Macedon Ranges residents will now have greater access to family violence support with the opening of the latest Orange Door in Loddon.
The new facility covers the areas of Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Campaspe, Macedon Ranges and Loddon Shire.
The Orange Door Network is a free service for people at risk of, who are experiencing or who have experienced family violence, bringing together a range of experts under the one roof.
It provides emergency support, such as risk assessment and safety planning, along with vital links to services that provide ongoing support for people, where and when they need it.
The Orange Door in Loddon is part of a collaboration between Anglicare Victoria, Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative, Centre for Non-Violence and Njernda Aboriginal Corporation.
It includes a primary site in Bendigo, access points in Echuca and Maryborough, outposted services in Macedon Ranges and Loddon Shire, as well as phone and email-based service access.
Access points and outposted services are expected to commence operations early next year.
The Orange Door Network is an Australian-first $448 million initiative already operating in Barwon, Inner Gippsland, North East Melbourne, Bayside Peninsula, Mallee and the Central Highlands, which opened earlier this month.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards announced the official opening of the service, the seventh Orange Door to open in the state in response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Anyone seeking help and support for family violence in the region can contact the Loddon Orange Door on 1800 512 359 or via email at loddon@orangedoor.vic.gov.au.
Anyone concerned about their own behaviour can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
“For many Victorians, home is not safe and we’re working hard to provide support wherever and whenever it’s needed – the opening of the Loddon Orange Door will make it that much easier to people to reach out,” Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas said.
