"My Mum, Sister and I wanted to support a local organisation that supported women and children and were told about Annie North. When we visited Annie North, we were blown away; the passion and dedication of staff was infectious and the facilities and resources for women and children were amazing....."

In Bendigo to make the announcement yesterday, Premier Denis Napthine said family violence was "a scourge on our society'' and the funding would allow Annie North to plan and build a new, safe secure facility for families who are victims of family violence.

The importance of community support is paramount to operations at the Annie North Women’s Refuge. After only three months, the refuge is having a positive impact on the lives of women and children who need a safe space after they flee an abusive partner.

FOLLOWING the alleged murder of Eurydice Dixon in Melbourne, the chief executive of Annie North Women’s Refuge has called on the community to remember the other victims of violence against women. “The statistics are clear that most violence against women is in the home or within the family from someone they know, and it’s usually a male,” Ms Oberin said.