The Allan Labor Government continues to invest in strengthening the prevention and response to family violence, meeting with key representatives across Victoria to understand how investment is having an impact in the Mallee region.
Minister Ward today met with representatives from The Orange Door in Mildura, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and the Mildura Multidisciplinary Centre as part of a tour of family violence services in the state's far northwest.
Minister Ward's first stop was Orange Door Mildura - the key access point for Victorians and families experiencing family violence or in need of support for child wellbeing concerns in the Mallee region. The nation-leading $448 million network has assisted over 505,000 people across Victoria, including more than 206,000 children.
As part of the regional visit, Minister Ward took a tour of Mallee District Aboriginal Services' newly refurbished health facility. She also spoke with specialists at the Mildura Multidisciplinary Centre, who provide responses to victim survivors of sexual violence.
In May, the Labor Government announced $1.2 million through the Preventing Violence Through Sports Grants Program, promoting a culture that prevents violence against women and families - including the Gendering in a New Era in Mildura Regional Sports.
Through the Gendering in a new era in Mildura Regional Sports project, Mildura City Council has brought together key local organisations to undertake a range of activities, including:
Training and workshops for sport and recreation staff within Mildura Rural City Council
Implemented a gender equality and prevention model with local football, netball, soccer, and cricket clubs
Raised community awareness via local newspapers, radio interviews, and video content
In 2024-25, the Labor Government provided $20 million to improve responses to family and sexual violence in the Mallee region - including support for the local Orange Door, Aboriginal family violence responses, support for victim-survivors of family violence, and working with perpetrators to change their behaviour.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward
"I'm proud to see how our investment is making a real difference in protecting families and promoting gender equality across the Mallee. Together, we're building a safer, more inclusive community."
"Specialists in Mildura's Orange Door, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Multidisciplinary Centre all carry out vital, valuable work supporting victim survivors of sexual and family violence."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"Every child and every family deserves to feel safe and supported - and the work being done on the ground here in Mildura is a vital step in making that a reality."
