But according to both volunteers and Housing Plus, the work is far from over.

While the crisis centre is fully operational and has been housing women and their children since February, there's unlikely to be an end in sight to the support and resources still needed.

Women staying at The Orchard "may arrive with nothing", explained Housing Plus spokesperson Rochelle Monaghan, meaning they could require everything from toiletries and school uniforms to taxi vouchers and clothes for job interviews.

Community Fundraising Committee chair Julianne Potts added that the "ongoing cost isn't just for immediate things". People escaping family violence also needed help "getting back on track" through support when they eventually left The Orchard.

"People can turn up just with the clothes on their back and nothing for their kids," Ms Potts said.

The gala night was cancelled in 2020 by Covid, but the annual charity ball will meet no such fate this year.

Hosted by Housing Plus, the Central Western Daily and Grounded Electrical, the White Tie Ball will go ahead on May 22, 2021.

While ongoing Covid restrictions mean dancing may not possible, there are fortunately no such rules in place against laughing - with two prominent comedians locked in for the gala night: Peter Berner and Chris Ryan.

"As I have no skills as a handyman and would have just gotten in the way during construction of The Orchard, being asked to MC this event is a far a better option," Mr Berner said, who will also be the MC for the event.

"Also, it allows me to lend my support to the amazing work being undertaken by Housing Plus," he added.

The event will be held at the Orange Ex-Services' Club commencing at 6pm and will include a three-course meal, live charity auction and raffles.

Sponsors for the event include Weily's Betta Home Living, Yates Baker Mclean, Almighty Industries, Orange City Council, Leahey Motor Group, Renascent, Tree Wise Men, OESC, Quest Apartments, Simply Centrepieces, GK Craig, Confetti Cartel, Officeworks and Bella Creative.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday, March 29, and can be purchased online from the Orange Ex-Services' Club.

Tickets are priced at $140 and can booked individually or for a table of 6.

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