Concerns raised on support for family violence in the region

By Contributed

Jan 20, 2025

The Goulburn Orange Door network was launched in Shepparton on Tuesday. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Following the closure of the Benalla Community Services Hub, State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has raised concerns about the protection of vulnerable Victorians.

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However, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing said it has ensured that there are still ways for regional communities to access the support they need.

The Hub was closed at the end of 2024, which resulted in the closure of the Orange Door Service in Benalla.

The Orange Door is a government-run service which provides support for parenting, relationships, and family violence.

Ms Cleeland said Orange Door centres across Victoria were closed for a combined 39 days last year due to staff shortages, and the centre in Seymour was closed for five days in 2024.

“Seymour’s Orange Door was closed for a total of five days this past year due to a lack of staff despite being home to one of the highest rates of family-based violence in the state,” Ms Cleeland said.

“I fear the neglect of family violence services in our community is leaving vulnerable families without the critical support they need during their darkest moments.”

A DFFH spokesperson said that the Orange Door network operates during business hours, Monday to Friday, except for public holidays, and is accessible via telephone, email and in person at primary sites and access points.

“The Orange Door network is dedicated to ensuring that those who are experiencing violence or who need help with their children get the support they need, where and when they need it,” the spokesperson said.

“Orange Door Outposts have workers on certain days of the week and may not be staffed for reasons including, when no appointments have been schedules, when workers are on leave, or due to catastrophic weather conditions that prevent staff travelling into affected areas.

“When an outpost is closed (and) there are scheduled appointments, people are offered outreach from the region’s Orange Door primary site, or may choose to reschedule their appointment.

“No Orange Door primary sites were closed during 2023-24.

The Department has a range of initiatives in progress which aim to attract and retain workers with qualifications, skills and experience in the family violence and sexual assault sectors.

The Workforce Vacancies Demonstration Program“, announced in July 2024, is set to trial new ways to recruit frontline workers in these sectors, with a focus on local partnerships.