1988
WRISC begins operation at 22 East St. managed by the Central Highlands Women’s Collective, funded by Community Services Victoria under the Supported Accommodation Assistance Sub-Programme “Women’s Emergency Services Program (WESP)”.
1989
“Women’s Waves” radio program every Thursday on 3BBB.
1990
DV Roadshow education campaign commences.
“Who Dares, Cares” – Young Women’s Group commences.
Ballarat Lesbian Support & Social Group commences.
WRISC becomes the only “women’s only” space in Ballarat.
1991
Women’s Resource Guide first published.
Workshops for young women about self-esteem and assertiveness (WRISC & Ballarat East Community House).
1993
Crisis Accommodation Program (CAP) established. Dept of Planning & Development purchases CAP House on behalf of WRISC.
WRISC moves to 119 Lyons Street North, Ballarat.
International Day Against Violence Against Women” – Silent vigil.
1994
‘Reclaim the Night’ march with WRISC & CASA.
1995
Expanded hours – 9am – 5:30pm Tuesday to Friday.
1996
WRISC becomes global through www.wrisc.ballarat.net.au.
1997
WRISC open 5 days a week.
Outreach to shires of Hepburn, Moorabool, Pyrenees and Golden Plains.
1999
Commencement of SAFE program, after-hours family violence support.
Children’s worker commenced at WRISC.
2003
First worker for the newly funded Indigenous Program.
2006
Structural change to the organisation. Program Manager employed for the first time.
Indigenous Worker commences.
2007
Decision to have a Board of Governance that would control & manage the affairs of the CHWC.
2009
QICSA accreditation successfully completed.
2010
March – purchase of 125 Eureka Street, Ballarat.
2011
January – Relocation to refurbished 125 Eureka Street.
Establishment of a volunteer program for reception/administration.
Senior Family Violence Support Worker position created and filled.
2012
Launch of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Establishment of an Indigenous Trainee Position.
2013
One DHS & ASES accreditation successfully completed.
Additional Children’s Counsellor employed.
2014
August – Beginning of development three year Strategic Plan : 2015 to 2018.
November – Full Board elected at Annual General Meeting.
2015
February – Development of the facilitated leadership model Turning Point: our collective spirit 2015.
April – Adoption of the 2015-2018 Strategic Plan.
WRISC Disability Action Plan – 2015.
2016
Accreditation successfully completed – WRISC assessed as fully satisfying all standards by QIP (Quality Innovation Performance). Royal Commission into Family Violence tables its report containing 227 recommendations.
Victorian Government pledges half a billion dollars as a “down pa