At Friday’s White Tie Ball – held to raise funds for the cause – they got a massive hand from a group which knows more about digging than most.

Newcrest Mining Limited has signed on to become the centre’s major sponsor, kicking in $75,000 to help get the $1.2 million-project completed.

At any one time in Canobolas Local Area Command, there are 20 women at serious risk of physical harm or death from family violence.

Ten of those women need emergency accommodation so they can escape the risk of violence.

Those 20 women at risk at any one time, plus more than 1900 referrals in 2016 from Orange, Cowra, Cabonne, Parkes and Forbes, are the reason for Housing Plus’ drive for a crisis centre.

Peter Sharpe, general manager of Newcrest’s Cadia Valley Operations, said the mining giant was proud to sponsor “such an important facility” and held high hopes their donation would spark others into similar action.

“It is hoped our commitment encourages other local business to get on board and show support for the domestic violence crisis centre,” Mr Sharpe said.

According to Housing Plus, the absence of suitable temporary housing means women are deterred from leaving violent relationships, sometimes opting to stay in a hurtful environment rather than flee to safety.

The only alternative is temporary accommodation in motels, but these often lack necessities like kitchens and laundry facilities and are a poor substitute for the support offered through a 24-hour crisis centre.

Housing Plus’s director of strategy and business development Justin Cantelo welcomed Newcrest’s generosity.

“It is great to see local organisations supporting such a worthwhile cause and helping make the domestic violence crisis centre possible,” he said.

Mr Sharpe said the need for the facility was obvious.

“Housing Plus approached Cadia’s Community Partnership Committee to assist funding the construction of a domestic violence crisis centre,” he explained.

“The committee was shocked to learn there is no crisis centre in the Canobolas Local Area Command.”

Public and business donations are still being accepted at www.chuffed.org/project/orange-women-and-childrens-crisis-centre.