Expressions of Interest for Safe and Equal’s 2026/2027 Prevention 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 Prevention 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 Prevention 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.
Find out more and express your interest here