By Peter Douglas
Hills residents now have increased access to free legal assistance.
The Dandenong Ranges arm of the Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC), located at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre, has officially opened its doors to the public for a six-month trial period.
The aim of this service is to help address a critical gap for surrounding residents.
With similar centres already located within Healesville and Yarra Junction, co-ordinator of the Yarra Ranges Office, Anita Koochew, said the response had been strong in just the first few weeks.
Ms Koochew said the Monbulk location is ideal, offering a purpose-built room that provides both security and anonymity for those seeking to use the service.
The legal centre provides free legal help to address issues ranging from family violence, debt and more.
ECLC chief executive officer, Michael Smith, said they were excited to extend the service.
“ECLC has worked closely with communities in the Yarra Ranges for many years,” he said.
“Through this new outreach service, we hope to build stronger relationships with the Monbulk community and improve access to support through our partnerships with local health, housing and family violence agencies.”
However, the success of the latest outreach is a far cry from just months ago, when the in-place outreach centres were under threat due to funding cuts.
But Yarra Ranges Council, with the support of MPs Jason Wood and Tony Smith, led the charge to secure funding, ending months of concern and uncertainty.
“With the support of the federal and state governments now secured, as well as Yarra Ranges Council, ECLC has been able to sustain our existing service, expanding our outreach and focus on improving access to justice across the Yarra Ranges,” Mr Smith said.
Community lawyers will be available for appointments at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month during the trial.
Community members can contact the ECLC on 5962 1665.
