The Bendigo Safe Community Forum launched its new Community Safety Framework and Strategic Plan on Friday with the aim of creating a safer Bendigo through collaboration, action and capacity building.

The forum has been in operation since 1995 and is a joint initiative between government, non-government and community organisations including the City of Greater Bendigo, Victoria Police and the Department of Justice.

Bendigo woman Sally-Anne Ross was also appointed to a new role within the forum – independent chair to speak on behalf of the agencies.

“I believe it is very important for all of us to be able to go about our business and feel safe from intimidation and safe from harm and live in a great inclusive community like Bendigo is,” she said.

Ms Ross is a current board member of Bendigo Kangan Institute, Lifeline Central Victoria and Loddon Mallee and Girton Grammar.

“I love Bendigo and I live here with my family and with my neighbours, and I know many people in the community,” she said.

“The strategy we’re launching today is about reducing harm from alcohol and drugs, it’s about protecting young people and reducing violence towards women, it’s about safe physical environments and it’s also about building community capacity and resilience.”

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Margaret O'Rourke said the forum had achieved a lot in its lifetime but there had been times when it wasn’t as active.

“Safety is always paramount,” she said.

“We’re saying that we want people to get much more engaged again and there’s lots more opportunity with the work of the city in terms of the community plan as well.”

City of Greater Bendigo Inspector Shane Brundell said the strategy was not only needed in Bendigo, but everywhere.

“The strategy provides us a strategic direction for the Bendigo Safe Community Forum for the next four or five years so it gives us a plan to work to and something to think about when we’re developing our new initiatives and strategies to make Bendigo a safer community,” he said.