Housing Justice’s tenancy assistance and advocacy program supports more than 300 people each year to keep up with their rent, assist in court matters and work through issues with their tenancy.

It will be able to appoint a further one full-time equivalent staff member for its outreach program, providing a more permanent presence in the Loddon-Mallee region.

Housing Justice manager Kirsty Waller said those in smaller towns often faced greater issues in finding stable housing.

She said the issues facing renters were always evolving, and they needed advocacy support.

“What we’re seeing come through with our service is an increase in family violence, so women who are seeking to end their tenancies early, and having to flee because of the violence,” Ms Waller said.

“There’s an increase in numbers of people in rent arrears, so we can assist them in negotiating with their landlords and their agents, and attend at VCAT.

“We’re seeing a lot of evictions of people, which is what we try to stop.”

The program has run for 10 years in Bendigo, under the umbrella of ARC Justice.

Women account for 87 per cent of their clients in the Mallee region and 66 per cent in the Loddon region. More than 70 per cent rely on Centrelink support.

The state government provided $510,000 over four years earlier this week, ensuring the program could expand its reach.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said housing stress was another symptom of family violence in the community.

She said the program’s work in advocating for people facing violence in the home was badly needed.

“We really want to make sure that women experiencing family violence issues and children associated with that  – should they have any issues with tenancy arrangements – that we have the right staff who are able to reach out and support them,” she said.

“This $510,000 over four years will make sure the program continues to run, but it also means that the program can be expanded across this region.

“This particular service is very significant in that it makes sure that people don’t fall into a homelessness trap, or people don’t have trouble paying their rent.”