A new legal centre has opened its doors to the Mitchell Shire community.
Based in Wallan, the Northern Community Legal Centre provides free legal advice across a range of topics—such as family violence, tenancy issues, and motor vehicle accidents—to some of the community’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged members, including those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, are a victim of family violence, or are under the age of 25.
Northern Community Legal Centre Chief Executive Jenni Smith noted that the establishment of the office, particularly in a region experiencing high rates of family violence, was vital to providing ongoing, easy-to-access support.
“Mitchell Shire has some of the highest rates of family violence incidents and child protection reports in Victoria, often compounded by issues of isolation and disadvantage, so this is a big focus of our services and programs,” she said.
“Many families have faced barriers to accessing community services because of distance and isolation.
“That is why we are establishing a local office … to help local people access their legal rights.
“Our new team will work with women in Mitchell Shire to provide early access to legal advice, which can significantly lessen the harms and impacts for people experiencing violence.
“Mitchell Shire [also] faces ongoing risks to natural disasters including bushfires, resulting in complex legal and safety concerns.
“The new team … will work with the community to build readiness and resilience and help people with legal issues arising from natural disasters.”
Staffed by Senior Lawyer Emma Henderson and a community development worker, the centre is funded by a $1 million grant, courtesy of the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner’s Strong Foundations program, which supports positive initiatives in the community legal sector.
A generous and compassionate person, Ms Henderson was eager to give back to her community.
“I’m a local resident and am passionate about helping the local community,” she said.
“Over the next few months, the team will be working hard to build relationships with other community services and community groups.
“Our community development focus and local response will help us provide legal help to people in Wallan when they need it the most.”
The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with bookings essential. For more information, call 9310 4376 or visit www.northernclc.org.au.
