Minister visits Orange Door Bellarine

VICTORIA’S Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence has visited one of two hubs in the Geelong region that helps those who have experienced family violence.

Vicki Ward met with staff at the The Orange Door Bellarine Access Point in Drysdale on Wednesday this week alongside Bellarine MP Alison Marchant.

Co-located with Bellarine Community Health, the The Orange Door Bellarine Access Point includes a reception with a dedicated waiting area for clients, two private consultation rooms and a secure staff working area for The Orange Door workers.

It builds on existing family violence support services in the area, including The Orange Door in Moorabool Street, Geelong, and is a partnership between the Victorian government and Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV), Meli, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and Colac Area Health.

Since its opening in May 2018, The Orange Door Barwon has provided support to more than 40,000 people including more than 15,000 children.

The Drysdale Access Point, an additional point for accessing The Orange Door in the Barwon region, opened in September 2023.

The Orange Door network brings together specialist family violence, child and family and Aboriginal services to provide crisis assistance and support, risk and needs assessment, safety planning and connection to other services.

People can get support face-to-face by visiting Orange Door locations, or via telephone or email.

Establishing The Orange Door was a key recommendation of the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence and has assisted more than 480,000 people across Victoria, including more than 195,000 children since it began operations in 2018.

“We continue to strengthen and build on our earlier work to prevent and respond to family violence in Victoria,” Ms Ward said.

“Through our investment in The Orange Door network, including this Access Point in Drysdale, we have made it easier for people who have experienced family violence to access the help and support they need.”

Ms Marchant said: “I am pleased that we have supported local people impacted by family violence and will continue to do so with this service.”

The Orange Door network is a free service and can be contacted on 1800 312 820 or via [email protected] from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.