The councils received a joint grant of $420,000 from the state government last year to promote gender equality and non-violence in the community.

The project is still in its consultation process but should be implemented by March or April, says Knox Council's co-ordinator of community access and equity Nicole Hunter.

Eastern Domestic Violence Service deputy executive officer Jill Faulkner said her organisation was yet to be consulted about the project. "We had to actively demand involvement when they were applying for the funding and we haven't been invited to a meeting since."

Ms Faulkner is also calling for closer relationships between prevention services and direct service agencies. Women's Health East, a health and wellbeing promotion unit, has been consulted about the project, but Ms Faulkner said it was vital a direct service agency such as EDVOS was also consulted.

"We work directly with the women and children affected by violence. A partnership between the two services is critical in this type of work."

Ms Hunter denied EDVOS's claims and told the Weekly the consultation process "is still continuing" and "EDVOS will be consulted".

Knox will lead the three councils in the Preventing Violence against Women in our Community initiative. Maroondah and Yarra Ranges have invoiced Knox for their share of funds. "The shared aim of the project is to increase communication and culture to prevent violence against women, but the delivery of the message may be different across councils," Ms Hunter said.

"Some could go through education, some through sport and the other media and arts."