To support connection among staff working to meet the requirements of the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (National Code) this page provides an overview of existing Communities of Practice (CoPs) that have a focus on supporting National Code implementation.
See below for details of each community of practice, including membership, meeting frequency and how to join.
On this page:
These Communities of Practice are forums designed to support connection, shared learning and collaboration among gender-based violence practitioners.
Note: The descriptions below have been provided directly by each Community of Practice and reflect their individual perspectives and areas of focus. As such, language, tone, and level of detail may vary between entries.
Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association
The Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (ANZSSA) is the peak professional organisation for tertiary education leaders and practitioners responsible for student engagement, participation, wellbeing, and success in our region. ANZSSA is a member-based association which plays a leading role in supporting thought leadership, advocacy, professional development, and the development of effective models of support for students in tertiary education.
Key activities and initiatives delivered by ANZSSA include:
- Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (JANZSSA), an international, open access, peer reviewed, scholarly journal.
- Annual ANZSSA Conference, a premier gathering of professionals, educators, and engaged sector partners who contribute to the provision of a diverse range of student-centred services and delivery of engagement opportunities which support student success in tertiary education.
- Directors of Student Services of Australia and New Zealand (DOSSANZ) network of senior leaders in our region with responsibility for leading the delivery of evidence-based and impactful support for students in their institution.
For more information or to join the CoP, please contact: admin@anzssa.com
Our Watch Prevention in Universities
The Our Watch prevention in universities national community of practice is a collaborative professional network designed for prevention practitioners across Australian universities to form sector connections and strengthen capability, evidence-based practice, and momentum on work to prevent gender-based violence and advance gender equality.
This CoP is designed for staff who are either working in a dedicated prevention role, or who have new or potential responsibility over prevention-related initiatives.
For any questions or further information, or for questions about access please reach out to Rosie: universities@ourwatch.org.au
Victorian Tertiary Primary Prevention Network
The Victorian Tertiary Primary Prevention Network (VTPPN) is a cross-institutional community of practice for gender-based violence prevention and response practitioners working within higher-education. It provides a forum for information, knowledge and skills exchange across the sector, to support safe, respectful and inclusive campus communities.
For more information or to join the community of practice, please contact: respect@monash.edu
NSW/ACT Universities Prevention Connection
The NSW/ACT Universities Prevention Connection (NSW/ACT UPC) is established to bring together tertiary specialists in the area of gender-based violence prevention and gender equality. This network of experts operates as a community of practice to address the real and present issue of gender-based violence, including sexual violence and harm, at NSW and ACT universities.
The NSW/ACT UPC encourages and supports a movement toward a ‘whole of institution’ approach to primary prevention, acknowledging the power of sharing ideas, resources, research, knowledge, and learning in changing systems, attitudes, behaviours, and social expectations. We understand that real change will come from a coordinated and informed strategy in orchestra with subject matter experts who understand and are authorised to implement practice in individual universities.
Anyone interested to join can email: larissa.siliezarmendoza@anu.edu.au
If you are aware of a relevant Community of Practice that might be relevant to list on this page, please feel free to contact GBVregulator@education.gov.au