The late Fiona Richardson was an "incredible" advocate for ending violence against women, Annie North chief executive officer Julie Oberin says.
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Now Ms Richardson, the first Minister for Prevention of Family Violence in both Victoria and Australia, has been honoured by the women's refuge with the naming of a meeting room in her memory.
Ms Richardson's husband Stephen Newnham and daughter Catherine attended the official unveiling on Monday, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Ms Oberin said the organisation wanted to name the room after someone significant, and Ms Richardson became an obvious choice.
She said Ms Richardson, who also served as Minister for Women, was largely responsible for sweeping reforms in the way family violence was addressed.
Ms Richardson was instrumental in making the Royal Commission into Family Violence happen, Ms Oberin said, and ensuring the state government funded all 227 recommendations.
She said Ms Richardson also championed 'core and cluster' women's refuges like Annie North, ensured there was a focus on both prevention of violence and proper responses to it, and made sure the Respectful Relationships program was embedded in the education curriculum.
"Fiona approached this work with a lot of heart and a lot of humanity," she said.
Ms Richardson died in August 2017 from cancer, while still a minister.
Mr Newnham said the family was "quite moved and touched" by Annie North's gesture.
He said his late wife, as the Minister for Family Violence, was most interested in the stories of those who had suffered family violence, which she herself had experienced as a child.
"While it was her job, it was a deeply personal experience as well," Mr Newnham said.
He said sharing her own account of family violence for ABC's Australian Story in 2016 was the hardest thing Ms Richardson had done, but she understood that speaking out gave other women confidence and the freedom to talk about their experiences.
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Mr Newnham said Ms Richardson would have been a little embarrassed by the tribute as she was outcome-focused and not interested in receiving credit for her work, but would have been very touched.
He described his wife as a person who had a "rare gift" in her ability to relate to other people.
"She was an extraordinary women and she was extraordinarily good at connecting with people... She was really interested in people, and it was genuine," he said.
"One of the reasons we wanted to name the meeting room after her, is because it's about connection," Ms Oberin added.
Premier Daniel Andrews sent a message in which he acknowledged Ms Richardson's contributions to preventing family violence and protecting women and children.
He thanked Annie North for keeping Ms Richardson's memory alive, and keeping women safe.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
