Throughout the reporting period CHCLC has continued to provide Family Violence Duty Lawyer services at Ballarat, Ararat and Stawell, assisted clients at Hopkins Correctional Centre and HM Prison Langi Kal Kal and provided outreach services at Ararat and Stawell with video link to Horsham.
Our Ballarat office provided assistance on daily basis to hundreds of clients with a huge variety of problems with a high proportion being family law. We have provided assistance to clients referred by Hospice, Ballarat Health Services and many other local community orgainisations and worked with Ballarat Family Relationship Centre by providing information sessions to people commencing family mediation.
The issue facing CHCLC as with most CLC’s is whether there should be a restriction in areas where assistance is provided to cope with the demand. For example, as a large proportion of our work is in family violence and family law, should we refuse to see people with other problem? Alternatively, should the centre become purely advice and referral? The problem with specialising is people with other problems and experience financial disadvantage have nowhere to go to seek assistance.
It was with regret that I finished my service with this centre after thoroughly enjoying it for 4.5 years. I am sure it will continue the wonderful service provided by our whole staff and committee and our great band of volunteers.