The regional voice on family and domestic violence.
Making the invisible, visible.
Photo by Clancy Paine.
Our Mission
Birds in the Bush are domestic and family violence advocates from Orange, New South Wales.
Our mission is to create safer communities for women and children in rural and regional areas by raising community awareness and fostering meaningful conversations. As an independent, peak regional voice on domestic and family violence, we advocate for change and provide support where it’s needed most. We know that we can lead a cultural evolution from the Bush and that starts with education and promoting respectful and safe communities.
Birds began in Central West New South Wales. In 2025, we spread our wings into other regional communities.
Our Values
Safe - Foster a sense of safety and provide unwavering support for women, children, and victim-survivors in our regional communities.
Trust - Earn trust and respect as authoritative, authentic and compassionate storytellers.
Community - Collaborate with others and maintain meaningful connections to create a greater impact and counteract the isolation of rural and regional living.
Empower - Inspire and enable individuals in our community to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
Advocacy - Raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by regional communities impacted by domestic and family violence.
Respect - Honour and believe victim-survivors, provide support, connections and validate their experiences.
Positive narrative/uplift - Promote the discussion of domestic and family violence through a perspective of optimism, allyship, hope, and unified efforts for meaningful change.
Shop Merchandise
All proceeds of our t-shirts, earrings and brooches go to the fight against family and domestic violence.
2024 Jelena Dokic Event
On May 2, Birds in the Bush (BITB) hosted its fourth and largest event to date, bringing together the community of Orange, NSW, to raise awareness and funds for local domestic violence services. The event, featured tennis champion Jelena Dokic as the guest speaker, it was an evening of inspiration and solidarity in the fight against family and domestic violence.
Founded by Orange local, Vanessa Vazquez, BITB is dedicated to addressing the pervasive issue of family and domestic violence in the Central West. Vanessa, a solicitor in Orange, witnesses firsthand the devastating impact of family and domestic violence on individuals and families in her community. With the support of passionate volunteers, BITB aims to make the invisible visible and provide vital support to those in need.
Jelena Dokic said she was excited to be visiting Orange to support such a worthy cause. “I’m honoured to be a part of Birds in the Bush and contribute to such an important cause. As a survivor of domestic violence, I know all too well the devastating impact it can have on families, and events like this are crucial in raising awareness and supporting survivors,” said Jelena.
The sold-out event feuatured canapés, drinks, and powerful conversation between Jelena Dokic and BITB founder Vanessa Vazquez. Attendees got behind the raffle and auction of generously donated products and experiences, with all proceeds going towards supporting domestic violence services in the Central West. Jelena’s latest book Fearless was sold at the event with local Collins Bookstore donating $10 per book to the cause.
It is a cause that is close to Vanessa Vazquez’s heart. “Tonight’s event is not just about raising funds; it’s about raising voices. Together, we can create a community where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help,”said Vanessa.
The urgency of this cause is underscored by alarming local statistics. In 2022, Orange recorded more than double the state’s average of domestic violence incidents, highlighting the critical need for increased awareness and support.
Since its inception, BITB has raised over $130,000, and this year, they have set an ambitious target of $150,000 to support three main recipients this year:
The Orchard; a refuge providing safe accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence located in Orange NSW. Funds will go specifically towards increasing services and supporting operational costs to accommodate more families.
A dance scholarship for the daughters of Kristy Armstrong (36 years old) who was killed less than 400 metres from her home at Molong, when her car (which was also carrying 2 of her 3 children) collided with a ute driven by ex-husband, Troy Armstrong. Mr Armstrong has been charged with her murder. Dancing is a passion shared by the girls and encouraged by their mother who was an active volunteer in the Orange dance scene.
Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) donation to Cowra and Grenfell Foundations to support a Central Western Family affected by domestic and family violence. The donation will go towards expenses related to the students’ tertiary education, such as accommodation and equipment.
Individuals seeking support from The Orchard’s domestic violence services can contact 1800 959 806.
