Birds in the Bush: Founder Vanessa Vazquez and guest speaker Jelena Dokic talk domestic violence at fundraiser

Tennis star Jelena Dokic has thrown her support behind a regional organisation raising money for domestic violence services.

Birds in the Bush founder Vanessa Vazquez and Jelena Dokic speaking about domestic violence in Orange. Photo: Laura Cole Photography.

A domestic violence organisation in the state’s central west is on target to raise more than $150,000 for local services and to fund a refuge, following their annual event.

Birds in the Bush founder Vanessa Vazquez is an Orange-based solicitor who is passionate about raising awareness and money for the Orchard, which is a refuge designed for women and children escaping domestic violence in the town.

On Thursday night, the organisation hosted its fourth annual event at Banksia Orange with tennis star Jelena Dokic as guest speaker and proceeds going the Orchard, Country Education Foundation of Australia and a dance scholarship for the daughters of Kristy Armstrong who was killed last year near Molong.

The event was held on the same day as the funeral for Molly Ticehurst who was allegedly murdered by her ex partner in Forbes, 120km west of Orange, in April.

The recent tragedy has highlighted a need for more services and awareness for regional victims of domestic violence.

“Together, we can create a community where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help,” Ms Vazquez said.

Birds in the Bush held their fourth annual charity event on Thursday night. Photo: Laura Cole Photography.

She said the company sold shirts, accessories and other forms of merchandise to showcase support for women in the community and to provide a safe space for survivors to approach them if needed.

“When you’re regional, it’s much harder for you if you are a victim experiencing domestic and family violence to get help because you feel like everybody knows that he’s a good bloke,” Ms Vazquez said.

“We hope that by having people wear our merchandise it’ll help people feel like they can disclose and there are people who will believe and stand with them.”

In 2022, Orange recorded more than double the state’s average of domestic violence incidents.

Tennis champion Jelena Dokic said she was honoured to contribute to the organisation in Orange.

“As a survivor of domestic violence, I know all too well the devastating impact it can have on families and individual, and events like this are crucial in raising awareness and supporting survivors,” Ms Dokic said.