The Central Highlights Orange Door network has helped more than 6000 people including more than 2000 children and young people since opening six months ago.

The Orange Door in Central Highlands was one of two Orange Door Networks to open in October last year during COVID-19 restrictions. The Central Highlands Orange Door Network includes a primary site in Ballarat, an access point in Bacchus Marsh and outposted services planned in Ararat, Hepburn and Golden Plains.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams today toured the Ballarat site and met with staff.

Following Victoria’s landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $3 billion to prevent family violence, support victim survivors and change perpetrator behaviour – more than every other government in Australia combined.

The Orange Door network – a key recommendation of the Royal Commission – can be accessed via a dedicated telephone number, by referral from other support services, or by going in person to a physical site or outposted services.

All 17 Orange Doors are on track to be opened by the end of the year.

The Orange Door in Central Highlands is a strong partnership between Child and Family Services Ballarat, Berry Street (Western Region), Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing including Child Protection, Victoria Police and Family Safety Victoria.

The Orange Door network brings together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal and men’s services to provide help and support for people experiencing family violence, and parents and carers needing support with the wellbeing and development of children and young people.

The Orange Door in Central Highlands can be contacted on 1800 219 819 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday – except public holidays. For more information, visit orangedoor.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams

“The Orange Door network in the Central Highlands has already helped and supported thousands of locals when they needed that support the most.”

“Orange Door networks are ensuring no matter where women and children live, they can access advice and support.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We’ve established this service in Ballarat to ensure that women in our region can access help and support for family violence and the wellbeing of children – and I encourage anyone who needs that support to reach out.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Protecting families from violence remains a priority for our government because everybody deserves to feel safe.”