 April 2027
Advancing Prevention Practice Community of Practice (formerly referred to as Mid-Senior)
This Community of Practice (formerly referred to as Mid-Senior) offers a unique opportunity for experienced prevention practitioners to deepen their expertise, expand their networks and strengthen both practice and leadership capabilities. Designed for those established in their careers, it provides a supportive space to engage with peers, exchange knowledge and reflect on emerging challenges and opportunities.
Through shared learning and collaborative problem-solving, participants will explore how to strengthen their prevention practice, influence organisational and systems change and embed evidence-informed approaches. This Communities of Practice also creates space to reflect on leadership in practice, including interrogating power, privilege and responsibility of management and organisational influence.
Participants will unpack their role in building skills to support staff, foster positive team cultures and refine their leadership approach to drive impactful, sustainable prevention initiatives.
Dates for this Community of Practice are:
Wednesdays 10am – 12pm
- 26 August 2026
- 16 September 2026
- 21 October 2026
- 11 November 2026
- 3 February 2027
- 3 March 2027
- 24 March 2027
- 21 April 2027
Preventing Violence Through Sport Community of Practice
Sport plays a powerful role in shaping community attitudes, behaviours and culture, from elite competitions to local clubs. These settings offer a unique opportunity to promote gender equity and prevent family and gender-based violence.
This Community of Practice brings together practitioners from professional and community sport, alongside related sectors, to strengthen prevention efforts across sporting contexts. Through a facilitated peer learning environment, participants will share knowledge, explore challenges and opportunities and build their confidence to support meaningful change. The Communities of Practice creates space to reflect on practice, exchange ideas and consider a whole-of-sport approach that embeds prevention into policies, programs and culture.
Participation will support practitioners to develop practical skills, deepen their understanding and build strong connections with others committed to driving lasting, positive change through sport.
Dates for this Community of Practice are:
Tuesdays 10am – 12pm
- 25 August 2026
- 15 September 2026
- 13 October 2026
- 10 November 2026
- 2 February 2027
- 2 March 2027
- 23 March 2027
- 20 April 2027
Participant selection criteria
We take the selection and review of Expressions of Interest for our Communities of Practice seriously and with the utmost care. We are committed to building inclusive Communities of Practice that enable participation from a diversity of organisations and people interested in spaces for reflective practice. To help create a meaningful and engaging learning experience, we encourage you to apply if you’re able to actively contribute and commit to attending the sessions.
Applications are assessed based on several factors including:
- An applicant ranking based on their responses to the EOI questions. Selection is based on a rating system that considers both relevance to the Communities of Practice and representation across diverse sectors, settings and communities.
- We proritise Victorian-based primary prevention practitioners, especially those working directly in prevention or in intersecting fields. While applicants from response sectors will be considered, they must clearly demonstrate how their work aligns with prevention activities.
- Preference is given to those who identify with priority cohorts; strong alignment with the group’s focus is essential.
- Final selection also considers group cohesion and balance across sectors, organisations and regions.
- Incomplete applications will be deprioritised.
- Applicants must be able to commit to attending at least six of the eight sessions and have the support of their organisation or manager to participate. Participation is tied to the individual, so participants are welcome to engage through the Communities of Practice if they change roles or organisations.
Whilst our Communities of Practice model encourages learning and sharing across the prevention sector and encourages participants to share about their work in prevention, the main purpose of attending a Communities of Practice should not be for self-promotion or for the purposes of income or visibility. We acknowledge this as a grey area and ask that applicants review our Learning Together resource to understand the operational model for delivery and participation expectations.
What practitioners have to say and what we are learning through Communities of Practice
Over time, Communities of Practice for primary prevention practitioners have become a highly valued offering from Safe and Equal. Practitioners consistently highlight the importance of connecting with peers and expanding their networks to increase visibility of the diverse work happening across prevention. These connections are essential, not only for sharing knowledge and learning, but also for supporting wellbeing. Working in social change can be challenging and isolation and burnout are common.
Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation of Communities of Practice, we understand that:
- Participants find the format and themes covered are engaging and relevant to their work.
- Communities of Practice provide participants with new ideas, resources, and knowledge that support their practice.
- Communities of Practice create an environment of support, leading to reduced isolation and creating opportunities for connection in a sector where people are often working in isolated roles.
- Practitioners feel supported to problem solve and identify opportunities as they emerge through their work.
Some reflections from past participants about their experiences include:
“It was nice to take some time out to discuss important topics, at times we can get so busy with everything so it's nice to focus and look at what else we can do as an organisation. There was so much knowledge and experience in the room.”
– 2025/2026 participant in end-point evaluation survey respondent
“One of the best things I got from it was actually just the gift of being a learner again.”
– 2025/2026 participant and focus group participant
“I think for me, the CoP [Community of Practice] promoted a lot of hope and community, of quiet solidarity.”
– 2025/2026 participant and focus group participant
“It didn't just sit in that space of going, 'this is really hard'. We actually worked on ways that we could move forward, reassure each other and build each other's confidence.”
– 2025/2026 participant and focus group participant
“The networking was invaluable. It connected me with others working in the sector, gave me new ideas, and helped build lasting professional relationships.”
– 2025/2026 participant and focus group participant
“I feel like participating in Communities of Practice has really contributed to my growth as a practitioner and my knowledge not just that notion of you know the de-siloing, but I mean a really important part of the learning through being with each other. It’s kind of what happens when you're in the space and you're actually having the conversations and you're working through stuff. That for me – that's where some really significant growth and learning has happened.”
– Mid-Senior 2024/2025 participant and focus group participant
“The kind of the hard things that you're up against in primary prevention and you can go in feeling a little frazzled, but you always come out feeling held and that it's going to be OK. I'm OK. We're OK. In terms of mental health and well-being, I think the Community of Practice really does contribute in a positive way for those who attend.”
– RRE 2024/2025 participant and focus group participant
Our Communities of Practice are made possible through funding from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and the Department of Education as part of the Statewide Prevention Workforce Development Program. You can learn more about this program in our summary evaluation report found here.
RELATED
PAGES