Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Restorative Engagement Program

Racing Victoria (RV) has announced the launch of the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Restorative Engagement Program which will open for submissions on Monday, 1 September 2025.

Administered by Alfi Health independent of Racing Victoria, the voluntary, confidential Program has been created to support individuals who have experienced historical sexual harassment, or sexual or physical assault within the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

The Program was established by RV in response to Recommendation 3 from the Final Report of the Independent Review into the Victorian Racing Industry Victim Support and Complaint Processes conducted by the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner.

Through the Program impacted individuals will be provided with a safe space to share their experience directly with senior RV representatives, with the goal of acknowledging harm, promoting healing, and fostering accountability. 

Ongoing counselling and psychiatric care sessions will also be offered free of charge for eligible participants to assist with their emotional recovery from their experience.

This Program is open to both current and former workers in the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry. Further information follows below.

What is the Restorative Engagement Program?

This Program offers two main components:

• Restorative Engagement Forum: A facilitated meeting where you can share your experience and tell your story with a senior representative from RV. This forum provides an opportunity for acknowledgment from RV and is designed to be healing for participants.
   
• Professional Support Services: Access to counselling (up to 10 sessions) and psychiatric care (up to 4 sessions) to help individuals process and recover from the emotional impact of their experience. These services are provided free of charge to eligible participants and are available in addition to existing support programs.

It is important to note that RV will not have access to documents and information provided by participants or otherwise created during the Program without the participant’s express consent, or as otherwise stated below.
 

Who is eligible to participate?

The Restorative Engagement Program is open to individuals who have experienced sexual harassment, or sexual or physical assault while working in the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry prior to 13 September 2023. This includes all roles within the industry – employees, contractors, and others who may have been impacted.

How can you learn more or register your interest?

1. Register Your Interest: To begin, contact Alfi Health and their dedicated support team from 1 September 2025 onwards. Alfi Health will discuss your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
   Contact Alfi Health at:
   Phone: 0473 983 785 (from 1 September 2025 onwards)
   Hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 4pm (AEST) (starting 1 September 2025)
    
2. One-on-One Support: Once accepted into the Program, you will be paired with an Alfi Health facilitator who will provide ongoing support, including preparing you for the Restorative Engagement Forum and coordinating your access to professional support services.
    
3. Restorative Forum: If you choose to participate in the Restorative Engagement Forum, you can share your experience in a safe, confidential environment with a senior RV representative.

What can you expect from the process?

If you’re eligible for the Program and wish to participate, you can expect the following:

• A Safe and Confidential Environment: Your emotional safety and confidentiality are the top priorities. What you share in the forum will be kept confidential, with the exception of some legal obligations (e.g., mandatory reporting, current risk of harm), which will be clearly explained to you.
   
• Pre-Forum Support: Prior to the Forum, you will have access to a preparation briefing session and counselling support to help you prepare for the forum process.
   
• Empathy and Acknowledgment: During the forum, RV representatives will listen to your experience of harm and offer acknowledgment and commitment to addressing the issues on behalf of the organisation.
   
• Full Control: You are in control of your participation. You can choose to share your story, decide what to disclose, and bring a support person if that makes you more comfortable.
   
• Post-Forum Support: After the forum, you will have access to debriefing sessions and ongoing counselling to help you process your experience and any emotions that arise.

When is the Program available?

Applications for the Program will be open for six months starting from 1 September 2025, with the services under the Program being offered for two years from 1 September 2025. 

Each participant’s journey is unique, and you will be supported to ensure your participation is completed in a timely manner. However, the timeline may vary based on your specific needs and the availability of others involved.

Will it impact any legal claims I may have?

No. Participation is voluntary and will not affect your legal rights. The Program does not replace legal processes or decisions. An apology made through the process is not an admission of legal liability or evidence in any legal proceeding.

Is it confidential and what are my rights?

• The Restorative Engagement Program is confidential, with information shared only for the purposes of the Program, unless required by law, mandatory reporting, or current risk of harm. 
   

• Participants are not prevented from telling their story outside of the Program however statements made by RV and Alfi personnel during and in relation to the Program are to remain confidential.
   

• Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. Choosing to participate will not affect your legal rights or prevent you from pursuing other formal actions.

What professional support services are available?

• Counselling: Receive up to 10 sessions of trauma-informed counselling with Alfi Health or your preferred new or existing professional provider.
   
• Psychiatric Support: Access up to 4 psychiatric sessions with your preferred new or existing professional provider for additional mental health support.
   
• Ongoing Support: Alfi Health will provide continuous guidance throughout the process, ensuring you have the support you need to move forward.

What if I want to report abuse, assault or harassment for investigation? 

This Program does not replace any existing reporting avenues you may have. You can still report incidents to:

• Racing Victoria – Click here
• Victoria Police – Click here

What programs does RV have in place to support participants today? 

RV is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment across the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

Over the past decade, RV has invested in a range of structured programs, policies and training initiatives under the guidance of RV’s Participation Wellbeing and Participant Protection Managers to build a network of support and protection for industry participants.

Stableline offers free and strictly confidential 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support to RV licensed/registered participants and their immediate family members. You can call 1300 520 122 at any time to book a face-to-face, telephone or online appointment.

If you would like to discuss a disclosure or any concerns you have personally or for a colleague, you can contact RV's Participant Protection Manager via email at participantprotection@racingvictoria.net.au or mobile 0428 413 935.

For more information on RV’s Industry Support Programs click here.

Conclusion

The Restorative Engagement Program is here to support impacted individuals. RV and Alfi Health are committed to providing a safe, confidential, and empowering process that helps you heal and fosters meaningful change within the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry.

If you are interested in learning more or registering for the Program, please contact the dedicated support team at Alfi Health on the number above from 1 September 2025 onwards.