Paul Cox was part of this thinking when he came on board as chair of the Housing Plus Crisis Centre fundraising committee this year.

“It’s unfortunate that Orange has a need but the fact is a crisis centre is a necessary facility,” he said.

At the council meeting on Tuesday, Orange City Council elevated Housing Plus’ Stronger Country Communities Fund grant application to the next level, after the initial application was rejected.

Up to $600,000 is available through the NSW Government grant.

The money will help build a centre to support women and children escaping domestic violence in Orange and surrounds.

Mr Cox said the government backing would enable Housing Plus to set a start date to begin building.

“It’s a big project,” he said.

The other big project at the top of Mr Cox’s agenda is packing out the Coral Sea Room at Orange Ex-Services’ Club on May 12.

For the second year, Housing Plus will host the White Tie Ball with ticket sales, auction revenue and money raised through raffles going toward the $1.8 million needed to build the centre.

“Tickets for the White Tie Ball are selling fast and we have limited tables available, so if you are planning on attending, and why wouldn’t you be it is a great cause and will be a fantastic night out, tickets can be purchased from Housing Plus,” she said.

Alternatively, email rochelle@housingplus.com.au.