Ballarat mayor steps back after two years leading city through violence crisis
Hargreaves, who took office after three local women were killed, chose not to seek a third term.
Tracey Hargreaves became Ballarat mayor in 2024 in the wake of three local murders that shook the city and sparked national attention to gender-based violence. Tracey Hargreaves is one of only three women on the nine-member council.
During her two years, she made family safety and community healing her focus. Ballarat became a test site for the Respect model to fight gendered violence.
On multiple advisory panels, Tracey Hargreaves spoke up for First Nations communities, people with disability, arts groups and LGBTQIA+ people. Hargreaves, a teacher and small-business owner, said the role took everything.
Stepping back felt right. She will remain on council representing the Delacombe ward.
- 2024
- Became mayor
- two years
- Years as mayor
- three of nine members
- Women on council
- Respect Ballarat saturation model
- Model implemented
Why it mattersHer leadership showed how one person can shift a community's response to violence during a crisis. Her decision to step back after doing well helps other councillors step up.
AustraliaBallarat residents will see new mayoral leadership, but continue the gender-violence prevention work Hargreaves helped embed in local policy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
