THE state government has announced the next three locations for its family violence support and safety hubs – but the Wimmera is not among them.
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The hubs, known as The Orange Door, will be rolled out in Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton, taking the total across Victoria to eight.
The model provides a single contact point for those experiencing family violence and follows a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Wimmera leaders have advocated for a hub to be based in Horsham since the government announced $448.1 million in hub funding last year.
Related: Push for Wimmera hub continues
By the end of 2021, hubs will be operating across the 17 Victorian Department of Health and Human Services areas.
The Wimmera is in the Western District catchment, which includes Horsham, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Northern Grampians municipalities, along with those surrounding Warrnambool.
However Ararat is in the Central Highlands catchment, and will be serviced by the Ballarat hub. The Bendigo hub will service Buloke Shire.
Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings expects Ballarat’s hub to be operating early next year. He said rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all mentality, each hub would be different.
“In the past, they (the victims) are usually coming through a very formal way,” he said. “We’re wanting informal connections so women, if they identify they’re at risk, can take the opportunity to get some advice early to prevent that risk escalating.
“That’s the reason why it should be appropriately designed, easy to access and a comforting and supportive environment.”
More than 15,000 people have already been referred to The Orange Door since hubs started operating.
