Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward visited The Orange Door Access Point Bellarine in Drysdale today to meet with staff and hear more about how the Allan Labor Government’s investment in family violence prevention and response is having an impact in the Barwon region.
The Orange Door Bellarine Access Point, part of The Orange Door network in Barwon, is co-located with Bellarine Community Health and 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 and is a partnership between the Victorian Government and Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV), Meli, Wathaurong Cooperative 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 Barwon, opened in September 2023.
Orange Door locations provide coordinated help and support for people experiencing family violence, and for families needing support for the wellbeing and development of children.
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 access support face to face by visiting Orange Door locations, or via telephone or email.
The Orange Door is 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.
The Orange Door network in Barwon is a free service and can be contacted on 1800 312 820 or via barwon@orangedoor.vic.gov.au from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward
“We continue to strengthen and build on our earlier work to prevent and respond to family violence in Victoria.”
“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.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“I am pleased that we have supported local people impacted by family violence and will continue to do so with this service.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change Tim Richardson
“It is great to have this source of support for locals in Drysdale and surrounding areas who are experiencing or have experienced the damaging effects of family violence.”
