Jessica Micallef
Macedon Ranges locals seeking help with family violence now have greater access to support services.
The Orange Door – a free service for people at risk, who are experiencing or who have experienced family violence – has opened in Loddon, which covers Macedon Ranges, Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Campaspe and the Loddon Shire.
The service provides emergency support including risk assessment, safety planning and vital links to services to provide ongoing support for people who need it.
The network is based in Bendigo and will have access points in Echuca, Maryborough, Macedon Ranges and Loddon Shire and phone and email-based service access.
Access points are expected to begin operations early next year.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said The Orange Door in Bendigo is the seventh site in the state to open.
She said the multiple services ensured there were many ways residents can access support across different regions.
“For many Victorians, home is not safe and we’re working hard to provide support wherever and whenever it is needed,“ she said.
“The opening of the Loddon Orange Door will make it that much easier for people to reach out.“
The Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said the network brought together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal men’s services to deliver important services.
“Everyone deserves to be safe at home but for too many Victorians this is not the case and that is why these investments are so important,“ she said.
“We know family violence has increased during the pandemic, which is why we haven’t wasted a moment pushing ahead with vital reforms, including this significant step in the expansion of The Orange Door.“
