Orange’s first Domestic Violence Crisis Centre, The Orchard, is on track to be operational later this year, thanks to a $75,000 donation towards the fit out and provision of furniture from Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations (Cadia).
The donation is part of Newcrest’s $20M Community Support Fund which has been established to assist their local communities cope with the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was approved during National Domestic Violence Prevention month in May, when authorities reported a concerning increase in domestic violence which was attributed in part to the impacts of COVID-19.
The financial support has been welcomed by Housing Plus.
Housing Plus Chief Executive Officer, David Fisher, said “Cadia were one of the first local businesses to show support for The Orchard and have again been willing to help by committing a further $75,000 towards the remaining fit out costs. The Orchard is now nearing completion and we look forward to helping those women and children in need of support.”
Acting General Manager, Aaron Brannigan, said Cadia donated $75,000 towards the construction of the Orchard in 2017 and is proud to step up again with a further donation to ensure the completion of the project.
“We share the vision of Housing Plus for this facility. We were one of the first organisations to support their ambitious fundraising campaign for the Orchard in 2017, and we were proud to stand with them as it comes to fruition. This donation will enable Housing Plus to complete the project and to provide access to safe accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence in Orange,” Aaron said.
“COVID-19 has affected everyone in many different ways. Due to recent government restrictions we were advised that upcoming fundraising opportunities had been postponed. We felt Orange had waited long enough for this facility and we didn’t want the hard work of Housing Plus to be met with delays.”
Construction of The Orchard commenced in November 2019 and Cadia’s donation will provide the furnishings towards the Centre’s common area kitchen, lounge room and outdoor areas, with furniture being sourced locally.
The Orchard will provide a safe, multi-purpose crisis centre for women and children that are deemed high risk and require 24-hour support.
Sadly, rates of domestic violence in the Orange region are double the state average and until now, Orange was the only regional NSW city that does not have refuge for victims, assessed by NSW Police as “at serious threat of further injury or death.”
Photo Caption: L to R
Aaron Brannigan, Acting General Manager Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations, David Fisher, CEO Housing Plus, Justin Cantelo Projects Director Housing Plus, Penny Dordoy, Head of Community Services Housing Plus