During the last year the Central Highlands Community Legal Centre (CHCLC) has continued to provide much-needed legal advice and casework services for people in need in the region. Ballarat and the surrounding area has long been identified as an area of relative social and economic disadvantage and the Centre performs much needed work for its clients that has a measurable positive impact. Private legal services are costly and remain difficult to access for many so the Centre’s provision of assistance and resources across a broad range of matters solidifies its important role.
This year has seen a number of challenges for the CHCLC including the potential of funding cuts from the Commonwealth (now reversed) and growing demands upon the service which the staff have effectively managed despite resource constraints.
In addition to the direct provision of services to clients at the Centre the CHCLC has continued to provide important targeted services in the following areas;
· Provision of Family Violence Duty Lawyers to courts in Ballarat, Ararat and Stawell so that victims of family violence do not go unrepresented during the often confronting court process
· A regular Financial Counselling service provided with the assistance of Child and Family Services (CAFS)
· The continuation of the Health Justice Partnership, co-locating legal services in a health and social support setting to provide young people facing multiple complexities with an holistic approach to addressing their needs. The strong support and participation of Federation University Australia and Ballarat Community Health in this project is acknowledged
· Lawyers delivering services directly in regional prison facilities including Hopkins Correctional Centre and Langi Kal Kal Prison
· Continuing a commitment to community legal education in schools, for community groups and others
2017 has seen the departure of Gillian Canavan from the Committee of Management after a decade of committed service, most of that period in the role of Chair, providing vital direction and planning for the organisation. Gillian’s contribution was extensive and her contribution to the organisation well regarded.
Also departing this year was Principal Lawyer Glen Ludbrook after nearly five years in the role. It was observed by many that Glen brought a vast knowledge of legal practice to the provision of services and was an enthusiastic and dedicated mentor of emerging lawyers, law students and volunteer solicitors.
The CHCLC staff, including lawyers and management/administration staff have continued to diligently address complex matters and clients facing diverse issues whilst bringing knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to their work. Their continued provision of high quality services has been instrumental in maintaining the strong reputation of the Centre and its role in the community.
The Centre has also been ably assisted during the year by its cohort of volunteers, providing legal and administrative support. The Committee of Management also consists of volunteers with the important contributions of the following members in place during the year noted;
Gillian Canavan - Chair Sonya McDonald – Vice Chair Orry Pilven – Secretary Cheryl Bromfield – Ordinary Member Dianne Hadden – Ordinary Member Geoff Potts – Ordinary Member Andrew Turner – Ordinary Member Caroline Wilden – Ordinary Member
This report provides information on the work completed by the Centre during the year including examples of the important outcomes for clients and demonstrations of the commitment to equity of access to justice.