The SAFV Centre Achieves Financial Turnaround and Completes Major Organisational Transformation

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (The SAFV Centre) has successfully completed a 12-month organisational transformation, positioning the organisation for long-term sustainability while continuing its vital work supporting victim survivors across Barwon, Wimmera, and South West regions.

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Kerriann Campbell-Jones and a newly appointed Board, The SAFV Centre confronted significant financial and operational challenges identified in late 2024-early 2025. A comprehensive review revealed that rapid growth over the previous three years had outpaced the development of essential governance, financial controls, and workforce planning systems.

SUCCESSFUL TURNAROUND

The organisation has reversed a projected operating deficit of $6–$8 million for FY26 to a forecast of $700k–$800k, with a balanced operating budget expected by 30 June 2026. This financial stabilisation, achieved through changes implemented by the CEO and her team in close consultation with the Board and stakeholders, means the organisation can not only continue caring and supporting people every day, but can help even more people into the future.

CRITICAL FUNDING SECURED

In July 2025, The SAFV Centre received essential funding from the Department of Justice and Community Safety and Victorian Legal Aid, ensuring service continuity. The detailed transformation plan was pivotal in securing this critical investment.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The transformation over 2024-2025 has been about taking responsibility for building a sustainable future. While the rapid growth period from 2022 – 2023 created challenges, it also demonstrated the community’s need for our services and the commitment of staff to meeting that need.

Some people chose to leave the organisation rather than grow with the changes required for long-term sustainability. This is understandable given the scale of transformation needed.

The Future Ready Strategy comprised a two-phase transformation plan focused on financial stabilisation and operational excellence, including:

• Streamlined leadership and governance structures
• Enhanced financial management and compliance systems
• Workforce planning aligned with funded positions
• Strengthened Work Health & Safety systems and clinical governance frameworks

Despite difficult decisions, including administrative redundancies, frontline service roles were preserved throughout the process. The organisation has recruited 29 new staff this year and continues to expand its workforce to meet demand.

Board Chairperson Vesna Allan said: “This transformation was about taking responsibility for building a sustainable future. The Board is committed to transparency about the challenges we faced and the urgent action required. Thanks to the courage and commitment of our staff and stakeholders, The SAFV Centre is now stronger than ever and ready to meet the growing needs of our community.”

POSITIONED FOR THE FUTURE

With strong governance, financial stability, clear operational frameworks, and enhanced systems that continue to be developed under the Future Ready Strategy, The SAFV Centre is positioned for:

• Sustainable operations and financial health
• Sector leadership in trauma-informed, evidence-based practice
• Enhanced service quality and compliance with Social Services Standards
• Innovation to respond to emerging community needs
• Continued vital work supporting victim survivors for years to come

“Our priority has always been victim survivors,” said CEO Kerriann Campbell-Jones. “Every change was evaluated against its impact on service quality. Now, with our strengthened foundation, we’re prioritising recruitment for direct care roles and expanding our services. Today, we remain firmly here for our clients, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve as we work toward our vision of a community free from sexual and family violence.”

The SAFV Centre is stronger because of the courage to address challenges openly and build sustainable foundations for the future.

About The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre
The SAFV Centre provides integrated family violence and sexual assault services across three locations in regional Victoria (Geelong, Wimmera/Horsham, and South West/Warrnambool), supporting vulnerable members of our community with therapeutic services, legal advocacy through Emma House Women’s Legal Service, and crisis response programs.

“We continue to focus on rebuilding the Emma House Legal Program to ensure it remains a strong, accessible service for our community. The program is a vital and valuable part of our organisation, complementing and intersecting with our broader family violence services to provide holistic support for clients. Recruitment is progressing well, and we look forward to sharing an update soon” says Kerriann, CEO.