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Restorative Engagement Framework

Framework Overview

The Restorative Engagement Framework (REF) provides a voluntary, confidential process to support individuals who have experienced harm within the Victorian Harness Racing Industry. The program has been developed in response to Recommendation 3 of the Independent Review conducted by the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner (ORIC) and will operate for 24 months from its commencement. 

The REF will be independently administered by Alfi Health, which will facilitate the restorative process, provide psychological and psychiatric services, and ensure the process aligns with trauma-informed and evidence-based practices. 

Program Features
  • Operational for 24 months from the date of commencement. 
  • Independently facilitated by Alfi Health, in partnership with Harness Racing Victoria (HRV). 
  • Restorative Engagement Process including: 
  • Restorative Engagement Forums for sharing personal experiences of harm. 
  • Psychological and psychiatric services (either provided by Alfi Health or through referrals). 
Application Process
  • Landing Page: A dedicated webpage will provide comprehensive information about the Restorative Engagement Program (REF), eligibility criteria, the application process, and other available support, reporting, and complaint mechanisms. 
  • Initial Inquiry: Prospective participants can contact Alfi Health via a provided phone line for confidential inquiries and to determine eligibility. 
  • Triage Function: Alfi Health will verify eligibility and provide guidance on the required documentation. 
Eligibility Criteria
  1. Types of Harm: Any individual who has experienced physical or sexual abuse, assault, or harassment while working in the Victorian Harness Racing Industry. This includes all industry roles—employees, contractors, club staff, officials, and others. 
  2. Timeframe: Incidents causing harm must have occurred prior to 13 September 2023. 
Confidentiality

The program aims to protect the confidentiality of all participants, with information shared only for the purposes of applying to the REF and accessing program outcomes.  However, confidentiality limits will apply in certain circumstances: 

  • Mandatory Reporting: If there is a legal obligation (e.g., reporting to Victoria Police in cases of child abuse or ongoing risk). 
  • Serious Risk to Safety: If, during the Restorative Engagement Forum, a current serious risk to the participant or others is identified, this information may need to be disclosed to appropriate authorities. 

Participants will be informed in advance of these confidentiality limitations, and Alfi Health will ensure full transparency about these processes.   

Participants are not prevented from telling their story outside of the Program. However, all statements made by HRV and Alfi Health personnel during and in relation to the Program, as well as the identities of any HRV representatives who participate in the forums must remain strictly confidential. 

Truth-Telling Forum

The Restorative Engagement Forum is the core component of the restorative process. It allows individuals to share their personal account of harm and its impact. This forum provides an opportunity for the organisation to acknowledge the harm caused and offer a sincere apology. 

  • Facilitated by Alfi Health, the forum is designed to be a safe space where participants can express their experience without fear of retaliation. 
  • Harness Racing Victoria Representatives will be present to listen, acknowledge, and commit to addressing the harm. 
  • The forum will be confidential, with certain limitations, as noted above, especially regarding the need for mandatory disclosures in cases of ongoing risks. 

Participants will be encouraged to have a support person (e.g., family member, counsellor but not a lawyer) present during the forum, if desired.  

Wellbeing Support Services

In addition to the Restorative Engagement Forum, the program offers psychological support to help participants process their experiences. Services available include: 

  • Counselling: Up to 10 trauma-informed counselling sessions with Alfi Health or a preferred provider. 
  • Psychiatric Support: Up to 4 psychiatric sessions with a preferred provider (including GP referrals). 
  • Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance from an Alfi Health Care Coordinator to ensure participants have the necessary support throughout the process. 
Care Coordinator Role

Alfi Health will assign a Care Coordinator to each participant. The Care Coordinator will: 

  • Serve as the primary contact for participants. 
  • Help participants understand available services and navigate the application process. 
  • Offer guidance on the emotional challenges of the process and prepare participants for the Restorative Engagement Forum. 
  • Reassure participants that all information will be treated with confidentiality and that their voluntary participation will not affect their legal rights. 
Program Timeline
  • 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.
  • Participants will be supported to complete the process in a timely manner, although the timeline may vary depending on the participant’s needs and other involved parties. 
Legal Rights and Reporting
  • Participation is voluntary and will not impact an individual’s legal rights. 
  • The program does not replace formal legal proceedings or investigations. Participants can pursue other avenues of justice while engaging in the Restorative Engagement Program.  They do however agree not to subpoena HRV Representatives or ALFI personnel to give evidence or produce documents in relation to the Program in any civil proceedings. 
  • An apology made through the process is not an admission of legal liability or evidence in any legal proceeding. 
  • If you wish to report an incident of abuse or assault to relevant authorities (e.g., Harness Racing Victoria, Victoria Police), this program does not replace existing reporting channels. 
Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more or registering for the program, please contact Alfi Health at +61 473 983 785. We are here to assist you and provide a safe and supportive environment as you explore your options. 

Confidentiality and Limitations
  • The Restorative Engagement Program is confidential, but certain disclosures (e.g., mandatory reporting, legal obligations) may require limited information sharing. 
  • Voluntary Participation: Participants can withdraw from the program at any time, and it will not affect their legal rights. 
Conclusion

The Restorative Engagement Program is designed to support individuals affected by harm within the Victorian Harness Racing industry. We are committed to providing a confidential, empowering, and healing process that enables individuals to be heard and fosters organizational accountability.