Restorative Engagement Program

 

A Path to Healing and Accountability

The Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Restorative Engagement Program is a voluntary, confidential process created to support individuals who have experienced sexual harassment, or sexual or physical assault within the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing industry. This program provides a safe space for impacted individuals to share their experience directly with senior Racing Victoria representatives, with the goal of acknowledging harm, promoting healing, and fostering accountability.

The Program was established by Racing Victoria 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.

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 Racing Victoria. This forum provides an opportunity for acknowledgment from the organisation 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.

The Program will be administered by Alfi Health, independently of Racing Victoria. Racing Victoria 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 the dedicated Alfi Health 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 Racing Victoria representative.

What Can You Expect from the Process?

  • A Safe and Confidential Environment: Your emotional safety and confidentiality are our 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, Racing Victoria 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 6 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. 

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:

Confidentiality and Your 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.

Click here for Privacy Collection Notice

Professional Support Services 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.

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more or registering for the Program, please contact the dedicated support team at Alfi Health –
Phone: 0473 983 785 (from 1 September 2025 onwards)
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 4pm (AEST) (starting 1 September 2025)

Alfi Health are here to assist you and provide a safe space for you to explore your options.

If you wish to learn more about programs and initiatives that Racing Victoria has introduced over the past decade to support participants, click here. 

Confidentiality and Limitations

All information shared within the Restorative Engagement Program will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, except in situations where mandatory reporting requirements or current risk obligations necessitate disclosure. In these instances, only the minimal necessary information will be shared with the necessary parties to meet reporting obligations. Alfi Health will ensure you are informed of these exceptions at every stage of your participation.

In Summary

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

If you are a current participant in the Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Industry and are ineligible for the Restorative Engagement Program, click here to access Racing Victoria's current support services.