Communities of practice

The Commission works with communities of practice (CoPs) to support the implementation of the Gender Equality Act 2020 (the Act). A number of these are industry-specific CoPs that have been set up by defined entities.

See below for details of each CoP, including membership, meeting frequency and how to join a CoP in your sector.

Defined Entity Gender Equality Discussion Group

The Defined Entity Gender Equality Discussion Group meets monthly via Teams to support, collaborate and share learnings with a focus on gender equality. The membership is open to any staff member of a defined entity who is leading or working on Gender Equality Action Plans, gender impact assessments or other work that relates to the Act. Drop-in sessions outside of the discussion forum run from time to time to discuss particular topics of interest to some group members, such as Gender Responsive Budgeting.

For more information or to join the CoP, please contact one of the co-chairs:

Alison Cheney, V-Line, Alison.Cheney@vline.com.au(opens in a new window)
Bridie Williams, Dental Health Services Victoria, bridie.williams@dhsv.org.au(opens in a new window)

Victorian Health Organisation Gender Equity Network

The Victorian Health Organisation Gender Equity Network (VHOGEN) collaborates over Teams and meets every 4-6 weeks to discuss pragmatic approaches to implementing gender equity initiatives in the Health Services environment. Membership is open to defined entities within the health sector. Topics of collaboration include data analysis, development of training and review of recruitment and promotion practices through a gender lens. The network also shares experiences on the implementation of gender impact assessments. Collection of diversity data from both workforce and patients is an emerging theme, as is analysis and development of actions through an intersectional lens. Participants have valued connecting with like-minded professionals and supporting one another in what can be challenging but immensely rewarding work.

For more information or to join the CoP, please contact one of the co-chairs:

Kerrie Loveless, Melbourne Health, Kerrie.Loveless@mh.org.au(opens in a new window)
Eugenia Lambis, Western Health, Eugenia.Lambis@wh.org.au(opens in a new window)
Barb West, Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Barb.West@acem.org.au(opens in a new window)

Water Industry Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee

The Water Industry Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee (WIDISC) brings together representatives from each of the defined entities in the water sector to collaborate on gender equality work and provide a policy and advocacy role. Membership primarily consists of staff leading or implementing diversity and inclusion-related work within their entity. The group meets every quarter.

For more information or to join, please contact:

Tara Daniel, Vic Water, tara.daniel@vicwater.org.au(opens in a new window)

Local Government Community of Practice

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has set up bi-monthly check-ins for council officers who are leading or involved in gender equality work. In 2025, the check-ins will primarily focus on gender impact assessments (GIAS).

Check-ins are every second month on the second Tuesday, from 10:00 am to 11:00am.

The Gender Equality Act check-ins are separate from the MAV Gender Equality, Preventing Family Violence and all forms of Violence Against Women Network. The MAV also hosts an online Network MS Team that includes dedicated Gender Equality Act channels.

If you work for a Victorian council, you are welcome to join the Check-ins, Network meetings and online network.

For more information or to join council colleagues in any of the above options, please contact the MAV at genderequality@mav.asn.au.

Gender Equality Higher Education Network

The Gender Equality Higher Education Network welcomes all university staff responding to the Act. The monthly network aims to be a useful, safe, online drop-in space to share insights, challenges, and experiences and seek solutions together. The discussion/attendance is not recorded, and the Chatham House Rule applies. The Commission attends every 3 months to provide updates and support.

For more information or to join the CoP, please contact:

Emma Wearing, Victoria University, emma.wearing@vu.edu.au

Arts & Cultural Industries Equity and Inclusion Community of Practice

Arts Centre Melbourne has set up a Community of Practice for arts and cultural institutions across Victoria to meet and discuss activities toward progressing equity and inclusion in the Arts and Cultural industry. These meetings allow members to support each other, collaborate, and share information. The group mainly consists of people who are responsible for diversity and inclusion efforts in their organisations, including the obligations required under the Gender Equality Act. The group meets on a regular basis and ad hoc when support is needed.