The Orange Door in Ballarat is another step closer to opening its doors, helping women, children and families in Central Highlands to escape family violence and get the help and support they need.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said senior staff have been recruited and a site chosen in central Ballarat, with redevelopment and refurbishment works due to commence early next year.

The Orange Door is a free service that makes it easier for victim survivors of family violence to get help by bringing together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal and men’s services.

The Andrews Labor Government is joining with three partner agencies – Berry Street Victoria, Child & Family Services Ballarat and the Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-Operative to develop this vital new facility.

Partner agencies are working collaboratively on recruitment and have appointed an Integrated Practice Leader, Advanced Family Violence Practice Leader and Aboriginal Practice Leader. Recruitment for other staff is ongoing.

The Orange Door site in Central Highlands will be the sixth Orange Door to open in Victoria – with 17 being rolled out across the state.

Across Victoria over 69,000 people have been referred to or directly sought help from The Orange Door since operations began, including more than 26,000 children.

To ensure The Orange Door is accessible to people across the whole of the Central Highlands, an Orange Door Access Point will be established in Bacchus Marsh staffed by family violence, child and family, and men’s services workers, and people will be able to walk in, call or be referred to the Ballarat service.

The Orange Door is funded by a $448 million investment by the Labor Government, as part of its record $2.9 billion efforts to address family violence.

Quote attributed to the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams

“The Orange Door in Ballarat will offer a streamlined way for women, children, young people and families to get the help they need in a secure and compassionate environment.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This is another significant step towards greater safety for women, children and their families in Ballarat, with The Orange Door offering safe refuge and quick help for victim survivors of family violence.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“When it opens next year The Orange Door in Ballarat will form part of a state-wide family violence response keeping women, children and families across Victoria safer.”