THOSE impacted by family violence will now find it easier to access the support they need with the recent opening of the Victorian Government\u2019s newest Orange Door in Ballarat.<\/p>\n
Representatives from partner organisations were joined by Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle at the site to announce its official opening.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is about providing specialised support with a local point of access,\u201d Ms Addison said. \u201cOur message to the Ballarat community is that there is help out three if you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Settle added, \u201cI want to thank Child and Family Services Ballarat, Berry St and the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative for partnering with us on The Orange Door Network.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Orange Door Network is a project of the Victorian Government\u2019s Royal Commission into Family Violence as a way of forging a safe path forward, free of family violence.<\/p>\n
CEO of Cafs Wendy Sturgess said it\u2019s great that we have these welcoming and safe facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with people, women, children and men \u2026 this is a game changer and something unique,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe centralised service model is absolutely critical \u2026 this is a point where local specialists can do risk assessments, planning and connect to services.<\/p>\n
\u201cSociety is standing up and saying, no, we\u2019re not going to put up with this anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n
The $6.1 million project includes a primary site in Ballarat, with an access point planned for Moorabool Shire and services in Ararat and Hepburn for those seeking face-to-face support.<\/p>\n